ISLAMABAD: Coronavirus epidemic is still going to lowest as during last 24 hours Pakistan has reported 11 deaths by the deadly virus and 515 more people were tested positive.
According to the latest figures appeared on National Coronavirus Dashboard of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 515 new infections were confirmed by the authorities that took the overall toll of positive cases to 1,275, 673.
eleven (11) more deaths were reported nationwide taking the overall tally of fatalities to 28,507 on Friday morning.
Giving the province wise figures by the NCOC it was stated that Punjab province remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Confirming the overall country-wide figure of positive cases 1,275,673, the NCOC stated that 471,205 coronavirus positive cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 440,788 in Punjab, 178,427 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 107,063 in Islamabad, 34,491 in Azad Kashmir, 33,307 in Balochistan and 10,392 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistan has so far conducted 21,011,048 coronavirus tests and 44,148 in the last 24 hours. 1,224,425 patients have recovered in the country whereas 1,229 patients are in critical condition.
The COVID-19 positivity ratio was recorded at 1.16 per cent.
So far, 71,907,993 people have received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine including 579,686 in last 24 hours. 41,902,093 citizens have been fully vaccinated while 579,686 received their second dose in last 24 hours.
The number of total administered doses has reached to 106,984,156 with 1,102,224 in the last 24 hours.
ISLAMABAD: European Parliamentarians have told Pakistan to ensure fulfilling of its commitment to implement 27 conditions regarding the Generalized Scheme of Preferences- Plus (GSP+).
The visiting Parliamentarians have conveyed to Islamabad that the European Union (EU) wishes to remain a reliable partner of Pakistan provided Islamabad fulfills its commitment to implement 27 conditions.
“The Parliamentarians underlined the need that EU wishes to remain a reliable partner of Pakistan and continue to support all efforts towards the improvement of human rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions,” MEPs said in their meetings with key ministers and policymakers.
A Group of European Parliamentarians visited Federal Capital on November 3 and 4, during which they hold meetings with hig government officials.
Pakistan has benefitted from the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+) Scheme since 2014. The Parliamentairna have noted with satisfaction the progress made so far, such as the adoption of relevant legislation, but cautioned that there were still some areas of concern and that the GSP Plus should not be taken for granted.
As the EU prepares new GSP legislation, likely to include more global conventions on human rights and rule of law, more concrete steps are needed in these areas to ensure that Pakistan can continue benefiting from that favorable trade scheme if it decides to re-apply under the new legislation.
According to the EU’s announcement, MEPs underlined that the active participation and contribution of civil society organizations is considered vital in that process and that space for their activities must be guaranteed.
The European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with South Asia, which covers relations with Pakistan, and other five countries in the region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka), paid an official visit to Islamabad on 3rd and 4th November 2021, on the occasion of the 12th inter-parliamentary meeting between the European Parliament and the National Assembly of Pakistan.
The MEPs met with the speaker of the National Assembly, the deputy chairman of the Senate, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for law and justice, the prime minister’s Adviser on Commerce, the Attorney General of Pakistan, the governor of Punjab, with prominent Members of Parliament, with civil society organisations and with representatives of the media.
The meetings focused on issues of common interest, such as the state of EU-Pakistan cooperation in a number of fields, bilateral trade and GSP+, climate change, regional issues, good governance and the rule of law,freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the situation of minorities.
Earlier this year, the European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing concern about the human rights situation in Pakistan. This visit offered the opportunity to assess the situation together with Pakistani interlocutors from the Parliament, Government and civil society and to gather first-hand information. The MEPs were encouraged to learn about relevant human rights-related legislation introduced in Parliament but expressed concern over the issue of blasphemy laws and rights of religious minorities. MEPs underline the importance of guaranteeing freedom of expression, and expressed concern about the shrinking space for media. Freedom of the press is a pillar of any democratic system. Censorship and harassment of journalists are not acceptable. The MEPs also reiterated their strong opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and took note of the de facto moratorium that has been applied over the past three years.
The European delegation took note of Pakistan’s relevant role as regards developments in Afghanistan. The close historic and cultural ties with Afghanistan and the privileged contacts with the Taliban are an important tool in trying to address the risk of a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. While recalling the EU’s benchmarks for engagement with Kabul, MEPs expressed their appreciation for the role of Pakistan in helping channel humanitarian aid and in facilitating the relocation of vulnerable Afghans to numerous countries of the international community.
