Sunday, 18 July 2021

PM should have boycotted meeting with Ashraf Ghani after allegations on Pakistan: Dr. Shahid Masood


PM’s reply to Ashraf Ghani in Tashkent lauded extensively

Farukh Shehzad

Editor-In-Chief / Diplomaticnewspk.blog

ISLAMABAD, JUL 18: Prime Minister Imran Khan was on official visit in Tashkent to participate in International Conference on “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities.” on the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the sideline of that conference, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani made serious allegations on Pakistan.

Afghanistan is our brotherly country however if it puts allegations on Pakistan despite our sincere efforts for peace so that world be not acceptable. Pakistan always wants peace in Afghanistan and we always facilitated in this regard.

After the allegations, PM Imran Khan gave an excellent and detailed reply to Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan.

Ashraf Ghani has no credibility in almost all over the world in current time, Said Shahid Masood.

At least to express protest PM Imran Khan should have refused to meet with Ashraf Ghani particularly in that forum in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to give a bullet-like more solid response, said Dr. Shahid Masood.

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Saturday, 17 July 2021

Daughter of Afghan envoy kidnapped, tortured in Pakistan


ISLAMABAD, JUL 17: The daughter of Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan was briefly kidnapped and "severely tortured" in the capital Islamabad, Afghan authorities said on Saturday.

According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Silsila Alikhail, the daughter of Ambassador Najib Alikhail, was abducted and tortured by persons unknown on her way home on Friday.

"After being released from the kidnappers' clutches, Alikhail is now under medical care at the hospital," a ministry statement said.

Strongly condemning the "heinous act," the Afghan government expressed its deepest concerns over the safety and security of diplomats, their families, and staff members connected to Afghan political and consular missions in Pakistan.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Government of Pakistan to take the necessary and immediate action to ensure the full security of the Afghan Embassy and Consulate and the immunity of the country's diplomats and their families in accordance with international treaties and commitments," the statement said.

Afghanistan also urged Pakistan to swiftly identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the kidnapping.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also confirmed the incident, saying that police in Islamabad launched a thorough investigation immediately after it was reported.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security authorities are closely in contact with the ambassador and his family and extending full support in the matter," said Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Foreign Ministry spokesman.

The government has beefed up security for the ambassador and his family, and law enforcement agencies are trying to find and apprehend the culprits to be brought to justice, he added.

Chaudhri reiterated that the safety of diplomatic missions, including the diplomats and their families, is of utmost importance. Such incidents cannot and will not be tolerated, he said.

Relations between Pakistan and its neighbor Afghanistan remain tense, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of arming and supporting Taliban insurgents. Pakistan has denied the charges.

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Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels welcomes new General Manager


LAHORE, JUL 17: Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels is pleased to announce Nayer Zaman as the hotel’s new General Manager Operations. In this position, Zaman is responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s day-to-day operations, its long term success and ensuring a superior and highly personalised guest experience.

A senior hospitality professional with over 26 years of experience gained in the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East, Zaman holds an MBA in business and finance from Leicester University UK, and has managed large scale hospitality projects. His last assignments in Pakistan included serving as Director Sales and Marketing, Serena Hotels as well as Director Business Development, Avari Hotels. For the past 10 years, he was general manager of a large hotel in the UK.

‘I am excited to be joining Ambiance Hotels at this juncture and to get to know this impressive and artistic property. I look forward to spearheading this unique boutique art hotel in Pakistan and enabling it to surpass international best practices,’ said Nayer Zaman. ‘I am determined in taking hospitality to new heights for our discerning clientele.’

Located in Lahore, Pakistan’s art and cultural hub, the hotel features 24 luxurious guest rooms, which are meticulously designed to offer guests a unique, personalized experience. Bedecked with cutting-edge contemporary art, the rooms areequipped with state-of-the-art entertainment devices such as Google Home pods, 4K smart TVs, Chromecast and Netflix on demand.

