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03 PMrejeCTsBAsHIrMeMon’sALLegATIonsAsBAseLess

ISLAMABAD

Staff RePoRt

PRIME Minister Imran Khan on Thursday finally broke his silence over the allegations levelled against him by former director general of Federal InvestigationAgency (FIA) Bashir Memon and termed all the claims as “baseless. ” “I had only directed Memon to investigate the iqama (work permit) case of PML-N’s Khawaja Asif, ” the premier said. The prime minister made the statements while speaking during a meeting with senior journalists and anchorpersons in Islamabad. “The decision to investigate the case of Khawaja Asif was also taken during a meeting of the federal cabinet, ” the PM said, adding that he had directed Memon to investigate whether the country ’s former foreign minister was holding a foreign resident permit and withdrawing a salary from foreign sources. “All the claims made by Bashir Memon are baseless, ” the premier said. “I have never directed him to initiate investigations or file any cases against Justice Qazi Faez Isa. ” The premier added, “Memon was not even authorised to file references [against a Supreme Court judge], so why would I ask him to do so in the first place?” Responding to a question, the premier said that he had not even directed Memon to file any cases against opposition leaders Maryam Nawaz or anyone else from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) or the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). “I have never asked [the FIA] to file a terrorism case against Maryam Nawaz regarding the photograph of the first lady, ” the premier maintained. “Bashir Memon used to only brief me about the investigation the FIA’s joint investigation team was carrying out against the Omni Group, ” PM Khan said. Afew days ago, Memon said that he was asked by the prime minister himself to file cases against Supreme Court judge Justice Isa and other opposition leaders during his tenure as the FIA’s director-general. Memon had said that Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem Naseem and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Shahzad Akbar had also wanted him to proceed against Justice Isa on money laundering charges. Memon had maintained that he had refused to do so as “the FIAhad no grounds to do so, especially since the matter pertained to a Supreme Court judge” . Memon had said that he once had a meetingwiththeprimeministerduringwhich thepremierlaudedhisservicesbysayingthat he is a “ very good officer” and told him to pursue cases against the corrupt people.

PM for environmental preservation at any cost in Ravi City project

ISLAMABAD

aPP

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the preservation of green areas at any cost during the execution of the Ravi City project in Lahore. Chairing a meeting to review progress on Ravi City and Central Business District projects, the prime minister said the incumbent government had taken unprecedented measures for environmental protection in the country. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Finance Minister Shaukat Fayaz Tarin, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Dr Shahbaz Gill, Naya Pakistan HousingAuthority Chairman Lt General (r)AnwarAli Haider, and senior officials attended the meeting. Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Dr Salman Shah, Special Assistant to CM Dr FirdousAshiqAwan, Chief Secretary Jawad Rafiq Malik also joined through video link. The prime minister also directed to point out the issues impeding the execution of Ravi City and Central Business Districts for their early resolution. Lt General (r) Anwar Ali Haider and the Ravi Urban Development Authority CEO apprised the prime minister of the progress on their respective projects particularly the beginning of the bidding process. They also highlighted the proposed strategy devised in consultation with the stakeholders for environmental protection and measures to dispose of the matters pertaining to the land acquisition andresolvetheissuesonafasttrackbasis. The meeting was also briefed on the developmentofdifferentzones,theinterest of foreign investors, and the start of the biddingprocessbyfiverenownedinvestors interested in a zone of Ravi City, and the interest of an international consortium for land development in the new zones. The authorities concerned also apprised the meeting of the progress on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and public-private partnership for the development of the knowledge city and technology zone under the Ravi City project. The prime minister was also briefed on the development of a wastewater treatment plant through the financing of the Asian Development Bank, a breakthrough in the payment of land prices to the owners, preservation of green areas and launch of young leaders program for youth’s employment in partnership with the renowned universities. The authorities concerned also put forward recommendations on consultation with the investors for the launch of the first phase of Central Business District and future outline of the project.

