Ministries – Page 429 – PPI News Agency

December 21, 2020

62 more people died of Coronavirus in the country during last 24 hrs

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): 62 more people died of Coronavirus in the country during the last twenty-four hours. According to latest statistics, 1792 people tested covid positive during this period after tests of 34,772 people. The figure of active Covid cases in the country is 40,491 while 409,085 people have been recovered from the virus.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

December 21, 2020

UAE would never twist relations with Pakistan on behest of Indian regime: Foreign Minister

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the United Arab Emirates would never twist relations with Pakistan on behest of Indian regime. In an interview with a private television channel, he said Pakistan is holding excellent ties with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other countries in the region. The Foreign Minister said India has relations with UAE but Pakistan holds a unique importance with Arab countries.

In reply to a question about suspension of visa for Pakistanis by UAE, he said it is a temporary halt and the matter would be addressed after normalization of COVID-19, tense situation. To another question, the Foreign Minister said besides other matters, Afghanistan issue was also discussed during his visit to the UAE.

December 21, 2020

Covid: Many countries impose UK travel bans over new variant

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): European nations have begun to impose travel bans on the UK after it reported a more-infectious and “out of control” coronavirus variant. Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium are all halting flights. The measures vary and are initially short-term but the French rules also affect Channel freight.

An EU meeting today morning will discuss a more co-ordinated response. The new variant has spread quickly in London and south-east England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday introduced a new tier four level of restrictions for those areas, scrapping a planned relaxation of rules over the Christmas period for millions of people.

Top health officials said that there was no evidence the new variant was more deadly, or would react differently to vaccines, but it was proving to be up to 70% more transmissible. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the new strain “was out of control. We have got to get it under control”, admitting that this was “an incredibly difficult end to frankly an awful year”.

December 21, 2020

EU rights activist calls out India; suggests lawsuit over DisinfoLab findings

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): A European Union-based human rights activist Andy Vermaut has described the EU DisinfoLab’s revelations as enormously damaging, and called for lawsuit against Indian government to avert recurrence of fake news propaganda. In an interview with Islamabad Policy Research Institute, he said this should have consequences for Indian government that has the final responsibility and it should be held accountable in the court.

Andy Vermaut is an official member of “The International Alliance for Defence of Rights and Freedoms, constituted by the United Nations and also President of PostVersa, Human Rights and Fundamental Rights chapter. Andy Vermaut urged all victim parties to sit down together for legal proceedings against India for its enormous damage to Pakistan, China, European Union, the United Nations as well as the minorities living in India.

December 21, 2020

Maximum facilities to be ensured during upcoming Hajj 2021: Qadri

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri says all out efforts would be made to ensure maximum facilities for the pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj. He was talking to media in Karachi, after attending a Hajj Conference with representatives of Hajj Organisers Association Pakistan and Hajj Organisers Association Sindh.

The Minister said Saudi Arabia has not yet announced a clear policy for Hajj-2021. He said all stakeholders would be consulted and their suggestions would be shared with the Saudi officials. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said the government would make efforts for ensuring minimum cost of Hajj, however if there would be SOPs, Hajj may be expensive.

December 21, 2020

New trade markets being explored to achieve $26 billion dollars export target: Razzak Dawood

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razzak Dawood says new trade markets are being explored across the world, to achieve the 26 billion dollars export target in next three years.

In an interview with APP, he said trade diversification, regional trade integration through Gwadar Port and exploring new markets in Africa, North and South America and enhancing production of engineering goods are main agenda of the government to boost exports.

The Advisor said regional trade and economic integration would play a huge role in enhancing connectivity with Central Asian States and Afghanistan. He said another major focus of the government is on expanding the role of digital economy and connecting with international market, to increase exports and create new employment opportunities for youth.

December 21, 2020

Government effectively working to control child abuse: Shireen Mazari

Islamabad, December 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari says the government is effectively working to control child abuse and ensure protection of women’s rights. Talking to a private news channel, she said the government has imposed ban on child labour in the federal capital and stern action would be taken against the violators.