Envisioned by Kasim Kasuri of Beaconhouse, Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels promotes young and emerging artists who make up Pakistan’s vibrant contemporary art scene. Commenting on Nayer Zaman’s appointment, Kasim Kasuri said, ‘I’m delighted to have Mr Zaman lead our first boutique art hotel in Lahore. Nayer’s international experience will help us set new standards for hospitality and guest experience.’

The hotel complies strictly with all government health directives and protocols. Its partnership with Ecolab, the global leader in hospitality sanitation, and ISO 2200 certification for food safety ensures that its internationally-recognized standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety protect guests at all times. Additionally, all its staff is vaccinated against Covid-19.

A second property is expected to open in Karachi at the end of 2021. There is currently an open call for art, inviting young practitioners across the country to submit original artworks for consideration to become part of the hotel’s growing and well-curated permanent art collection.

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Senate passes FATF-related bill amid opposition protest


ISLAMABAD, JUL 17: The Senate on Friday passed another FATF-related bill amid an outcry from the opposition which suffered back-to-back defeats in the house where it otherwise enjoys dominating numerical strength.

When Railways Minister Azam Swati tabled a motion seeking permission to introduce the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matters) Amendment Bill, the opposition members opposed the move. The motion was put for voting through division and was carried by 43 against 33 votes, marking first blow to the opposition in the day.

The amendments proposed by Mushtaq Ahmad of Jamaat-i-Islami, who said the bill was against fundamental rights, constitution, principles of natural justice and national interest, were also rejected by a voice vote.

The bill was passed by majority vote as the opposition kept on expressing its reservations.

Saadia Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was also among those opposing the bill, but sensing the situation she dropped her amendments.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill reads: “Increase in transnational organized crime has made it necessary for international community and Pakistan to improve effectiveness of legal instruments. Lack of uniformity in law and weak coordination mechanism between countries affects combating of crimes across borders, in order to overcome these challenges, essential legal cover is required. International cooperation in criminal matters through mutual legal assistance and extradition is intended to bridge existing gaps in respective countries toward effective law enforcement. The requested state will provide mutual legal support to the requesting state by executing necessary actions on its territory in any specific criminal case warranting shared assistance.”

Senator Ahmad called it a black day in the parliamentary history of the country, and said the government could take action against a person by confiscating his property made through money laundering etc. under the law without issuing him a notice and this was against the principles of justice. He said the government would hand over Pakistani nationals to other countries without any notice. He alleged that the government was paving way for the release of Dr Shakeel Afridi and Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav through the proposed bill but the allegation was rejected by the government later.

Responding to the opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Senator Mohsin Aziz said the bill blocked the way for money launderers and thieves. He argued that if demand for prior notice was met, the accused would get time to transfer his ill-gotten assets to his family members.

The house also passed a bill about the regulation of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The bill was moved by Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar.

Senator Raza Rabbani raised an objection against a clause under which Nepra itself would be empowered to notify power tariff if the government failed to do so in a stipulated time, insisting that the government should retain its authority. He however did not press his amendment to this effect.

The already enraged members of the opposition rose in their seats to voice their protest when Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan brought two bills in the house through supplementary agenda for their consideration at once.

It was pointed out that one of the bills had been found by the standing committee concerned to be ‘not fit for passage’ and in such a case the bills under the rules were referred to a select committee.

The motion for leave to introduce the Reorganisation of Federal Medical Institutes and Teaching Hospitals Bill was put to vote and carried by 39 against 35 votes.

The opposition lawmakers gathered in front of the chairman’s podium to stage a protest, with Senator Rabbani scolding the secretariat staff over their failure to provide the supplementary agenda to the opposition. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani asked Mr Rabbani not to rebuke the secretariat staff. “You can reprimand me, but don’t do it with the staff,” he said.

PPP Senator Rubina Khalid said the purpose of the bill was to introduce a new health system in the country on the pattern of the US where only those got free health facility who had an insurance policy.

Leader of the House Dr Shahzad Waseem rejected her claim and said the bill was part of the health reform programme of the government. “It seeks to provide such health facilities to the poor which only affluent class can afford,” he added.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the atmosphere of the house had been polluted and the sanctity of the house breached by circulating supplementary agenda after voting. “The house cannot be run like this,” she said.