PIA suspends staffer for harassing trainee

KARACHI: The Pakistan InternationalAirlines (PIA) on Thursday suspended an instructor at its training centre for harassing a trainee. The revelation of harassment came to light in a purportedly leaked audio clip, following which an investigation committee was formed to ascertain the facts. Following the committee's report,Agha Waseem was served show-cause notice and suspended from his job with immediate effect. He has been asked to submit a response within seven days. INP

Proscribed TLP approaches Interior Ministry for removal of ban

ISLAMABAD:ProscribedTehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) onThursday approached the Interior Ministry to removetheban thatwas imposed on thereligious party.TLPhas formally submitted an application to theInterior Ministry in which ithas maintained thattheparty was outlawed onApril15, 2021 over allegations of disturbing peaceand interfering in thestate’s affairs which are contrary to facts.Theapplication requested the governmentto review its decision removeban from TLP.TheInterior Ministry sources verified thatan application fromthebanned religious party has been received. Furthermore, FederalMinister for Interior Sheikh RashidAhmed has summoned a high-levelmeeting on Friday to review theTLP application. Itis pertinenthereto mention thatthe Interior Ministry had bannedTLPover thePunjab government’s request. INP

Habib takes oath as minister of state for information

ISLAMABAD: President DrArifAlvi on Thursday administered the oath of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting to Farrukh Habib. The ceremony was held at President House in Islamabad and attended by Minister for Information and Broadcast Fawad Chaudhry and NationalAssembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, Radio Pakistan reported. Habib, who became a member of the Parliament for the first time in 2018, was appointed to the post on Wednesday in what is said to be a part of the ongoing cabinet reshuffle. Prior to his new job, Habib has often been seen holding press conferences outside the headquarters of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after hearings of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) foreign funding case. Staff RePoRt

Pakistan wants to boost ties with Korea in all domains: COAS

RAWALPINDI

Staff RePoRt

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to furthering bilateral relations with Republic of Korea in all domains. The army chief said this during a meeting with Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Suh Sangpyo who called on him at General Headquarters (GHQ), said the Inter-Services public relations (ISPR) in a statement on Thursday. According to the ISPR, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral and defence cooperation were discussed during the meeting. Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and security in the region. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process. On Wednesday last, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin telephoned Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss the drawdown in Afghanistan as the US-led international forces prepare to end a 20-yearlong military campaign from May 1. During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the importance of the USPakistan bilateral relationship and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan peace negotiations. The defence secretary and the army chief also discussed the importance of regional stability and the desire for the United States and Pakistan to continue working together on shared goals and objectives in the region. The ISPR handout said that during the call matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including latest developments inAfghan peace process, drawdown and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed. Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan will always support “Afghan-led Afghan-owned” peace process based on mutual consensus of all stakeholders. He also reiterated that peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. The US dignitary also acknowledged Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to further enhance bilateral relations between both countries.

President for expediting EVM production with high-tech security features

ISLAMABAD

aPP

President DrArifAlvi onThursday asked the Ministry of Science ofTechnology and other concerned organizations to expedite the process of developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with advanced security features to ensure transparency in the electoral process. He underscored the need for introducing an e-voting system in the country which, he said, would not only facilitate overseas Pakistanis but would also improve the efficiency and various other aspects of the electoral process.The president made these remarks while chairing a meeting of sub-committee on Emerging Technologies on e-voting, here atAiwan-e-Sadr. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication (IT&T) Syed Amin ul Haque, Minister for Railways Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Minister for Science and Technology (S&T) Senator Shibli Faraz, IT&T Secretary Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) Acting Chairman Brig (r) Khalid Latif, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) IT Director General (DG) Khizer Aziz, and senior officials of the government attended the meeting. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Shibli Faraz briefed the meeting about the measures taken by his ministry with regard to the manufacturing of EVMs. He informed that COMSATS, the National Institute of Engineering (NIE) and National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) were jointly working to produce a prototype of EVM which would be ready shortly. The president stressed the need that the security of the equipment and various processes involved have to be fool-proof, user-friendly and transparent to ensure credibility of the entire electoral process. The meeting agreed that NADRAwould facilitate evoting under the umbrella of ECP. It was also agreed to hold meetings on weekly basis to review the progress on e-voting and EVMs. The president appreciated the efforts of M/o Science and Technology for developing a prototype of EVM.

