Category: Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that the government is making all necessary arrangements to bring back all Pakistanis stranded abroad to the country.

In a message, he said the government has planned to run special flights for this purpose and we shall reach out to every stranded citizen of this country.

He said a special committee has been constituted under the convenership of minister for SAFRON Shehryar Afridi to oversee the facilitation for all stranded Pakistanis.

GENEVA:While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, its implications are more far- reaching and could threaten global peace and security, the UN Secretary-General told members of the Security Council in a closed video-conference held on Thursday.

Antonio Guterres said heightened solidarity is needed if the world is to defeat the crisis, which he called the “gravest test since the founding of this Organization”, with Governments already struggling to address rising unemployment and economic downturn.

“But the pandemic also poses a significant threat to the maintenance of international peace and security — potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease”, he warned, later stating that the Council’s engagement will be critical to mitigate these implications. “Indeed, a signal of unity and resolve from the Council would count for a lot at this anxious time”, he said.

The UN chief outlined eight ways COVID-19 could undermine global peace and security, beginning with a further erosion of trust in public institutions if people perceive that their authorities had mishandled response or were not transparent.

The pandemic’s economic impacts could create “major stressors” in fragile societies or less developed countries, for example, while the ensuing economic instability will have devastating consequences for women as they make up the majority in the worst-affected sectors. Stressing that “this is not a time for political opportunism”, the Secretary-General also feared electoral processes could be affected as postponing or proceeding with votes could spark political tensions and undermine legitimacy.

“In some conflict settings, the uncertainty created by the pandemic may create incentives for some actors to promote further division and turmoil. This could lead to an escalation of violence and possibly devastating miscalculations, which could further entrench ongoing wars and complicate efforts to fight the pandemic”, said Mr. Guterres.

With most Governments focused on the pandemic, terrorist groups could see “a window of opportunity to strike”, with the situation in the Sahel a particular concern.”The weaknesses and lack of preparedness exposed by this pandemic provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold – and may increase its risks. Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe.

“COVID-19 has also hindered conflict resolution efforts, and many peace processes have stalled as countries respond. The pandemic also has triggered or worsened numerous human rights challenges. “We are seeing stigma, hate speech, and white supremacists and other extremists seeking to exploit the situation”, the UN chief said.

“We are witnessing discrimination in accessing health services. Refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable. And there are growing manifestations of authoritarianism, including limits on the media, civic space and freedom of expression.”

ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Nadeem Afzal Chan has said that use of human workforce in the harvesting of wheat crop will help manage social distancing and provide wages in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking in a Radio programme, he said this year agriculturists should hire labourers instead of combine harvesters for harvesting their crop. He said this will provide opportunities to the common people to earn grain and cash for their families.

He said harvesting through labourers will produce large amounts of wheat crop’s residue, which can be used for cattle fodder. He said agro-economy should be strengthened as it has the potential to revamp the economy.

ISLAMABAD:National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt General Muhammad Afzal on Saturday assured that there is no shortfall of coronavirus testing kits and machines in Pakistan.

Talking to media, the NDMA chairman said that Pakistan possesses testing facility up to 75 days at the moment and the authorities are working to enhance the number. “All patients with symptoms are being tested for the pandemic and the claim of conducting less tests is not true”, he said. He said NDMA is delivering equipment to all provinces with the help of the Pakistan Army.

He said the supplies from China will also be provided to all provinces. He said apparatus has been delivered at all hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and will be provided to Punjab by tomorrow (Sunday). He said provincial funds are not being used by the NDMA to buy equipment.

ISLAMABAD:Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar has asked all deserving people who are sending SMS on 8171 for cash grant not to rush for payment before the final response of payment date.

In a video message, she said, after scrutiny and confirmation of eligibility, the deserving person receives the message with date of payment from 8171. She said payment of Rs12000 can be received from ATM, designated centers and points.

ISLAMABAD:Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has expressed the confidence that Pakistan will be one of the few early countries to overcome coronavirus pandemic. Talking in a Radio program, he said the government will leave no stone unturned to facilitate people during Coronavirus pandemic.

He said people should follow guidelines regarding social distancing and precautionary measures. Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said Prime Minister Imran Khan is seriously concerned about poor segment of society.

ISLAMABAD:Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has dispatched necessary safety equipment to twelve major hospitals of the province.

According to a press release of provincial PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the hospitals include Lady Reading Hospital, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Police Services Hospital Peshawar and District Headquarters Hospitals in various districts of the province.

The equipment includes safety suits, gowns, safety kits, N-95 masks, surgical caps, suits, sanitizers and other necessary items.