The opposition after protest in front of chair’s dais also staged a token walkout.

In the opposition’s absence the house passed another bill – the Reorganisation of National Institute of Health Amendment Bill.

The Senate also passed the Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill.

The mover Senator Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti explained that the proposed amendment was procedural in nature and did not increase the perks, privileges and salaries of lawmakers.

Responding a call attention notice, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan told the house that the reports about issuance of four to five million fake computerised national identity cards (CNICs) in Sindh were false.

He said less than three million CNICs had been issued in the province over the last four years, including 592,000 in Karachi — most of which had been issued to genuine applicants.

“How can the authority issue fake CNICs in such a huge number when the number of total issued cards is less than the number of fake cards being alleged?” He said 39 officials of the National Database and Registration Authority in Karachi had been suspended on allegations of issuing fake cards and cases had been registered against 10 people also.

The chair referred the matter to the standing committee concerned on the insistence of Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, the mover of the call attention notice.

The CNIC issue also echoed in the National Assembly where the proceedings remained suspended for some time due to lack of quorum.

The assembly passed two bills, including the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill, 2021 for well-being and dignity of senior citizens and the Special Technology Zones Authority Bill, 2021. The house will now meet again on Monday.

The National Assembly also extended the period of three ordinances for another 120 days by adopting separate resolutions amid the opposition protest against the “rule through ordinances”.

These included the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Ordinance, Higher Education Commission Amendment Ordinance (IX of 2021) and Higher Education Commission Second Amendment Ordinance (X of 2021).

Ahsan Iqbal of the PML-N said in the last three years, the government had promulgated 50 ordinances.

Former prime minister Raja Parvaiz Ashraf also opposed extension in the period of the ordinances relating to the HEC saying first an ordinance was promulgated to reduce tenure of the HEC chairman and then another was promulgated to place the commission under the ministry of education.

PML-M member Khurram Dastgir Khan said those ordinances meant to reduce tenure of the HEC chairman from four to two years because the government wanted to remove the sitting chairman.

He said the HEC chairman did not accept illegitimate demands of the government.

Other opposition members, including Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr Nafeesa Shah and Shahida Akhtar Ali, also opposed extension in the period of the ordinances.

“The government is breaching privilege of the National Assembly by using it to extend ordinances,” Dr Shah said, adding an ordinance was an emergency law.

She said it was condemnable that the government decided to reduce tenure of heads of certain institutions through promulgation of ordinances.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Ali Nawaz Awan rejected objections of the opposition on promulgation and extension of ordinances.

He said the previous government had promulgated 23 ordinances every year while the incumbent government had promulgated 17 ordinances every year.

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PM delivers stinging rebuke after Ghani’s outburst


• Says Afghan turmoil to affect Pakistan the most

• Seeks EU support for peace process
• Tells Indian media RSS is hurdle in way of talks
• Terms ties with Uzbekistan ‘beginning of prosperity’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday gave a robust response to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s allegation about Pakistan’s “negative role” in the Afghan peace process and said it was “extremely unfair” to blame Islamabad for the situation in Afghanistan.

Fearing influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan due to growing violence in the neighbouring country, the prime minister called upon the European Union (EU) and international community to support Pakistan in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.

He also said Pakistan’s connectivity with Uzbekistan in trade and bilateral spheres would connect Central Asian states with the rest of the world.

The prime minister expressed these views at the international conference on “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities” during his two-day visit to Uzbekistan. President Ghani was also present at the conference.

The prime minister met the Afghan president on the sidelines of the conference but the body language of the former showed that he was quite ‘reserved’ while meeting Mr Ghani.

President Ghani, who spoke before Prime Minister Khan at the conference, had alleged that 10,000 militants sneaked into Afghanistan from Pakistan to create unrest there.

While terming the statement ‘extremely unfair’, PM Khan said: “Due to the Afghan conflict, Pakistan is the worst affected country and it was unfair to blame Pakistan for turmoil in Afghanistan.”

