FARUKH SHEHZAD

BAKU, NOV 15: The State Tourism Agency (STA) has announced the number of tourists, who will visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan in the next 4 years, Kanan Gasimov, Chief of Staff of the State Tourism Agency, said this at the 25th International Business Forum (IBF) in Baku.

K. Gasimov noted that by 2025 about 1 million people, including local and foreign tourists, will visit the liberated territories.

In his opinion, 2016 is considered an important turning point in the development of tourism.

“The share of tourism in the economy is 2.4%, and the share in employment is 1.7%. The growth rate of tourism in our country was 12.5%. The number of tourists, who visited the country in 2019, amounted to 3.2 million people. The number of domestic tourists reached 4.3 million. Also, the share of tourism in GDP is AZN1.9 billion. We expect these indicators to grow, and we expect to increase the number of foreign tourists coming to the country, up to 4 million people, local tourists – up to 5 million people, and the sector’s share in GDP – up to 4 billion manats.”

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Courtesy report news agency

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 15: Palestinian Ambassador Ahmed Rabei has expressed his country’s resolve to enhance existing bilateral ties with Pakistan in multi-sectors and take them to the optimum level for the benefit of the people of both countries.

“We are working on an extensive plan to enhance trade, tourism, cultural and educational exchanges for optimum bilateral relationships between brotherly country,” said the Palestinian envoy to Pakistan in an exclusive interview with a state run media outlet.

Ambassador Rabei said that the Palestinian government was working out traders and chamber of commerce level collaboration with Pakistan whereas a separate economic desk was also established at the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan.

“Palestine is the conduit of Asia, Europe and Africa which historically has imprints of various nations interactions, culture and traditions due to their invasions on their land,” Ambassador Rabei said. The Palestinians possessed a culturally diverse background and were flexible and easily adaptable to intricate and challenging environments.

The entire Middle East and surrounding region’s first ever airport was established in Palestine whereas the region’s first Radio station was also established here which was headed by a Palestinian women that indicated the level of women liberty and empowerment back in the early twentieth century era before British and Zionist Occupation.

“Most of the early educationists in KSA and Kuwait were Palestinians that were highly educated and intellectually rich people in the entire region. We had the first school of the region in Palestine in 1921,” he underscored.

Ambassador Rabei said, “We have the Palestinian diaspora spread over 110 countries of the world whereas four Presidents of the South and Latin American states are Palestinians by origin.”

He proudly mentioned that the President of Uruguay has resisted the Israeli move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“There are some one million Palestinians residing in Europe with a half million in Americas whereas we have a great disapora in Brazil owning millions of dollars resources and assets in that country,” the Ambassador proudly mentioned.

He told that the Chinese government had certified two Palestinians as the only professional coffee grower and olive farmer in China that again testified Palestinian skill in agriculture.

“There are almost 321 parliamentarians globally who are Palestinians and two of them are in the US Congress including a female. Moreover, four ministers in the European Parliament are also Palestinians,” he said.

To a query, he replied that under occupation of Zionist Israel, Palestine has exported goods of worth US$8 billion dollars and imported some US$14 billion goods and it was testament to the Palestinian rich economic potential that could benefit its brotherly and friendly countries.

Replying to another query, he said, “We are not isolating ourselves from the world rather connecting through culture and trade.”

He informed that Palestine was part of 500 global organizations including Interpol, UN agencies and other international bodies.

When asked about Pakistan’s bilateral cooperation and support the Ambassador said over tens of thousands of Palestinian students were graduated from Pakistan including most of the ministers in every government of Palestine had graduated from Pakistan. Interestingly, he said more than 22 serving ambassadors of Palestine graduated from Pakistan.

He thanked the government of Pakistan and the national leadership for their unwavering support to the Palestine Cause. The Ambassador remarked that Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s speeches and support for Palestine was unprecedented and especially the Prime Minister Khan’s speech at UN general assembly was highly commendable.

“All political parties and Parliamentarians chiefs including Senators came to the Embassy of Palestine to express solidarity with Palestinians that gave us enormous support and confidence that we do not consider ourselves alone in our just fight for freedom from Zionist Israel’s Occupation,” he said.

After reading Dr Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam M. Ali Jinnah’s views and Pakistani government’s response including the Senate of Pakistan’s declaration to mark 22nd May as Palestine Solidarity Day made us feel that Palestinians are not alone,” he added.

On the query pertaining to defence cooperation by Pakistan, he said over thousands of soldiers had graduated from Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul alongwith hundreds of fighter pilots graduated and trained in Pakistan.

