COVID-19 claims 5 more patients, infects 301 others

Karachi, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):As many as 5 more patients of Coronavirus died overnight lifting the death toll to 7,502 and 301 new cases emerged when 9,352 tests were conducted. This was stated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in a statement issued here on Monday. He added that 5 more patients of COVID-19 lost their lives lifting the death toll to 7,502that constituted 1.6 percent death rate.

Mr. Shah said that 9,352 samples were tested which detected 301 cases that constituted 3.2 percent current detection rate. He added that so far 6,147,586 tests have been conducted against which 462,281 cases were diagnosed, of them 93.8 percent or 433,483 patients have recovered, including 426 overnight. The CM said that currently 21,296 patients were under treatment, of them 20,990 were in home isolation, 30 at isolation centres and 276 at different hospitals. He added that the condition of 273 patients was stated to be critical, including 17 shifted to ventilators.

According to the statement, out of 301 new cases, 68 have been detected from Karachi, including 34 from East, 20 South, 9 Central, 2 Korangi and West each and 1 Malir. Shaheed Benazirabad has 49, Hyderabad 42, Dadu 29, Matiari 14, Jamshoro 12, Tando Allahyar 11, Jacobabad and Tharparkar 9 each, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Sukkur and Naushero Feroze 7 each, Ghotki, Umerkot and Shikarpur 6 each, Tando Muhammad Khan 5, Larkana 4, Khairpur 2 and Badin 1. The chief minister urged people of the province to follow SOPs.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019 (Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Senate Standing Committee for Defence visits Naval Headquarters

Islamabad, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Members of Senate Standing Committee for Defence, headed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed visited Naval Headquarters for briefing on role and objectives of Pakistan Navy and discussion on maritime security issues. During the visit, the Standing Committee was briefed on ‘Pakistan Navy – Challenges, Response and PN contributions in Maritime Domain’. Secretary Defence Lt General (Retd) Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain was present during the briefing.

While interacting with the Committee members, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi dilated upon prevalent security dynamics in Indian Ocean Region and maritime security challenges to Pakistan’s National Security. Naval Chief underscored that Pakistan Navy is ensuring safety and security of international waters through collaborative and independent maritime security initiatives. The Admiral highlighted Pakistan Navy’s roles and responsibilities related to CPEC in detail. In this domain effective and comprehensive measures have been taken to augment coastal defence and security of sea trade routes including approaches to Gwadar port.

The delegation was also appraised on Pakistan Navy’s efforts and contributions towards creating maritime awareness and spur growth of maritime sector for economic prosperity of the country. Besides operational development plans, the Committee was also briefed on Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards nation building and initiatives for socio-economic uplift of Baloch coastal community in health and education sector.

On the occasion, the Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed expressed satisfaction over PN’s operational preparedness and nation building efforts. The Committee assured its full support to PN in future developmental plans for safeguarding the maritime interests of Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Directorate of Public Relations,
Pakistan Navy
Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-20062326
Cell: +92-300-8506486
Website: www.paknavy.gov.pk

LCBDDA transplanted trees record 100% growth

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):“Lahore Prime” a project by Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) relocated trees from Lahore Prime site which has recorded 100% growth on new site within the CBD Punjab locality. CBD Punjab has been known for its initiatives on environment conservation during development.

Talking on this transplantation, Executive Director Commercial, LCBDDA – Muhammad Omer, told “Relocating a tree is not an easy task, especially when it comes to moving mature trees. Having the right tools and tree expertise ensures the survival of your tree during the tree relocation process. LCBDDA took this responsibility and with assistance of environment experts we achieved 100% growth on new locations within CBD Punjab vicinity”.

Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA) is aligned with the government vision focusing to encourage more influx towards the national exchequer. CBDs, the areas with high economic activity will provide suitable ecosystem and infrastructure to supporting income of people. This contribution may likely increase as Pakistan rides high on the economic growth. Urban groups, in presence of central business districts (CBDs), office facilities and business hubs will carry new opportunities.