“President Ghani let me just say that the country that will be most affected by turmoil in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in the last 15 years. The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict,” the premier said as he stopped reading from his written speech.

He said after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were hopeful for their win in the current war in the neighbouring country, adding that why Taliban would come for dialogue when they were sensing victory in their country.

“Taliban are no longer willing to compromise after the United States gave a date for the withdrawal of troops. When there were 150,000 Nato troops [...] that was the time to ask the Taliban to come to the table. Why were the Taliban going to compromise once the exit date was given [...] why would they listen to us (Pakistan) when they are sensing victory,” he added.

After the meeting, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid, who accompanied the prime minister, told the media that not from Pakistan but violation of border was being committed from Afghanistan and Pakistan security forces were being targeted.

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Friday, 16 July 2021

'Disappointed': PM Imran tells Ashraf Ghani unfair to blame Pakistan for Afghanistan situation


TASHKENT, JUL 16: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday hit back at Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's claims about Pakistan's "negative role" in the Afghan peace process, adding that it was "unfair" to blame the country for the situation in Afghanistan.

The prime minister made the comments at the international conference on "Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities" during his two-day visit to Uzbekistan. The Afghan president was also present at the conference.

PM Imran's remarks came shortly before the two leaders were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the conference.

"President Ghani let me just say that the country that will be most affected by turmoil in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in the last 15 years. The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict," the premier said as he stopped reading from his written speech.

He also said that Taliban was no longer willing to compromise after the United States gave a date for the withdrawal of troops.

"When there were 150,000 Nato troops [...] that was the time to ask the Taliban to come to the table. Why were the Taliban going to compromise once the exit date was given [...] why would they listen to us when they are sensing victory" the prime minister questioned.

The premier said that Pakistan's economy was finally recovering after going through a difficult phase. "I repeat, the last thing we want is turbulence in Afghanistan."

PM Imran stated that no country has tried harder than Pakistan to bring the Taliban to the table for dialogue. "We have made every effort, short of taking military action against the Taliban in Pakistan, to get them on the dialogue table and to have a peaceful settlement [in Afghanistan].

"To blame Pakistan for what is going on in Afghanistan is extremely unfair."

He said that he would not have visited Kabul in November last year if Pakistan was not interested in peace. "The whole idea was to look upon Pakistan as a partner in peace. I feel disappointed that we have been blamed for what is going on in Afghanistan".

He said that the current situation in Afghanistan was a result of over two decades of conflict and the US seeking a military solution.

He said that he had a conversation with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev about how all the neighbours in the region can help the Afghan peace process. "It is in all of our interests."

He said that there were already three million refugees in Afghanistan.

"We are petrified that there will be another influx of refugees and we do not have the capacity or the economic strength to bear it. So I can assure you again, if any country is trying its best, it is Pakistan."

The prime minister later met Ghani on the sidelines of the conference. According to Radio Pakistan, PM Imran and the Afghan president are leading their respective sides in delegation-level talks.

Pakistan hosts Afghan peace conference from tomorrow

The prime minister's comments come a day before Pakistan is due to host a three-day conference on Afghanistan to give a fresh impetus to the efforts for peace.

“Pakistan is hosting the Afghan Peace Conference on July 17-19 […] to provide momentum to the ongoing efforts for peace in Afghanistan,” Foreign Office Spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly media briefing.

Afghanistan’s political leadership has been invited to the conference.

According to Tolo News, 21 prominent Afghan leaders including Abdullah Abdullah, Karim Khalili, Mohammad Younus Qanooni, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Hanif Atmar, Salahuddin Rabbani, Ismail Khan, Ata Mohammad Noor, Hamed Gailani, Sayed Eshaq Gailani, Batur Dostum and Mirwais Yasini have been invited to the conference in Islamabad.

Chaudhri said a number of them have already confirmed their participation. Taliban, the spokesman had clarified, were not among the invitees as they had already visited Pakistan many times and held detailed discussions on the peace process.