Ahmed Rabel appreciated Pakistan’s unflinching stance on Palestine cause and assistance to the oppressed Palestinian brethren facing Zionist Israeli occupation and oppression.

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KABUL, NOV 14: Taliban forces held a military parade in Kabul on Sunday using captured American-made armoured vehicles and Russian helicopters in a display that showed their ongoing transformation from an insurgent force to a regular standing army.

The Taliban operated as insurgent fighters for two decades but have used the large stock of weapons and equipment left behind when the former Western-backed government collapsed in August to overhaul their forces.

The parade was linked to the graduation of 250 freshly trained soldiers, defence ministry spokesman Enayatullah Khwarazmi said.

The exercise involved dozens of US-made M117 armoured security vehicles driving slowly up and down a major Kabul road with MI-17 helicopters patrolling overhead. Many soldiers carried American made-M4 assault rifles.

Most of the weapons and equipment the Taliban forces are now using are those supplied by Washington to the American-backed government in Kabul in a bid to construct an Afghan national force capable of fighting the Taliban.

Those forces melted away with the fleeing of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani from Afghanistan — leaving the Taliban to take over major military assets.

Taliban officials have said that pilots, mechanics and other specialists from the former Afghan National Army would be integrated into a new force, which has also started wearing conventional military uniforms in place of the traditional Afghan clothing normally worn by their fighters.

According to a report late last year by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Sigar), the US government transferred to the Afghan government more than $28 billion worth of defence articles and services, including weapons, ammunition, vehicles, night-vision devices, aircraft, and surveillance systems, from 2002 to 2017.

Some of the aircraft were flown into neighbouring Central Asian Countries by fleeing Afghan forces, but the Taliban have inherited other aircraft. It remains unclear how many are operational.

As the US troops departed, they destroyed more than 70 aircraft, dozens of armoured vehicles and disabled air defences before flying out of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport following a chaotic evacuation operation.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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DUBAI, NOV 14: Kane Williamson played a captain’s knock of 85 to guide New Zealand to a challenging 172 for four against Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup final on Sunday.

Williamson, who was dropped on 21, started cautiously but once settled took on the opposition bowling to reach his first half-century of the tournament.

He finished with 10 fours and three sixes in his 48-ball blitz to lift New Zealand from 57-1 in 10 overs after being invited to bat first.

The Kiwis initially struggled and lost Daryl Mitchell caught behind for 11 off pace bowler Josh Hazlewood who returned impressive figures of 3-16 from his four overs.

Australia’s bowlers kept a tight leash after skipper Aaron Finch won a crucial toss at Dubai which has witnessed 11 wins out 12 matches in the tournament for the team batting second.

Opening batsman Martin Guptill failed to get quick runs despite his three boundaries and a 48-run second-wicket stand with Williamson.

Williamson survived a spill by Hazlewood in the deep with the ball popping out of the fielder’s hand to find the boundary. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc was the bowler.

The captain hit back with two more fours off left-arm quick Starc who was taken for 60 runs from his four overs, to get some momentum into the innings.

Adam Zampa sent Guptill trudging back to the dugout after the opener’s 35-ball 28 but Williamson kept up the charge with two sixes off Glenn Maxwell.

Williamson again picked out Starc to smash four fours and one six in a 22-run 16th over and put on 68 with Glenn Phillips, who made 18.

Hazlewood returned in his final over to break the stand with Phillips’ wicket and then got Williamson out with a leg-cutter.

Williamson’s score was the joint highest in a T20 World Cup final with Marlon Samuels’ 85 not out in the West Indies’ title victory in the 2016 edition.

Both Australia and New Zealand are bidding for their maiden T20 World Cup crown.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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DUBAI, NOV 14: Kane Williamson’s New Zealand eye a second global crown in a single year when they take on Australia at the Twenty20 World Cup final that will witness a new winner on Sunday.

New Zealand and Australia renew their trans-Tasman rivalry in Dubai as both teams look to clinch their maiden world title in the shortest format.

It’s a hat-trick of ICC finals for the once perennial underdogs of world cricket after they outplayed India to win the inaugural Test championship in June.

They beat favourites England in the semi-final to avenge their 2019 defeat in a dramatic 50-over World Cup final at Lord’s when they went down on boundary count after a super over.

Head coach Gary Stead said the Black Caps are excited to take on the Australian challenge in what will be their first ever T20 World Cup final appearance.