5,480 new CovId-19 CAses, 151 deATHs reCorded

ISLAMABAD: The nation recorded 5,480 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, taking the national tally to 815,711. Data released by National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) suggested the death toll climbed to 17,680 after 151 people succumbed to the disease during the last 24 hours. Most deaths occurred in Punjab followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Out of the total 17,680 deaths, 4,629 deaths occurred in Sindh, 8,327 in Punjab, 3,238 in KP, 677 in Islamabad. About 233 deaths were reported in Balochistan, 106 deaths in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and 470 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Meanwhile, 3,699 patients recovered from the deadly disease taking total recoveries to 708,193. According to NCOC, the total active Covid-19 cases across the country were reported to be 89,838. A total of 11,739,027 tests had been conducted since the outbreak of the virus in February last year. There are about 630 hospitals with Covid-19 facilities with more than 6,000 patients admitted across the country. The highest number of ventilators occupied in the country was found to be in Lahore with 73 per cent occupancy, followed by Multan at 73 per cent, Mardan at 73 per cent, and Gujranwala at 62 per cent. The NCOC further reported that the highest number of oxygen bed occupancy in the country was in Peshawar at 70 per cent followed by Swabi at 67 per cent, Mardan at 65 per cent, and Swat at 60 per cent. About 57,013 Covid-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours out of which 14,716 were conducted in Sindh, 26,338 in Punjab, 8,261 in KP, 5,651 in Islamabad, 929 in Balochistan, 241 in G-B and 877 tests were conducted in AJK. aPP

PM voted ‘personality of the week’ for efforts against Islamophobia

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has been voted “Personality of the Week” by the AlJazeera weekly programme “Sibaq-ul-Akhbar” for his views and efforts to address the issue of Islamophobia. “Sibaq-ul-Akhbar” is an interactive and live one hour weekly programme in Arabic on Aljazeera TV. This programme is very famous in Arab countries. In this programme, the channel selects three to four top news of the week and subsequently viewers are asked to vote as to which is the top news story and personality associated with the story. Imran secured 56 per cent votes from the viewers. Al-Jazeera’s viewers on the Sibaq-ul-Akhbar programme held on April 24 voted for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran as Personality of the Week for his candid views on the issue of Islamophobia. In the initial part of the programme, the anchor highlighted PM Imran’s achievements and later he took Shaukat Paracha, an anchor of a private TV channel from Pakistan, for comments. In October 2019, Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre named PM Imran as its “Man of the Year” in its list of the most persuasive Muslims in the world. The centre is an autonomous research entity with the Royal Aal al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan. “If The Muslim 500 was in print back in 1992 and I was the chief editor then, I would have nominated Imran Khan as our Muslim Man of the Year because of his brilliant performance in cricket, which culminated in Pakistan winning the 1992 Cricket World Cup — a sport I have always admired for its combination of elegance and intense competitive play, ” said Professor S Abdallah Schleifer, a Professor Emeritus of Journalism in the American University in Cairo, who chose Imran Khan winner of the title. tLtP

NEWS

Cases of CoroNavirus variaNT 'B1135' rePorTeD iN KaraChi: PeChuho

KARACHI

TLTP

THE number of new cases of Covid19 in Sindh continued to rise during the last seven days amid the ongoing third wave of the pandemic. During a meeting of the province's Covid-19 task force, presided by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the attendees were informed that the positivity rate was recorded at 10.75 per cent in Karachi, 20 per cent in Hyderabad, 9.48 per cent in Sukkur and around 2.79 per cent in other districts fromApril 22 to 28.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, while briefing the meeting, said that at least 101 patients have died of Covid19 sinceApril 21.

She added that around 50 per cent of the ICU beds are occupied across the province. The health minister further said that around 454 ventilators are vacant for future use in medical facilities and out of 1,872 beds with oxygen, 343 are occupied while 1,529 are vacant. The minister also revealed that there is no shortage of oxygen in the province.

Dr Pechuho said that along with the UK variant, a variant 'B1135' has also been detected in the coronavirus cases reported in Karachi. The minister said that out of 22 coronavirus cases that were investigated, the UK variant was confirmed in 18 cases, while the B1135 variant was confirmed in two cases.