The Pakistani side assured that Islamabad is committed to the full implementation of the UN conventions related to GSP Plus.
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) Ali Raza Syed met Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi.
The two sides discussed efforts for Kashmir issue in Europe in meeting which took place at Kashmir house in Islamabad.
Sardar Qayyum Niazi said, India could not decrease spirit of the Kashmiris who are doing unmatched sacrificing for last seven decades. He said, International community should pressurize India for a peaceful resolution of Kashir issue which is essential for peace in the region.
Overseas Kashmiris have also duty to uncover the real dirty and brutal face of India.
AJK Premir also praised the efforts of KC-EU headed by its chairman Ali Raza Syed for raising Kashmir issue in Europe and said that we regard the valuable struggle of Kashmir Council EU in Europe.
Abdul Qayyum Niazi said, Kashmir is main cause of tension in the region and dream of regional peace can not be fulfilled until resolution of Kashmir issue.
Ali Raza Syed said, India is committing war crimes in occupied Kashmir and our organization (KC-EU) raises the issue of violations of human rights of Kashmiris in Europe.
Chair of KC-EU also presented a report about the ongoing activities of KC-EU in Europe and said, KC-EU will continue its efforts.
AJK PM appreciated all overseas Kashmir including KC-EU for working on Kashmir issue in abroad.
ISLAMABAD: More than 10 children were subjected to sexual abuse across Pakistan on average every day between, revealed a report issued by child protection organization Sahil.
The report issued by Sahil, titled as “Six Months Cruel Numbers 2021”, states that the average number of children subjected to abuse has increased by two children per day in comparison with the last year’s January-June report.
Sahil’s latest report states that the average number of child abuse victims increased by two per day as compared to last year’s biannual report.
81 daily national and regional newspapers were monitored between January and June to collect data on child abuse.
Report says that children from the age group 6-15 are most vulnerable to abuse. “This year, 81 daily national and regional newspapers were monitored during January-June 2021 to collect data on Child Sexual Abuse, Abduction, Missing Children, and the cases of Early Forced Marriages,” read the report.
The data collected from all four provinces of Pakistan including Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), besides Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB), showed that a total of 1,896 cases of child abuse were reported in the period.
Of these, 1,084 cases were of sexual abuse against children, 523 were cases of abduction, 238 cases of missing children, and 51 cases of child marriages.
The report further states that 53% (1,013) of the victims were girls and (883) 47% were boys. It reveals that “children from the age group 6-15 are most vulnerable to abuse”.
As many as 640 children from the age bracket 11-15 years and 409 children from the age bracket 6-10 fell prey to different types abuse during the last six months, the report adds.
According to the report, in 1,045 cases, the abusers were acquaintances, while they were strangers in 430 cases, relatives in 49 cases, female abettors in 47 cases, seminary/school teachers in 38 cases, neighbors in 37 cases, and family members in 32 cases.
In addition to this, the data reveals that 60% of the total cases were reported from Punjab and 6% from the ICT.
The rest of the cases were reported from other provinces — 26% from Sindh, 5% from KPK, and 3% from Balochistan, and AJK & GB.
Of the total cases, 58% were reported from rural areas and 42% cases from urban areas.
Sahil has been working since 1996 on child protection, especially against child sexual abuse (CSA).
Sahil aims to develop a society and environment where every child should be safe, secure, and protected from abuse, especially from sexual abuse.
ISLAMABAD: Coronavirus epdemic is continuously showing downward trends across Pakistan as during last 24 hours country reported 9 deaths along side 706 people have been tested positive of novel coronavirus.
According to the latest figures displayed on National Coronavirus Dashboard of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 706 new positive cases for COVID-19 were reported past 24 hours that took the tally of positive cases to 1,271,027. Nine new deaths were reported in the country taking the death toll to 28,414 on Thursday morning.
As per the figures shown by NCOC in province-wise breakdown of the killer virus epidemic Punjab province remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
NCOC in its detailed province wise figures has reported 28,414 total deaths across the country out of which 12,904 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab 7,557 in Sindh 5,733 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 938 in Islamabad, 740 in Azad Kashmir, 356 in Balochistan, and 186 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
As far the overall positive cases are concerned the tally jumped to 1,271,027 out of which 468,776 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 439,653 in Punjab 177,723 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 106,813 in Islamabad, 34,455 in Azad Kashmir 33,220 in Balochistan and 10,387 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistan has so far conducted 20,660,167 coronavirus tests and 49,486 in the last 24 hours. 1,219,174 patients have recovered in the country whereas 1,408 patients are in critical condition.