“That’s probably a final that I’m not sure too many people would have predicted a month or so ago, Australia and New Zealand,” said Stead.

The Kiwis though have suffered an injury blow after wicketkeeper Devon Conway was ruled out following a broken hand when he punched his bat on his dismissal in the semi-final.

Tim Seifert is set to take over the wicketkeeping duties from Conway who made 129 runs at the event with an average of just over 32.

“Obviously the loss of Devon is a big one. He’s been a big part of all formats for us. It’s a disappointing and really freak thing to happen,” admitted Williamson.

Aaron Finch’s Australians, who have won the 50-over World Cup five times, beat title favourites Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final.

Australia were in trouble at 96-5 while chasing 177 on Thursday when Marcus Stoinis (40) and Matthew Wade (41) put on an unbeaten partnership of 82 and win by an over to spare.

Wade smashed Pakistan pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi for three straight sixes including two audacious scoop shots — the final one sailing over fine leg to silence the Pakistan crowd.

‘Piece to the puzzle’

Stoinis said a T20 World Cup title will “mean a bloody lot to us”.

“Obviously Test cricket and the Ashes, that’s what we grew up when we played. Then the transformation of T20 cricket. It’s not a hit and a giggle anymore in terms of the pressure,” said Stoinis.

“I don’t think many people gave us a chance leading into this tournament apart from the players and coaching staff. So it’s definitely going to mean a bloody lot to us and we will be super proud when we bring that home to Australia.”

Key will be the form of opener David Warner who has plundered 236 runs at the tournament.

“Everyone had written us off, but we had a lot of confidence within. I think we came here with a really clear plan to win the tournament,” Finch.

“We always felt as though we’ve got the depth of the squad and the quality in our squad to put ourselves in a position to do that.”

Finch acknowledged the importance of pressing home the advantage in the first six overs of powerplay, especially against a potent New Zealand pace attack including Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

“I think we’ve seen throughout the tournament the importance of the powerplay,” said Finch.

“A lot of games have been dictated by who has won the initial contest in the power play in both innings. No doubt it will be a real challenge. It won’t define who wins the match but it does help set up your innings if you perform.”

But the skipper said he does not “fuss” about the toss and bowling first despite 11 out of 12 matches being won by the team batting second at the Dubai International Stadium.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 14: Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED), an ISO Certified premier teacher training institute of Punjab, partnered with Microsoft Pakistan under the wing of School Education Department Government of Punjab to embark upon its Digital Transformation Journey.

QAED is leading innovation throughout its schools and programs by advancing computer science skills for teachers through industry-recognized certifications of Microsoft. Their aim is to increase educator’s professional development to connect classroom teaching with in-demand skills. 

This initiative is endorsed by Honorable Education Minister Mr. Murad Raas who recently announced 10,000 Microsoft Certifications for teachers of QAED in Phase 1. The Microsoft Certifications Program called Imagine Academy will provide industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through the new project-based testing, giving educators real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft tools and technology. 

QAEDs objective is for educators to provide targeted training and support every step of the way. These Certifications will provide educators the curricula and validation they need to succeed in a technology-driven economy. 

QAED already has 400,000 teachers onboarded on Microsoft Office 365 through which today Microsoft Teams has become the official communication & training platform for the implementation of Single National Curriculum & Other Teacher’s trainings across the Punjab province. 

Using Microsoft Technologies QAED is enabling its teachers to inculcate critical 21st Century skills, help guide and solve complex problems, and analyzing issues in a holistic way using specialized technologies that lead toward mastery, foster community, and cultivate ethical impact.

Minister for Education, Punjab Minister Mr. Murad Raas shared his thoughts “This partnership between Microsoft and Government of Punjab is another step towards the PM’s vision of Digital Pakistan. Government is committed to support these collaborations helping to bring digital revolution in our society. 

Our Primary focus is to enhance the capability and capacity of our teacher’s to best utilize available Digital technology to adopt modern techniques for learning purposes and as a first step Government will train 10,000 teachers in the first Phase which will be upscaled to all public sector teachers under School Education Department. We believe that digitalization of education will definitely bring more transparency to the whole system ”.

Director General QAED Mr. Muhammad Ali Ammer stated that “Digital Transformation is the need of the time. QAED has successfully developed a digital framework leveraging Microsoft tools for capacity building of Punjab’s School Teachers through these certifications to ensure that they are equipped to manage and take maximum advantage from latest technological tools for dissemination of knowledge and enhancing communication with their students. 