She regretted that despite launching a request with the government several times, the federation did not quarantine the passengers coming from the UK. The provincial minister feared that the new variant can rapidly spread in Sindh, especially Karachi.

She noted that inter-city bus services will be shut down from Friday (today) to curb the spread of the virus till May 30. Pechucho reiterated the need for implementation of coronavirus protocols and said that people should wear masks, maintain social distance and be careful.

Addressing the meeting, CM Murad lamented the current situation and pressed for the need for strict measures to contain the spread of the virus.

He directed the Sindh Police’s inspector general, Rangers’ director general and Karachi commissioner to ensure that businesses are only operated during the allowed hours, from 6:00am to 6:00pm. He also formed a committee, comprising provincial ministers Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani and Owais Shah, to enforce measures after taking traders and transporters into confidence.

“In order to prevent lockdown, the public will have to comply with the SOPs and government's directives, ” the chief minister maintained.

Murad was informed that a few private offices are not complying with the SOPs and not reducing staff to 20 per cent as per the instructions. He then directed the Karachi commissioner to seal all such private offices.

The meeting was further informed that inter-district bus transport will be banned from Friday (today). The chief minister also directed to ensure strict compliance of SOPs in inter-city bus transport.

The chief minister also directed the health department to supervise the facilities of all the hospitals on a daily basis.

CMORDERSTOENSURESTRICTIMPLEMENTATIONOFCOVID-19SOPS

LAHORE: A view of a coronavirus vaccination centre in the provincial capital. ZuBAIR MEHfOOZ

Traders urge govt to extend working hours of bakeries, confectioneries, grocery stores

LAHORE

SHAHAB OMER

Several businessmen have urged the government to increase working timings of grocery stores, bakeries and confectioneries. Various officials of the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) believe that grocery stores, bakeries and confectioneries should be allowed to operate till 10 pm as these are important businesses and directly connected to the public.

The business community was of the opinion that allowing these businesses to operate till 10 pm would bring great relief to the people.

“The situation caused by the coronavirus lockdowns and limited working hours is causing trouble in the business sector. With the increase in working hours of grocery stores, bakeries and confectioneries, the financial pressure on the traders will be reduced to some extent so they would work extra in line with the Covid-19 SOPs, ” they said.

On the other hand, in a survey conducted by Pakistan Today, many people expressed that only limited working hours can reduce the spread of the pandemic.

Alia Adnan, a resident of DHA, said people know that the third wave of coronavirus is at its peak at the moment and any kind of carelessness can put them in risk. “Even during the last lockdown, the business community was crying for financial losses. Do not they care about human lives?

They should implement the SOPs quietly, proving their own responsibility, and the public should also be urged to implement the SOPs. Not only the business community but the whole country is in crisis at the moment. In such cases, instead of putting pressure on the government, we need to stand with the government and that is wisdom, ” she suggested.

Zafar Qureshi, a resident of Bahria Town, asked if the needs of the people were not met when there were no bakeries. “The businessmen have no idea how serious the situation is. The purpose of limiting working hours is to tell the people to shop in limited time and return home.At this time, benefit is not in opening businesses but in complete lockdown. Other than opening bakeries and grocery stores, there are many other important needs of the people. This is not the time to put pressure on the government but to implement the SOPs, ” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that despite the best efforts of various groups of Anjuman-e-Tajiran and other organisations, including the Qaumi Tajir Ittehad, the government has not been able to extend working hours in the markets.