The COVID-19 positivity ratio was recorded at 1.42 per cent.
So far, 69,341,110 people have received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine including 301,581 in last 24 hours. 39,303,110 citizens have been fully vaccinated while 327,948 received their second dose in last 24 hours.
The number of total administered doses has reached to 102,067,945 with 603,182 in the last 24 hours.
LAHORE: A nail-biting one-on-one contest is expected between Latif Khosa of Hamid Khan-led Professional Group and Ahsan Bhoon of the Independent Group, known as the late Asma Jehangir Group for the slot of the president during the annual elections of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
All arrangements have been completed as polling stations have been set up in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Bahawalpur. As many as 3,121 eligible voters will exercise their franchise in the election.
The highest number of voters in the elections is 1,267 in Lahore. A total of 14 candidates will contest for 5 seats.
It is pertinent to mention here that both the presidential candidates are determined to win. They said the welfare of lawyers and supremacy of the Constitution is their manifesto.
Chaudhry Imtiaz Kambho, Chaudhry Ibrahim, Khawar Ikram Bhatti and Sabteen Akhtar Bukhari are contesting for vice president of Punjab chapter seat. There are three candidates for the post of secretary. They are Hammad Waqar Walana, Muqtidar Akhtar Shabbir and Wasim Mumtaz Malik.
ISLAMABAD: Demanding fresh general elections in the country, JUI-F chief and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that they were considering to boycott the upcoming local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, Fazlur Rehman said, “Local governments elected under a government which came to power through rigged elections are not acceptable.”
Raising questions over the intentions of the PTI-led federal government, the JUI-F chief asked that why the local body polls were going to be held when the Election Commission of Pakistan was saying that it was verifying voter lists.
“It means the election commission has admitted that there is something wrong in voter lists,” he said.
He stated that the JUI-F was consulting legal and constitutional experts on the issue to finalise the future course of action in this regard, adding that they will also discuss it with other PDM parties before announcing the decision.
On Oct 25, the ECP had announced that in the first phase, 17 districts of the province would go to the polls on December 19 and the candidates will start submitting their nomination papers from November 4.
Talking about the protest of the banned organization, the JUI-F chief said that regardless of the debate whether the TLP’s demands are justified or not, it is their democratic right to record their protest.
“I call upon the government to resolve the issue in a democratic and decent way,” he said. He said how the demonstrations of the same organisation against the Nawaz Sharif government were legal and their protest against Imran Khan was illegal.
“The government is labelling the TLP as a terrorist and extremist party because it is a religious party,” he said.
Fazl reminded the government that it was Imran Khan who staged a 126-day sit-in at D-Chowk of Islamabad and is now denying this democratic right to the TLP activists. He said that according to reports, 10 to 12 people were martyred in Lahore while several injured near Sadhuki on Wednesday.
Earlier on Sunday, JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had said that the government which “gave birth to rigging” in the elections had “no right and reason” to hold local government elections in the country,
The PDM president had said that the alliance wanted free and fair elections at the earliest.
“Saving the nation and country from this government is tantamount to sympathy towards the nation and is the need of the hour,” Fazl had said. He had claimed that people are turning up in huge numbers to the PDM-led anti-inflation protests being held across the country. “The incumbent government is illegal, incompetent, and cruel, and it has been imposed on the nation,” he had added.
MOSCOW: Russia called on countries neighboring Afghanistan not to host US or NATO military forces after they pulled out of Afghanistan earlier this year.
“We call on Afghanistan‘s neighboring countries not to allow a military presence of US and NATO forces that plan to move there after leaving Afghanistan’s territory,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Earlier, on Saturday, Russia’s defence minister accused NATO of gradually gathering forces near Russia’s borders and being unwilling to discuss European security with Moscow on equal terms, Interfax news agency reported.
Shoigu’s comments were the latest sign of mounting tension between Russia and NATO after defence ministers from the Western alliance agreed a new plan on Thursday to defend against any potential Russian attack on multiple fronts.
Germany’s defence minister described the plan as “the way of deterrence” but the Kremlin said on Friday that the plan showed Moscow had been right to cut ties with NATO. Russia shut its diplomatic mission to NATO and the alliance’s mission in Moscow this week after NATO expelled eight Russians accused of spying.