We are striving hard to uplift education standards in Pakistan through partnership with leading technology firms. This partnership with Microsoft affirms our motive of creating highly specialized Teaching faculty that imparts knowledge through modern digital tools”.

“Acquiring skills on the latest technologies helps educators to become better collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, innovators, problem solvers and citizens of our global economy. Microsoft believes that technology skills are essential to the prosperity of both individuals and nations. 

These skills contribute to economic growth through increased productivity and by creating greater capacity to adopt new technologies, ways of working, and new sources of innovation” says Mr. Jibran Jamshad, Country Education Lead, Microsoft.

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DHAKA, NOV 13: Fast bowler Hasan Ali, whose costly mistake in the field allowed Matthew Wade to secure Australia’s thrilling victory in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final, spoke on Saturday about his failure to meet his fans’ expectations and vowed to come back stronger.

Having conceded 44 runs in four wicketless overs, Hasan had more disappointment to face in the dramatic closing stages of the see-saw match at the Dubai International Stadium.

With Australia needing 22 runs off the last two overs, Wade took a wild swing at Shaheen Shah Afridi’s third ball and sent a skier towards Hasan who spilled the catch on the leg-side.

Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Plz Don't be sad Pakistan; we already won T20 World Cup 2021 by defeating India

Wade responded by hitting three sixes in a row to complete an excellent chase against the tournament’s form side.

Many on Twitter had blamed Hasan’s spilled chance for their World Cup miss after coming into the semi-final unbeaten and favourites.

Regretting the dropped catch, Ali tweeted on Saturday: “I know you all are upset because my performance didn’t meet your expectations … but [you] are not more disappointed than me.”

“Don’t change your expectations from me. I want to serve [the] Pakistan cricket at the highest level possible, so back to hard work,” he added. This patch will make stronger.”

He ended the tweet by thanking his supporters and fans for their messages and prayers.

Babar Azam backs Hasan Ali

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had supported Hasan Ali, describing him as “a fighter” who would bounce back from dropping the catch off Matthew Wade in a key moment of the semi-final.

Read Also: ‘It was just not his day’: Babar Azam backs Hasan Ali after costly blunder in semi-final

“If the catch was taken then the scenario would have been different but it is part of the game,” Babar has told reporters.

“He (Ali) is one of my main bowlers and he has won many matches for Pakistan. Players drop catches but he is a fighter and I will back him,” Azam had added.

“Everybody doesn’t perform every day. There is a day when one performs. It was just not his day. He is down and we will lift his mood.”

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 13: Nguyen Tien Phong, Ambassador of Vietnam has said that Pakistan has plenty of natural resources with good prospects for better economic growth and Vietnam wanted to further boost bilateral trade ties with it.

He said that Vietnam and Pakistan have great potential to complement each other’s economy by developing close economic cooperation. He said that Pakistan was producing some good quality products including pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, onyx and it has great scope to enhance its exports to Vietnam as our country welcomed competitive products in its market.

He said that Vietnam’s annual imports were around USD 300 billion and Pakistani entrepreneurs should make strong efforts to get better market share in the Vietnamese market. He expressed these views while interacting with the business community during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The Envoy said that Vietnam and Pakistan were discussing a preferential trade agreement that would help improve bilateral trade volume between the two countries. He said that Vietnam could export hybrid vehicles to Pakistan and added that both countries should sign an investment agreement to attract investors of each other country.

He said that Vietnam was a member of ASEAN and close cooperation with Vietnam would help Pakistan to get easy access to ASEAN market. He assured that the Vietnam embassy would facilitate the Pakistani business community in developing business linkages with Vietnamese counterparts.

Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that Pak-Vietnam bilateral trade was around USD half a billion with trade balance heavily in favor of Vietnam.

He said that Pakistan was exporting many products around the world including marbles & granite, textiles, rice, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, sports goods, leather products, seafood and desired that Vietnam should consider importing more products from Pakistan for the benefit of its customers.

He said that both countries could promote trade in many other products including phone and phone’s parts, computer & computer’s parts, electrical & electronics and technology equipment, rubber, steel sector and various chemicals. He said that ICCI would like to sign an MoU with Vietnam chamber of commerce & industry to promote business linkages between the private sectors of both countries.

Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh, Senior Vice President ICCI said that many international companies were doing successful business in Pakistan and stressed that the investors should come to Pakistan to explore JVs and investment.

