Islamabad: The district administrations in KP have become active against the citizens who are un-vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to details, the officers of the district administration including Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners personally visited the markets, schools, shopping malls, restaurants and petrol pumps to review the situation.

They directed the business owners to ensure that each customer is vaccinated against the covid-19.The also sealed the markets and shops violating the covid-19 related SOPs.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has expressed the determination that enemies of Pakistan will be dealt with iron hands and terrorism will be eliminated from each and every corner of the country.

Talking to media men in Karachi on Saturday, he made it clear that nobody will be allowed to use Pakistan’s land against any one, similarly any land used against Pakistan will not be tolerated.

To a question he said that there will be no talks with enemies of the country, however talks could be held with those who will lay down arms and will be willing to follow the constitution of the country.

Islamabad: Rupee depression against US dollar and rising energy prices caused inflation to reach new highs during the previous month, media reports claimed Saturday.

According to data shown by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), inflation measured by Consumer Price Index surged to nine per cent in September from 8.4pc in August, the period when global oil prices kept on rising steadily, undermining earlier gains. The global oil prices reached $80 a barrel against $40 in January this year.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said that French TV has exposed Indian media fake news about Pakistan.

In a tweet, the information minister said that France 24Tv channel had exposed the fake news of Indian media with regard to the attack of Pakistan Air force on the Lion Valley of Afghanistan.

Indians HASTI TV channel aired fake news report on Pakistan Air Force attacks on Panjshir after Taliban took over Panjshir.

Fawad chaudhry said that Indians Times Now and Zee Hindustan TV channel also used the same video to spread propaganda against Pakistan.

He further said that Indians fake propaganda and fake news against Pakistan is now being exposed by the International media.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said dialogue is only way to move forward and the decision to recognize Taliban government or otherwise will be taken in consultation with the neighboring countries.

“Afghanistan has never accepted foreign powers. We rendered unprecedented sacrifices in war on terror and even then we were criticized . I don’t believe In military solution to any problem. We are not backing Taliban government. When US will recognize Taliban. Chinese workers were attacked in Pakistan through TTP. Afghanistan has never accepted the pressure of foreign powers. RAW and Afghan intelligence agency helped TTP. Opposition parties are not political parties but they are limited companies. We are in contact with certain people of TTP. We will forgive them if they surrender. There is no military solution to Afghan issue, he said this in an interview with a Turkish TV channel here.

PM held US will have to recognize Taliban government sooner or later. They have no other option except this. We were afraid that there would be civil war at the time of occupation of Kabul by Taliban. But unexpectedly transfer of power process took place in highly peaceful manner.

He pointed out Afghan government depended on foreign aid in terms of its 70 to 75 percent budget. Apprehension is there that foreign aid to Afghan government would be suspended after Taliban take over. If aid is not provided to Afghanistan then humanitarian crisis would emerge therein.

Talking about recognition of Taliban government PM said we have decided we will make consultation with all the neighboring countries of Afghanistan and Taliban government will be recognized after consultation with these neighboring countries.

He underlined if Pakistan alone recognizes Taliban government then it will make no more difference. Priority should be this that US, Europe, China and Russia recognized Taliban government.

We have to see when US recognizes Taliban government. US will have to recognize Taliban government sooner or later. US is in quandary. They are in search of scapegoat.

It is unjust to target US president Biden on Afghanistan situation. I think there is pressure on him. I have sympathy with him, he observed.

We knew it well that the issue will not be eventually resolved through war. It is strange if we and You criticize US policies then you are anti US.

We had to suffer loss of 150 billion dollars in Afghan war, he indicated. It is painful to make us scapegoat to overlook their mistakes.

Talking about Kashmir situation he said we have been raising Kashmir issue in UN and other forums.8 millions Indian forces have kept people of Kashmir in open jail. We want Kashmir issue is sorted out in line with UN resolutions and will of people of Kashmir.

We are talking to Baloch militants, he pointed out.

Interference in government making in Afghanistan will have to be ended, he stressed. Pakistan wants there should be inclusive government in Afghanistan. Afghan citizens don’t accept foreign domination. If chaos is fomented in Afghanistan then Afghan citizens will be on receiving end . Pushtoon live on the both sides of border.