“NATO is gradually gathering forces near our borders amid calls for military deterrence of Russia,” Interfax quoted Shoigu as saying in a statement, without giving details.
TEHRAN: Neighboring countries of Afghanistan have to sent a clear message to the Taliban Government that it should fulfill its commitments made with the international community.
This came in a joint statement issued after a meeting of foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Russia, held in Tehran on Wednesday.
The foreign ministers of Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia attended the meeting while Afghanistan was not invited to the moot, where the UN secretary-general sent a video message. The third round of the meeting will be held in China in 2022.
The statement asked the new Afghan rulers to ensure that Afghan territory will not pose any threats to the neighbouring countries and that it will not be used by criminal, terrorist and separatist groups.
It also urged Kabul to cut ties with all terrorist groups and decisively eliminate them.
The declaration in the joint statement pointed out that the neighbouring countries supported a durable and realistic settlement of differences through dialogue and negotiations among the relevant parties for achieving national reconciliation, lasting political solution and the formation of an inclusive government.
The foreign ministers also called on the relevant Afghan parties to take a friendly approach toward neighbouring countries and respect universally-accepted principles of international law and fundamental human rights and protect the safety and legitimate rights of foreign nationals and institutions in Afghanistan.
All the FMs agreed that the countries primarily responsible for the difficulties in Afghanistan should earnestly deliver on their commitment, and provide Afghanistan with urgently-needed economic, livelihood and humanitarian assistance to help realise a stable transition of the situation in Afghanistan.
It also called on the relevant Afghan parties to implement modest and prudent internal and external policies, return to the normal order of the society as soon as possible, realise the effective operation of government agencies, provide basic public services to people, take actions to improve people’s livelihood and protect the fundamental rights of ethnic groups, women and children in Afghanistan.
Some of the other issues that were of importance for the various Afghan parties related to confronting various threats and challenges, including terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking, crackdown on organised crime and other criminal acts originating from Afghanistan and taking into consideration the terrorism threats and counterterrorism effectiveness, discuss through bilateral or multilateral channels the possibility of restarting counter-terrorism cooperation with Afghanistan in due course, Geo News reported.
The international community, as well as the relevant Afghan parties, were asked to address the root causes of forced displacement in Afghanistan to avoid any destabilising activity that would deteriorate the situation and cooperate for a permanent solution for the protracted situation of Afghan refugees.
The international community and donor countries were asked to provide continued, adequate and proportionate financial support to the host countries of Afghan refugees, especially Iran and Pakistan and other neighbouring countries of Afghanistan.
ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed Interior Minister on Wednesday announced that the Federal Government has decided to call the Punjab Rangers to maintain the law and order situation in the province amid the ongoing protests staged by the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
He was addressing a press conference in Federal Capital Islamabad, ahead of the TLP announcement to start long arch towards the capital city.
The Interior Minister said that the government wants to establish peace as there is a lot of pressure on Pakistan.
The minister said that since the ambassador of France is not present in Pakistan, the proscribed organisation seems to have “another agenda”.
“Yesterday, I had warned that foreign powers want to impose sanctions on Pakistan,” Rasheed said.
Earlier, briefing the media on the cabinet’s decision today, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said “TLP is not a religious organisation, it is a militant wing”.
The minister said the cabinet had decided to deal with TLP like a militant organisation, as he slammed the proscribed political party for blocking roads and central arteries for their protests.
“They have already put up a show six times. The proscribed TLP cannot blackmail the state; it has no status. In the past, we have defeated terrorist organisations,” he said.
The information minister, noting that six police officials were martyred during the protest, asked that till when would the state act as a silent spectator.
“We do not want bloodshed,” he said and slammed the TLP for blocking the roads “without reason”.
He asked the proscribed organisation to not underestimate the state’s writ, as the government had waited long enough.
Chaudhry said several people joined the protesters with AK-47s in their hands.
In the light of TLP’s protests, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said that the government would not allow anyone to take the law into their hands as he issued directives to stop the long march planned by proscribed organisations.
Meanwhile, due to the protests, Pakistan Railways had announced alternate routes for several trains. Operations of Subak Khram, Islamabad Express, Rawal Express were suspended, while the Orange Line’s route from Rawalpindi to Lahore was also suspended.
However, the rest of the trains would operate in line with their schedule.
Similarly, due to the ongoing six-day long protest, traffic has been suspended on GT Road, causing frustration to the commuters, as they are facing troubles.