Punjab CM, governor discuss political, administrative and Covid-19 situations

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar called on Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar here on Thursday and discussed political, governmental and other issues, including the coronavirus situation. Thegovernorandchiefministeragreed touseallresourcesfordevelopmentandprosperityin theprovince,includingSouthPunjab.DuringthemeetingheldatGovernor’sHouse,theCMandgovernordiscussedthegovernment’smeasuresagainstcoronavirus, PrimeMinisterImranKhan'shistoricpackagesfor SouthPunjabandfarmers,andvariousongoingprojects intheprovince.Theyalsourgedthepublictofollowthe coronavirusSOPs.Sarwarsaidthatstepsarebeingtaken bytheincumbentgovernmentundertheleadershipof PrimeMinisterImranKhanfordevelopmentandprosperityinthecountry,whichareunprecedented. He said the previous governments had only talked about the development of South Punjab but the PTI government has fulfilled its promise of establishing the South Punjab Secretariat. Providing employment to the youth of South Punjab is also the top priority of the government and uniform development in the province is being ensured in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, he added. The governor said that those who do not take coronavirus seriously are enemies of their lives and the lives of others. INP

People undecided over Covid vaccination despite availability of stocks

ISLAMABAD: The statistics of the Covid-19 vaccination in Pakistan showed that the nationals are not heading for vaccination despite the availability of doses. SpecialAssistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said in a Twitter message that 2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered so far and 78 per cent of vaccines were purchased by the government. He detailed that 0.1 million people were vaccinated till Tuesday. Dr Faisal also provided the details of Covid-19 vaccines that arrived in the country.According to the statistics, 500,000 doses had arrived in January this year, 700,000 in February, 1,060,000 in March and 3,000,000 inApril. More than 10 million vaccines are also expected to arrive in the coming months. It emerged that despite the federal government’s campaign to convince the people to get vaccination against Covid-19, the nationals were not heading in large numbers for the vaccination. The statistics also showed that only 2 million vaccines were administered in the country as compared to the ratio of available stocks of vaccines. In India, 130 million vaccines were administered to its citizens, whereas the other countries had also expedited the process in order to immunise the citizens against the virus. The health authorities had urged the citizens to show responsibility and come forward to get Covid-19 vaccines by following an easy process of registering themselves at the government’s helpline 1166. INP

NTDC training centre trained over 1000 engineers, technical employees

LAHORE: To meet the increasing demand of power sector in grid station maintenance and operations, NTDC training centre was established at Technical Services Group (TSG) at New Kotlakhpat Lahore, which has trained over 1000 engineers and technical staff during past two and half years.Astate-of-the-art Training Simulator was installed in at the said training centre with the cost of Rs one billion funded by Japanese Govt. Training Simulators provides practical work and new testing sets for on-job-training & handson experience during different technical courses for engineers and technicians of Power Sector of Pakistan. Training centre has recently completed its 4th Sector Specific Course for engineers of BPS-17, which is mandatory for promotion in next grade. In this regard a virtual course closing ceremony was held at WAPDA House, MD NTDC Engr. Dr. Khawaja Riffat Hassan was the chief guest of the ceremony and distributed the certificates among position holders. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, major part of the training was later completed online. 29 participants were trained during this course, 20 officers from NTDC as 9 officers of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) joined the said training. While addressing the ceremony, MD NTDC Engr. Dr. Khawaja Riffat Hassan said that Japan International CooperationAgency (JICA) has pledged to further upgrade NTDC Training centre. JICAwill provide simulators for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and Ultra High Voltage System and 20 computer-based Grid Operation Simulator with Installation at different grids of NTDC. During last two and half year, 300 participants were trained in Skill Enhancement and Refresher Courses, 250 in Grid Operation & Maintenance Courses, 110 in Protection & Instrumentation Courses, 120 Dead & Live Line Maintenance Courses and 220 participated in Short Courses & Seminars. It is pertinent to mention here that the courses of training center cover the recent developments and critical issues ofTransmission and Distribution (T&D) System, Energy Meter studies ± 660kVHVDC, discussions on CompetitiveTrading Bilateral Contract Market which is going to be implemented in near future. PRESS RELEASE