He stated Pakistan is not responsible for Afghan situation. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 incident. Gen Kiani too had informed the then US president Obama that there is no military solution for Afghan issue.

Pakistan foreign minister and US secretary of state are in contact with each other. Chief of Pakistan security intelligence is in contact with chief of US security intelligence, he added.

Islamabad: The first Steering Committee of the project entitled “Kamyab Jawan Sports Academies (High-Performance Sports Academies and Resource Centres) National Youth Games” was held at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by the Executive Director HEC Dr Shaista Sohail.

During the meeting, the Executive Director HEC briefed the participants on the projects planned under the umbrella of Kamyab Jawan programme.

She underlined that the project is aimed to develop facilities and infrastructure of Sports Academies, including a separate lecture/meeting hall and hostel/dormitory facility for at least 50 to 60 players and six members of the coaching/support staff.

These facilities, she added, will into full-time modern training and resource centres. She emphasised that the long-term objective is to develop HEC’s team to compete at national and international competitions.

Dr. Shaista Sohail said that the project will produce professional players in particular sports and help initiate youth sports movement and develop a sports culture.

The sports academies to be established in the higher education institutions across the county will provide scientific support and modern skills to players for developing sports in Pakistan, simultaneously promoting sound health, safety, and physical fitness.

She informed the meeting that the capital cost of the project was Rs. 1,937.429 million with FEC Rs. 103.851 million, while the execution period of the scheme is 36 months.

She said that the Sports Academies will provide opportunities for youth to get involved in physical activities as a participant and as a professional player, coaches, leaders, and volunteer. She maintained that the academies will provide cutting-edge expertise to champion players to further improve their skills scientifically.

She asserted that the Sports Academies will play a key role in player development considering fitness, psychological and biomechanical parameters, including coaching and training.

The meeting participants deliberated a project implementation strategy and reflected upon development of Governance & Business Model for Sports Academies.

The Committee endorsed the meeting agenda item pertaining to holding an International Conference on Sports Tourism by Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2022.

It is pertinent to mention here that the HEC and higher education institutions, where the Sports Academies are to be established, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Academies.

HEC expects the higher education institutions to designate a proper land for the establishment of Sports Academies, develop robust governance and business plan for the self-sustainable model, and create the sports fund designated for sports activities.

The universities will also be expected to carry out proper marketing by formulating branding strategies for revenue generation. The designated HEIs will hire/allocate professional human resources for management to run the sports academies.

Another important segment of the project is the National Youth Games with Youth Rally. In this regard, organizing sub-committees will be constituted to be responsible for all operational matters of games for the timely and orderly arrangement of all events in the region.

This sub-committee will recommend any administrative/financial/technical/Operational matter to Steering Committee for consideration and decision. They will ensure that all participating universities may keep informed about all necessary technical and other arrangements.

They will be responsible for the financial disbursement and subsequently reconcile the allocated budget for Audit and Accounts, with overall responsibility for organising, managing, and concluding the games.

Islamabad: Veteran comedian Umer Sharif, 66, has passed away in Germany, media reports emerged Saturday.

Pakistan embassy in Munich and Umer’s family sources confirmed the news on Saturday noon.

Legendary artist was travelling to US for treatment.

According to family sources, Umer Sharif was moved to a hospital in Germany when his health deteriorated Wednesday. The comedian was diagnosed with multiple ailments including coronary conditions. His dialysis were due Saturday, according to his doctor.

Umer’s medical condition had become a matter of national concern after he made a video addressing Prime Minister Imran Khan, to help him secure a visa to travel abroad for his treatment.

Umer, born in Karachi’s Liaqatabad area and known for his masterful performances on the world of stage acting, was regarded as ‘comedy king’ across the sub continent.

Politicos, Artists, journalists from across the border mourned Umer’s demise.

Prime Minister Imran passed on his grievances to Umer Sharif’s family and in his condolatory message said that Umer Sharif was a legendary comedian and his achievements and work would be cherished forever.