“The aim of the forthcoming peace conference is to engage with and consult all sides on the Afghan peace process. We hope that this conference will provide impetus to the ongoing efforts for peace in Afghanistan,” the spokesman said while explaining the objective of the conference," the FO spokesman said.

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Thursday, 15 July 2021

In Tashkent, PM Imran calls for strengthening trade ties with Uzbekistan




TASHKENT, JUL 15: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called for strengthening trade ties with Uzbekistan during a two-day official visit to the country.

Addressing the first Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, the prime minister highlighted the relations between the two countries, stating that they go back "centuries".

"It is personally a great pleasure for me to visit Uzbekistan, a country which we are connected to culturally, historically and spiritually," he said.

He assured the business community that this relationship was just beginning to grow, voicing his appreciation for the gracious welcomed that had been extended to him upon his arrival.

"I have complaints from different business houses on my mobile phone, asking why they weren't invited on this trip," he said, adding that there was a lot of "enthusiasm" in Pakistan regarding this.

"Our business and trade relationship is going to depend on how quickly we are able to connect with each other. The Trans Afghan Railway project is the most important project for Uzbekistan and Pakistan," he said.

"For Pakistan, it connects us to Central Asia, to Uzbekistan which is the biggest of the Central Asian republics and beyond."

Commenting on the situation in Afghanistan, the premier said that Pakistan wanted a political settlement in the neighbouring country for "mutually beneficial" connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. "For the business community, it will raise the standard of living in both the countries," he said.

He said that he was a student in England when the European Union was formed and he had noted that the standard of living went up in all the countries which became a part of the bloc.

"Their trade increased with their neighbours and the standard of living went up. This is why this trip is important for us, because of the connections that our business community will make with your business community."

He said that he was informed that many Pakistani business houses had already signed major contracts a day earlier, specifically in the textile sector. "We are all hoping that the connections between the two countries will get deeper by the time we go back," he said.

He said that the government was working on ensuring frequent flights between the countries.

PM Imran arrives in Tashkent

Earlier today, the premier arrived in Tashkent accompanied by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi and National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf.

According to Radio Pakistan, talks between the leadership of the two countries will cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.

The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, a number of agreements and MoUs will be signed in areas of mutual interest, including transportation of goods, cooperation between chambers of commerce of the two countries, trade, education, culture and tourism, the report said.

On the invitation of the Uzbek president, the prime minister will participate in the International Conference on Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities.

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South Asian Games hero Awais ur Rehman remerge for revival of Pakistan’s hockey


ISLAMABAD, JUL 15: South Asian Games (SAG) 2016 hero Awais Ur Rehman who did decisive Goal for Pakistan to clinch the trophy by beating arch rival India on home ground, has been remerged to promote Hockey in Pakistan.

This Pakistani talented Striker has been taken as Brand ambassador by AAA Associates, A leading Group of Companies, to revive Hockey as national game of Pakistan to regain its lost sheen. 

This sponsorship will help him to overcome Financial constrain hindering his performance and to work toward restoring the importance of Hockey game in the country.

He appreciated the initiative taken by AAA associates for the sponsorship which will enable him to improve his skills and performance at every national and international tournament. He is also determined to take Pakistan to the highest level and rebuild the pride in Hockey.

This development will be very beneficial for the future of Pakistan’s Hockey as Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) gearing towards restoring ties with India to revive Hockey matches between two Historical rival countries.

PHF are expected to take up the issue on the sidelines of the 47th International Hockey Federation (FIH) Statutory Congress going to be held in New Delhi.

The meeting is aimed at electing FIH president and Executive Board members of the board for the next four years in office. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to the PHF officials to discuss the possibilities of regenerating hockey activities for the benefit of the both countries and hockey followers.

AAA Associates Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) express his thoughts “ Awais Ur Rehman possess great potential to become rising star of Pakistan’s Hockey.

We want to elevate talent of Pakistan to its full potential to make our country proud. 

AAA associates will always support those talented youth that holds the key for revival of sport culture in Pakistan. Irrespective of any sports, we’ll continue to sponsors health-oriented activities across the country that play vital role in skimming out bright talent for our national and international sport events”.