PAKIstAN CAlls for PolICIEs thAt tACKlE INEquAlIty, ENsurE justICE

neW YorK

app

PAKISTANI Ambassador at United Nations (UN) Munir Akram has stressed the need for addressing inequality at the international and national levels to promote the goal of justice envisioned in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of efforts to build international peace and security. “Justice flows from equality, injustice from inequality, discrimination and lack of fairness in policy and practice, ” said Akram in his online remarks to the SDG-16 (Sustainable Development Goal 16) Conference 2021 which is being held at the headquarters of the UN Economic and Social Commission (UNESCAP) in Bangkok. Akram said that the implementation of SDG-16, which calls for peace, justice, and strong institutions, required work at the international level toward an inclusive and equitable global financial architecture, a fair and inclusive international tax regime, an equitable and development-oriented trade regime, and an end to illicit financial outflows from developing countries and the reform of their stolen assets. At the national level, he said, the United Nations can extend assistance to countries to promote justice, adherence to the rule of law, and good governance, especially to countries emerging from conflict and where judicial institutions have collapsed. However, elsewhere, such assistance should be extended at the request of the governments of the concerned countries, he said, noting there were numerous situations in certain advanced countries where inequality and discrimination, especially against minorities and immigrants, requires redress and greater adherence to the principles of international law and human rights. In his remarks, the ambassador also called for adherence to the principles of the UN Charter — the non-use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and exercise of the right of self-determination by peoples. Noting that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated poverty and inequality among and within countries, he said the recently concluded UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Financing for Development (FfD) forum had identified measures to extend financial and other support to the developing countries. He said that SDG-16 stress on inclusion implies a future global economic and social order where no country, people or individual is excluded from the benefits of development and progress — a new and equal national and international order. “We must work collectively to promote the vision of such an equal and inclusive world where no one is left behind, ” he said. Speaking virtually at another ESCAP forum on debt relief in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ambassador Akram said that Prime Minister Imran Khan called for a global debt initiative last April, and pointed out that debt suspension by G-20 (industrialised countries) had provided some fiscal space to a number of low-income countries, including Pakistan. After extensive deliberations, he said, the Financing for Development forum earlier this month has indicated some convergence on debt relief, sustainability and liquidity issues in the aftermath of the pandemic. The G-20’s framework can be elaborated, adopted globally and utilized to promote a deeper, long term, and sustainable debt restructuring programme that is responsive to the needs of individual countries. “Greater use can be made of statecontingent debt instruments, debt buyout, debt swaps for climate health and SDG actions, ” he said. The proposed creation of $650 billion in new Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and the voluntary reallocation of unused SDRs will significantly enlarge the International Monetary Fund’s capacity and that of multilateral development banks to provide much larger net inflows to developing countries, he said. The World Bank’s IDA window should be at least doubled from the currently envisaged $30 billion dollars to $60 billion, he said, adding that multilateral development banks should also significantly scale up financing.

ECB’s job is not to redistribute wealth, Weidmann says

FRANKFURT: Central bankers should not try to redistribute wealth through monetary policy as they lack the tools and legitimacy to do so, European Central Bank policymaker Jens Weidmann said on Thursday. The ECB is reviewing its strategy and President Christine Lagarde has put equality on the agenda along with other issues, such as climate change, which have not traditionally been part of the central bank’s focus. Weidmann, who is also president of Germany ’s Bundesbank, reaffirmed his scepticism, saying monetary policy was too blunt a tool to address wealth distribution and this should be left to elected politicians. “Central banks should not employ monetary policy to pursue distributive aims, ” Weidmann said at a virtual event. “Not only do we lack the democratic legitimacy to do so, the vagueness of the effects also renders monetary policy illsuited for targeted interventions to tackle distributional issues. ” The US Federal Reserve concluded its own strategy review last year with a pledge to let the economy run hotter without tightening policy because this would benefit minorities and poorer segments of society. French central bank chief Francois Villeroy de Galhau has argued that employment and income distribution need to be considered when setting policy, while his Finnish peer Olli Rehn said that he could even live with a temporary inflation overshoot if social welfare considerations warranted it. But Weidmann said the net effect of monetary policy on households was hard to isolate as it has an impact on incomes, wealth and debt at the same time. agencies