Punjab’s Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Wednesday paid tribute to Umer Sharif and said that he was an actor of his own type who conquered the world through his work.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting has paid tribute to the services of Veteran Pakistani comedian and television personality Umer Sharif. In his tweet on Saturday, the Minister said decorating the gift of smiles on the faces of people of all ages, Umer Sharif set out for heaven. He said the nation paid the best tribute to the artist and proved that we are a nation that loves art and artists. The Minister said Umer Sharif’s name will always be written in golden letters in Pakistan’s Encyclopedia of Fine Arts.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Governor Sindh Imran Ismael and political leaders from across parties mourned Umer Sharif’s death.

Umer’s fellow actors also came forward and expressed their grievances and passed on their condolences.

Indian comedy legend Jonny Lever, Kapil Sharma, Pakistani comedian Sohail Ahmed and Javed Sheikh expressed their views.

Sohail Ahmed said that Umer Sharif was a loving and caring person as he was guardian of many children in his family.

He further prayed for the peace of the departed soul and urged the government to allocate funds and other facilities for such artists.

Actor Javed Sheikh said that he was shocked to hear the news of Umer Sharif’s death as the legendary comedian was one of his closest friends. Umer was father of comedy and no one can attain that level, he added.

Meanwhile, Indian singer Daler Mehndi said Umer Sharif will always be remembered and that no one can fill the gap left by him. He also thanked Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for making all the possible arrangements for the medical treatment of the artist.

Indian actor Randeep Hooda has also thanked Umer Sharif for spreading laughs across the globe and prayed for the rest of his soul.

Host of an Indian comedy show Kapil Sharma, also expressed grief over sad demise of Umer Sharif in a tweet and said “Alvida legend may your soul Rest In Peace”.

Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez also took to social-networking website and posted, “Sad news King of comedy is passed away. Condolences to his family and to all fans. May Allah bless him jannah Palms up together Aameen.”

Islamabad: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Shakeel Munir said that Pakistan has great potential to earn billions of dollars by promoting the marble sector exports and emphasized that the government should take necessary steps to address the key issues of this sector to harness its actual potential for improving the economy.

He expressed these views after administering oath to the newly elected Office Bearers of All Pakistan Marble Industries Association (APMIA) as Chief Guest.

Shabbir Ahmed was sworn in as Chairman, Sattar Hussain Shah Senior Vice Chairman, Farooq Hameed Bhatti Vice Chairman (North) and Jamshed Khan Amazai Vice Chairman (South) of All Pakistan Marble Industries Association for the year 2021-22. All the candidates were elected unopposed.

Mohammad ShakeelMunir said that Pakistan has vast reserves of marble and granite, but due to the lack of modern technology and machinery, the country could harness its true potential for economic development.

He said that extraction of marble and granite by non-mechanized methods was wasting almost 70% of the precious stone and stressed that the government should allow duty free import of marble sector technology & machinery to help this sector to produce value added marble products and boost exports.

He said that the high electricity tariff for the marble sector is affecting its growth and urged that the government should either provide subsidies on electricity or provide tax exemptions on electricity bills of the marble industry.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Saturday criticized the interference of the Government of Sindh in the federally-controlled hospitals of Karachi which is damaging these important institutions.

Under the 18th amendment the control of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and some other important hospitals was handed over to the provincial government in 2011which resulted in rapid deterioration, it said.

The federal government took back partial control of three major hospitals in Karachi a year ago which included JPMC, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, and National Institute of Child Health Karachi.

The decision didn’t go down well with the Sindh government and it started conspiracies and started to appoint doctors on a political basis in the hospitals located in Karachi, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that dirty tactics are being employed to get full control of JPMC which has put the future of doctors and health staff at stake.

Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Spokesperson Maryum Aurangzeb on Saturday called President Arif Alvi’s letter to leader of the opposition Shahbaz Sharif ‘unparliamentarily’ and said that President was ‘unaware of parliamentary norms’.

Reacting to a letter written by President Alvi to Shahbaz Sharif, Maryum said that President must be aware that Shahbaz is the leader of opposition at National Assembly and he has served country a lot.

She said that President was unaware of democratic and parliamentary ethics and it is so unfortunate.