Faheem Khan, Vice President ICCI said that both countries should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations to explore new areas of promoting bilateral business and investment relations

Fatma Azim, Hamayun Kabir, Sheikh Ejaz, Shabbir, Hafiz Bilal Munir, Raja Imtiaz, Khalid Mahmood, Mrs. Parveen Khan, Nasira Ali, Akhtar Hussain and Ch. Muhammad Ali also spoke at the occasion and presented many useful suggestions to improve Pak-Vietnam bilateral trade.

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ISTANBUL, NOV 13: President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented the "Turkish World High Order" to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the 8th Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking Countries (Turkic Council) held in Istanbul.

The 8th Summit of Heads of State of the Turkic Council, organized with the theme of "Green Technologies and Smart Cities in the Digital Age", started on the Democracy and Freedoms Island in Istanbul.

President Erdoğan, who officially opened the Turkic Council General Secretariat building together with the leaders of the Turkic Council member countries before the summit, presented the President of Azerbaijan Aliyev with the "High Order of the Turkic World" for the Karabakh Victory, in accordance with the decision taken by the Council of Heads of Turkic Speaking Countries.

In the award decision of the Council of Heads of Turkic Speaking States, "Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, on the grounds that he made significant contributions to the Turkish unity with his historic victory that re-established the territorial integrity and liberation of the lands of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and paved the way for permanent peace and stability in the region", stated that "Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev has been appointed by the Council of Heads of State. Upon his proposal, the President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has decided to award His Excellency Ilham Aliyev with the 'Great Order of the Turkic World'.

The decision was signed by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech at the award ceremony, said:

“Mr. President, Dear Brother, Victorious Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Under your determined leadership, the occupation of Karabakh, which lasted for almost 30 years, ended in a short period of 44 days.

This is of great importance not only for our Azerbaijani brothers, but also for the entire Turkic world. As a result of the Patriotic War, the United Nations Security Council resolutions, which had not been implemented for years, were finally implemented. Thus, Azerbaijan has written a message of justice in the memory of the international community. The restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has expanded the unity and equality of the Turkish world. Kharibulbul, the symbol of Karabakh's freedom, was the herald of Victory for the Turkish world. The Karabakh Victory not only liberated the occupied lands, but also paved the way for lasting peace, stability and cooperation in our region.

On this occasion, I am very happy to present the Turkish World Regulations to my dear brother Ilham Aliyev. I commemorate our heroes who rose to the summit of martyrdom on the road to freedom with gratitude and respect.”

Aliyev, who transferred the term presidency of the Turkic Council to President Erdogan, stated that Turkey will successfully carry out the term presidency of the Turkic Council in his speech, and said:

“As the leader of the Turkish world, my dear brother (President Erdogan) will only succeed in these efforts because Turkey has come a long way thanks to his great vision. Turkey has proven to be a great power not only in the region but also globally. The power of Turkey is now recognized all over the world. We are talking about both its political and military power, and there is no country in the world that is not aware of this power of Turkey.”

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Courtesy turkishjournal

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 13: A customised drone was used on Friday to test food delivery by Pakistan’s leading food delivery company.

The test flight of the drone conducted in association with the office of the deputy commissioner Islamabad — named ‘Pandafly’ — took place in the F-9 Park.

The use of disruptive technology by Foodpanda means faster deliveries over longer distances.

Customers living in peri-urban and remote areas will especially benefit from this initiative as they have limited food delivery options in their local area so with drone delivery they will be able to order food from main urban centres as well.

The last mile of delivery by drone will be completed by a Foodpanda rider.

It must be noted that this is the first of its kind commercial drone made in Pakistan for this purpose.

Expressing his views, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said: “E-commerce and the use of technology to serve the citizens is definitely the future and the Islamabad civil administration stands committed to supporting anyone who takes the initiative to provide greater convenience and facilities for the public.”

He said the district administration was adopting innovative technologies by launching the City App to provide 40 services in various sectors to the people.

With access to technology in public sectors, the administration has expanded its revenue collection from Rs4 billion to Rs10 billion annually.

Speaking at the pilot launch, Nauman Sikandar Mirza, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Foodpanda, said: “Foodpanda’s core ethos is to constantly innovate, stretch the limits and leverage technology to find great solutions for meeting the evolving needs of the people.

“Before we start actual drone deliveries for our customers, there are still many aspects that need to be thoroughly evaluated and locked in, including technical, operational and legal matters and we are vigorously addressing all these. The successful test flight and delivery today has been highly encouraging and proves we are on the right flight path.”

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Courtesy Dawn News

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