AAA Chairman Mr. Shiekh Fawad Bashir enthusiast supporter of Hockey stated that the Pakistan, despite having poor infrastructure and lack of fundings , we still produce tons of talented players in every category of sports.

only there is a need to provide them right platform and support so they can demonstrate their unmatchable skills at national and international level.

AAA associates is fully committed to unearth young talent in sports to showcase the world real potential of Pakistan’s youth”.

AAA associates was a lead sponsor of Markhor Cricket Champion League which is the second most prestigious cricket tournament after PSL in the country.

The aim was to provide level-playing field to street talent to be noticed by selectors for national team and contribute in the success of the sport.

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FHI asks Norwegians to prepare for strong flu season


OSLO, JUL 15: The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) is asking Norwegians to prepare for strong waves of influenza, pertussis, and RS virus infection. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

“The National Institute of Public Health considers that, in the coming autumn and winter, there is a high probability that the incidence of respiratory infections other than COVID-19 will be much higher than in normal seasons.

“This applies in particular to influenza, RS virus infection, and pertussis. Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable,” the FHI writes in a new risk assessment.

Weakened immunity

The main reason is that the immunity of the population against these diseases has fallen during the pandemic period, as strict infection control measures have led to few cases.

That could lead to significantly more hospitalizations of young children (RS virus infection, pertussis, and influenza) and the elderly (influenza and pneumonia) than in normal winter seasons. There may also be more deaths. The primary health service will also have an increased burden, the FHI warns.

It is emphasized that FHI has “moderate confidence” in the risk assessment.

Increased preparedness recommended

On average, the FHI estimates that 900 people die from influenza in Norway during a normal season, but in some seasons, the number has been close to 1,500.

In the risk assessment, the FHI recommends increased surveillance of respiratory infections other than COVID-19, strengthened vaccination and infection control measures, and strengthened preparedness and vigilance in the health service.

Both influenza and RS virus normally cause outbreaks during the winter season, while pertussis is most often seen in late summer and autumn.

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Wednesday, 14 July 2021

Former president Mamnoon Hussain dies of cancer


KARA, JUL 14: Former President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday passed away in Karachi, his son has confirmed.

According to Geo News,  Hussain was suffering from cancer and had been hospitalised for the last two weeks, his son Arsalan Mamnoon said.

Hussain was the 12th president of Pakistan, who served from 2013 to 2018 during the tenure of the PML-N. He was one of the most senior PML-N leaders.

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Get a free ride to local vaccine centers with Mastercard and Uber


ISLAMABAD, JUL 14: Payment technology company Mastercard and ride-hailing service Uber are collaborating to help as many people as possible receive a vaccination during this critical time by offering free rides to people in Pakistan who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Riders will be able to avail two free rides, to and from dedicated public vaccination centers in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad with a maximum cap of 250 PKR per ride. The rides will be offered until July 31, 2021 for people of all ages.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, impacted economic activity and transformed the way we live. Fortunately, more countries are rolling out access to COVID-19 vaccines, and every vaccinated person is gradually contributing to herd immunity. This directly benefits the pursuit of other personal passions – like travel and events – becoming easier for everyone going forward.

Long-term strategic partners Mastercard and Uber are globally activated to help communities, support public authorities and cities as they work to fight the spread of the pandemic. Through its mission to “do well by doing good”, Mastercard hopes that the initiative will enable more people to access a safe travel solution to vaccine centers.

Last year, Mastercard partnered with Uber in its largest region-wide initiative to provide 120,000 free trips to frontline workers in Middle East & Africa during the height of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, the two companies extended their long-standing partnership with a new strategic initiative that enables Uber to drive digitization across their business operations, leveraging Mastercard’s single infrastructure to meet all types of payments needs across Uber Rides, Uber Eats, Uber Pass, and Uber for Business.

How to book this offer:

People in Pakistan who already have the app or can download the Uber app, will receive an in-app offer which they can apply on the ride they schedule.

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