PM lauds overseas Pakistanis for keeping national economy afloat

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He regretted that the poor economic strategies of previous governments led to difficulties in the boom and bust cycle, which directly affected the life of the common man. He said the current account deficit devalued the rupee that put a negative impact on foreign investment. Imran Khan in particular acknowledged the services of labour class Pakistani nationals working abroad in tough conditions and sending their hard-earned money to their families back home. He said these workers deserved utmost respect, however expressed displeasure that the embassies of the country were not facilitating them in difficult situations. It is the duty of foreign missions to extend the best possible services to Pakistani labourers and workers, he added. The prime minister said he had ordered a full-scale inquiry of Pakistan’s ambassadorinSaudiArabiaonmultiple complaints of maltreatment with Pakistani nationals. Also, the maximum staff of the embassy has been recalled. Following a high-powered investigation, he said, strict action would be taken against those held responsible for negligence. State Bank of Pakistan (SPB) Governor Dr Reza Baqir said under the newly launched Roshan Apni Car scheme, the overseas Pakistanis would be one click away to digitally purchase a car for their families and friends in Pakistan on reduced mark up and delivery time. He said Roshan Samaji Khidmat would offer a simplified model for expatriates to send charity and donations to Pakistan, including to its flagship Ehsaas socio-welfare project. He said the government was pursuing the goal of transforming the financial system of the country to facilitate the common man. Hesaidthefocuswillbelaidonthe training of bank staff to amicably deal with new digital projects, resolution of landtitleissuesandpromotionofSmall and Medium Term Entreprises. Earlier, the prime minister gave away awards to best performing banks for attracting the Roshan Pakistan customers. The Meezan Bank was given the first prize, while HBL, Bank Alfalah and Habib Metro Bank bagged the next three positions, respectively.

SECP launches combined digital registration with provincial agencies

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced a single combined digital certificate evidencing registration with SECPand some provincial departments simultaneously. The SECPon Thursday said that that it continues to strive for reducing physical interaction with the citizens and is focused on providing services through the use of modern technology at the doorstep of the end-users.As per SECP, this initiative is expected to significantly reduce the overall starting a business time in Pakistan and would have a positive impact on the countries ranking on the Doing Business Index. It informed that there are less than 10 jurisdictions globally where federal and provincial registrations are integrated online on a real-time basis and Pakistan has also now join this league. The single combined certificate will be issued through SECPe-Services in real-time upon the incorporation of a company through a single window and will simultaneously register the company with provisional departments, including Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI), Sindh Employee Social Security Institution (SESSI), Labour and Human Resource Departments and Excise & Taxation Department of Punjab and Sindh. The digital combined certificate features a QR code and hyperlink for instant verification of the registration status of the company. staff report

Inbound flights reduced as coronavirus cases surge

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The forum has also imposed a ban on the crescent night (chand raat) stalls; tourism and routes leading to tourist destinations; inter-provincial, inter-city and intra-city public transport. Private vehicles will operate with 50 per cent capacity. It also announced to issue comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Youm-e-Ali (AS), Itekaf, Shab-e-Qadar, Jumatul Wida, and Eid prayers by May 1. The government has been making all-out efforts to ensure the standard operating procedures to be followed by the public. Besides restrictions already in place, the authorities have recently taken fresh measures including closing schools in cities with over 5 per cent coronavirus positivity rate, banning indoor and outdoor dining, and reducing market opening and office hours.According to the officials, the number of critical cases in the country has been on the rise recently and the healthcare system has remained under immense pressure, with hospitals facing a shortage of beds and medical oxygen. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday that the government is considering importing medical oxygen from China and Iran given a shortage due to a growing number of coronavirus cases.

PPP leads the race in Karachi’s NA-249 by-polls

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Earlier, taking strict notice of PTI lawmakers’ presence in the NA-249 constituency during the by-poll, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) directed them to leave. According to details, six PTI MPs Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Raja Azhar, Saeed Afridi, Bilal Ghaffar, Shah Nawaz Jadoon and Shahzad Awan were found to be violating the code of conduct by being present in the constituency during polling hours. The ECP has issued their expulsion orders, directing police to expel them from the constituency. Hopefuls and their supporters talking to APP acknowledged a lacklustre ambience reflecting a certain sense of detachment among the voters belonging to the constituency, however, expressed hope that they would come out of their homes by noon. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said that all surveys had shown the PTI to be ahead of all other parties in the by-poll. Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said in a tweet that billionaires and political heavyweights are competing against Prime Minister Imran Khan’s young ideological and local worker Amjad Afridi. The election, he said, was not a contest between [different] candidates but between different ideologies. In a statement, NA Opposition Leader and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif appealed to the people of the constituency to come out of their homes and exercise their “constitutional and democratic” right to vote. He said that by exercising their right to vote, people could elect competent representatives that would fulfil the promises made to the people. “I am confident that you will make the right decision, as you did in the past, and will play your part in helping to deal with the myriad of problems plaguing the country, ” he said. He also urged caution in light of the current coronavirus situation and told voters to wear a face mask.

