(Fawad reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to continue to facilitate Afghan peace process)

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue to facilitate the Afghan peace process.

In a video message on Saturday, he said we desire peace in Afghanistan as it is in Pakistan’s own interest. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan in his recent interview with New York Times has once again reiterated that Pakistan will not allow its land to be used against Afghanistan.

He said we want such solution wherein all the stake holders have representation in the government. He said Pakistan is interested to build economic relations with United States to give a new dimension to the bilateral relationship. Regarding US-China tensions, he said Pakistan is ready to play its role to improve relations between the two economic giants.

(Every person will have to play role in fight against drugs: Ijaz Shah)

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Narcotics Control Ijaz Ahmad Shah has said every person will have to play role in the fight against drugs to protect the future of generations to come.

In his message on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today (Saturday), he expressed the commitment to eliminate the scourge of drugs from the country. He said we are determined to save our country, people and youth from the danger of drugs. He said strategy has been chalked out to control the spread of drugs in the society.

COVID claims 13 more live, 109 new cases reported in Punjab

LAHORE: Coronavirus claimed another 13 lives while 109 new cases were reported in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

According to the data shared by the spokesperson of Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P and SHD), the total number of corona cases reached 345,655 while death toll 10,713 and recoveries 326,029 in the province.

As per the data provided by the P and SHD, currently 8,913 patients are under treatment in different hospitals. The health department conducted 18,542 tests for COVID-19 during the last 24 hours. The total number of corona tests reached 5.56 million in the province.

The Punjab health department has urged the masses to follow SOPs for their protection and cover their faces with masks. The people should wash their hands with soap several times in a day to protect themselves from COVID-19. Healthcare Department urged the citizens to contact 1033 immediately on symptoms of coronavirus.

27 corona patients under treatment in Khyber Hospital

PESHAWAR: Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) has 106 beds for Corona patients and presently 27 Corona patients are admitted in the hospital, an official of the administration told media men here on Saturday

He said the hospital has 25 ventilators for Corona patients and six patients are in intensive care at the hospital on bipolar and ventilators. The official informed that 15 patients are being treated for Low Oxygen levels and a patient died due to corona.

Waqas bowls Shameel CC to victory

KARACHI: Waqas Aslam rattled through the batting line of Dhaka Sports to bundle them out for the tournament’s lowest total of 28 runs so far taking eight wickets cheaply for 13 runs to hand an immaculate 10-wicket win to Shameel Cricket Club in All Sindh Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Faruqi Cricket Tournament here at TMC Ground.

In another match, Islam Gymkhana defeated Al-Taj Cricket Club by four wickets at Nazimabad Gymkhana ground. Kashif Khan picked three wickets while Raja Iftikhar scored 57 runs for the winning team.

Meanwhile, Alamgir Gymkhana thrashed Lines Area Gymkhana by nine wickets at KCCA Stadium. Ashiq Ali bowled lethally and picked four wickets for 21runs while S.M. Tahami scored an unbeaten half century for the winning team.

VC IUB meets with Shafqat Mahmood

BAHAWALPUR: Vice Chancellor Islamia University of Bahawalpur Prof Dr Athar Mahboob met with Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training and Federal Minister for National History and Heritage Shafqat Mahmood at his office in Islamabad.

The Vice Chancellor briefed the Federal Minister about increase in students enrollments, faculties and teaching departments and the academic, research and development activities. He also briefed about the university participation and achievements in national and international rankings.

He thanked the federal government for providing special development package and a record number of scholarships under Ehsaas Scholarships Program for the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

On this occasion, the Minister said that the Government of Pakistan is providing huge support to the higher educational institutions to provide quality education. He said that the government has allocated a record amount in the current budget for the development of the higher education sector.

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur is a historical university and its achievements in the field of research and development are a good sign for the socio-economic development of the region.

On this occasion, establishment of Cholistan Heritage Museum, Art Gallery and Academic Block at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur was also discussed. He said that the construction of this Culture and Heritage Research Center and Museum would be of immense help in promoting research on the history and cultural heritage of South Punjab and in preserving it.

The Minister appreciated the proposal which will revive Cholistani Cultural Heritage and assured his full support for this project at every forum.

Tennis Coaching Camp for challenged players begins today

KARACHI: Saturday Welfare Group in collaboration with Karachi Tennis Association and Special Olympics Pakistan will organize a four-month long SWG Tennis Coaching Camp for Wheelchair and Intellectually Challenged Players here at Union Club from today (Sunday).

A total of 12 wheelchair and as many intellectually challenged (Special) players have been invited to take part twice a week two hours sessions for four months. Ali Mansoor Zaidi is the Camp Director while Muhammad Khalid Rehmani will be the Camp Commandant. Aqeel Shabbir and Ishrat Zehra will be the coaches while camp coordinator will be Sarwar Hussain. Aqeel Khan, Pakistan No. 1 tennis player will be the chief guest in the opening ceremony.