For more information, contact:
Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA)
Government of the Punjab
Address: 51-N Gurumangat Road, Gulberg II, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92-42-992-635-52
E-mail: info@lcbda.punjab.gov.pk
Website: https://lcbda.punjab.gov.pk/

PIA Achieves IATA’s NDC LEVEL 4 Certification

Karachi, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):PIA has achieved International Air Transport Association (IATA’s) New Distribution Capability (NDC) Level 4 certification. The National Flag Carrier has recently embarked upon a Digital Transformation Program, under which PIA is focused on modernizing its business practices, resource competence, technology upgrade and partner collaborations in line with new Industry standards and practices.

IATA’s NDC level 4 Certification i.e. Offer and Order Capability is the highest level of certification awarded to PIA, and enables the airline to better connect, communicate and share rich content among industry partners and through distribution channels.

This achievement will significantly enhance PIA’s capability of merchandising, retailing, and product differentiation. NDC certification will not only help PIA to take its distribution standard to the next level but will also facilitate better servicing its passengers, travel agents, and industry partners, accelerating PIA’s digital transformation.

On this achievement, CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik appreciated PIA teams from IT and Commercials Departments, as well as for the strong support from its Passenger Services System (PSS) provider HITIT Computer Systems. He further added that this achievement is the proof of PIA’s commitment to become the airline of choice for the travel agents, distribution partners and as well as our valued passengers.

For more information, contact:
General Manager
Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
PIA Head Office Airport
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99043823
Fax: +92-21-34572225, +92-21-34570419
Cell: +92-322-7420707
Website: www.piac.com.pk

US Consulate General, KMC launch project to restore Frere Hall

Karachi, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):The US Consulate General in Karachi and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), in partnership with the Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS), launched a conservation project to restore Frere Hall on the 156th anniversary of Frere Hall’s public opening. The U.S. Consulate General gave a grant under the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to SEAS, who will carry out the project.

US Consul General Mark Stroh, Karachi City Administrator Murtaza Wahab, SEAS President Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari, and SEAS Secretary General Dr. Asma Ibrahim took part in a ceremony to officially commence the project and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Several renowned architects, artists, educators, and intellectuals attended the event.

Noting that the United States has awarded more than $6.4 million dollars (approximately 1.1 billion rupees) for 30 such cultural heritage projects in Pakistan, U.S. Consul General Mark Stroh explained, “The United States has deep respect for Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, this project at Frere Hall is a testament of our commitment to work with Pakistan and Sindh province to preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.”

The conservation project of the historic Frere Hall building will restore original elements and return the site to its full capacity and traditional glory. This effort will conserve and strengthen the historic building. Work will include stabilization of the Hall’s vintage staircase, restoration of the teak wooden flooring on the first floor, foyer rehabilitation, conservation of doors and windows previously damaged from bomb blasts, rainwater prevention measures, repair of damaged waterproofing of the roof, installation of new electric wiring distribution, and rehabilitation and conservation of the tilting and damaged turret and tower. SEAS will also document, assess, and report in detail on the existing structure and its conservation issues for further future projects.

These efforts will ensure this Karachi landmark will serve the public well into the next century. US cultural heritage efforts range from preserving Gandhara and Mughal heritage to the restoration of architecturally significant Hindu monuments and Sufi shrines. In Sindh, other previous U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation projects include the restoration of the tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the Makli Hill necropolis, the conservation of Varun Dev temple and the restoration of the Nusserwanjee building at the Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture.

For more information, contact:
Spokesperson,
Consulate General of the United States of America
Plot No 3-5, TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road,
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35275000 Ext: 5242
Fax: +92-21-35275985
Cell: +92-302-8294015
Email: asmusbp@state.gov
Website: http://karachi.usconsulate.gov

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar expresses deep sense of sorrow and grief over death of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, former President and Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences with the bereaved family.

In his condolence message, the CM paid tributes to the services of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan for Kashmir cause and he always remained ahead for struggle of Kashmiri people. The services of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan for Kashmir can never be forgotten. The CM prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar expresses deep sense of sorrow over death of Farooq Feroze Khan

Lahore, October 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the death of Farooq Feroze Khan, former Air Chief Marshal. The CM prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

For more information, contact:
Office of the Chief Minister of Punjab
Government of the Punjab
8-Club Road, GOR-I, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99205562-3
Fax: +92-42-99205561
Website: https://cm.punjab.gov.pk/