Ignoring int’l consultants, recommendations for sale of NGMS spectrum at high prices approved

ISLAMABAD

shahzad paracha

The Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC) on Thursday, neglecting the international consultants, approved the recommendations for the sale of Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) to telecommunication companies (telcos). Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin presided over the meeting of the committee for the release of NGMS spectrum, at the Finance Division. Sourcessaidthattheadvisorycommittee, on the recommendation of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), opposed the consultant proposals pertaining to spectrum auction base price, and new entrants. PTAhad sought unbiased, independent, and transparent advice from hired internationalconsultantsforprovidingalevel playingfieldtooperatorsforadditionalspectrum auction in 1,800 and 2,100 MHz bands. Sources said that the consultant, Frontier Economics Ltd, had recommended $30 million and $27.5 million as the base price for 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bands keeping up with the international best practices. While the PTA in its proposals to the advisory committee suggested a base price of $31 million and $29 million for 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bands, respectively. Sources said that three telecom operators have also challenged the 2019 ‘renewal of licenses’ base price which was less than the prices mentioned above. Meanwhile, the advisory committee on the recommendation of PTA also directed to give an opportunity to new entrants despite the fact that the consultants opposed the PTA proposal citing reasons that this was an additional, not new, spectrum auction. Furthermore, sources say that the PTA was yet to solve other issues pertaining to temporary allotment of 1,800 and 2,100 MHz bands. Recently, one operator had challenged the Ministry of InformationTechnology ’s (IT) directions in Sindh High Court when the authority had directed the operator to vacate the temporary allotment in 2,100 MHz bands. The PTAhas further failed to resolve the matter pertaining to 6.6 MHz bands temporary allotment of Zong, despite visible concerns of the telco stakeholders on the matter. Sources said that the advisory committee has directed the organisations concerned to complete the auctioning process during the current fiscal year. However, according to sources, there is a dire need to address the aforementioned issues first to restore the confidence of telecom stakeholders. Meanwhile, the finance ministry handout states that the PTAchairman briefed the advisory committee about the arrangements underway for the sale of the available spectrum of NGMS in the country. Adetailed presentation was given about the specifications of available spectrum bands and methodology for sale in line with international best practices. Meanwhile, the newly hired consultants also gave detailed input and answered the technical queries by the members of the committee. While taking stock of the situation, the finance minister directed to expedite the sale process for the available spectrum. Tarin stressed providing a level playing field so that all operators must have a fair and equal chance in the process. He urged all the key stakeholders to ensure maximum participation across the board for the successful completion of the sale transaction. Speaking on the occasion, Federal MinisterforScienceandTechnologyShibliFaraz said that the international benchmarks must be followed to ensure that the whole process of the sale was competitive and based on principles of transparency and equity. Meanwhile, the adviser to the prime minister on commerce suggested to carry out an in-depth analysis to gauge demand for the spectrum and devise a strategy for its pricing and packaging accordingly. The IT minister stated that the sale of NGMS was of key importance for strengthening and expanding communication and IT Services across the country. InSeptemberlastyear,theEconomicCoordination Committee (ECC) of the federal government had constituted the advisory committeeforthereleaseofunsoldNextGeneration Mobile Services spectrum to improve mobile broadband services in the country. According to a statement issued, the Finance Division had then stated that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the committee would be i) to examine and evaluate the market assessment report and recommendations of PTA for release of maximum NGMS spectrum in Pakistan, ii) to examine and finalise policy directives for the federal government for the release of NGMS spectrum and iii) to oversee the release process to be conducted by PTA.