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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Ministry to handle pension cases online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457604/ministry-to-handle-pension-cases-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457604/ministry-to-handle-pension-cases-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Feb 24 19:38:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2457604</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Teachers and non-teaching staff are expected to benefit from the digital process]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab School Education Department is set to implement an online system for handling all pension-related cases starting from March 1.

The pilot project will be initiated in ten districts of the province including Rawalpindi during the first phase, with a complete transition to online processing in all 42 districts by July 1, 2024, as announced in a circular from the ministry of education. The move aims to eliminate manual acceptance of pension cases in the designated districts, a step welcomed by teacher organisations.

Teachers bodies believe that online filing of pension cases will effectively combat corruption and bribery.

Teachers and non-teaching staff are expected to benefit from the digital process, eliminating the need for physical visits to offices and reducing associated distress. The online pension system will commence initially in South Punjab, with a dedicated app already released for the project following a successful trial. The entire process, including the scrutiny of pension documents and obtaining pension approval, will be conducted through the online platform.

Leaders of teacher organisations, Muhammad Shafiq Bhalwalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja, commend the education department for the decision to transition to an online system, considering it a positive step for the education sector.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Online salary transaction for labourers ordered</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453827/online-salary-transaction-for-labourers-ordered</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453827/online-salary-transaction-for-labourers-ordered#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 24 20:26:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[DNA.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453827</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in wage disbursements]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The caretaker Sindh government has issued directives to industrialists, urging them to ensure the online disbursement of salaries for industrial workers, along with the strict implementation of labour rights and relevant laws and regulations.

The Sindh Provincial Steering Committee for Business and Human Rights convened in Karachi on Friday, with caretaker Sindh Minister for Law and Human Rights, Muhammad Omar Soomro, presiding over the meeting. 

The committee emphasised the need to eradicate forced or voluntary labour, child labour, and discriminatory practices based on gender, colour, and creed within the workplaces.

Minister Umar Soomro directed the departments of labour and Industry to ensure compliance with the law by facilitating online salary payments for workers in industries and factories. 

&quot;The move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in wage disbursements, ensuring that workers receive the government-mandated wages&quot;, he said.

He said that a strict action will be taken against those who fail to adhere to the prescribed regulations. 

Industries secretary, Rashid Ahmad Solangi, revealed that although the law mandates industrialists in Sindh to deposit workers&#39; salaries directly into their bank accounts, non-compliance was widespread among industrialists.

SHRC Chairman, Iqbal Ahmed Detho, informed the meeting about complaints received from various locations, citing instances where workers were not receiving the stipulated minimum wages. 

The Commission has issued notices to several industries and institutions in this regard. 

The meeting was attended by Human Rights Secretary Tahseen Fatima, Industries Secretary Rashid Solangi, Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairman, Iqbal Ahmed Detho.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>App to issue online learner licences</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449842/app-to-issue-online-learner-licences</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449842/app-to-issue-online-learner-licences#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Dec 23 20:14:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449842</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Individuals can simply search for “DLIMS” on Google or input address “dlims.punjab.gov.pk”]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a significant stride towards digital empowerment, citizens in Punjab can now acquire their new learner driving licences through the Punjab Information Technology Board&rsquo;s (PITB) innovative Driving Licence Issuance Management System (DLIMS 2.0).

The announcement came from PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf during a comprehensive review meeting held at the Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP).

Read&nbsp;LHC directs action against SHOs if motorists found without licenses

The meeting underscored the user-friendly enhancements in the application process, making it more accessible for citizens across Punjab.

To kick-start the application, individuals can simply search for &ldquo;DLIMS&rdquo; on Google or input the address &ldquo;dlims.punjab.gov.pk&rdquo; in their browsers. Subsequently, a user-friendly form will appear, prompting applicants to provide essential information such as their name, identity card details, and other required particulars.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Zoom acquires Workvivo to enhance hybrid work model</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412232/zoom-acquires-workvivo-to-enhance-hybrid-work-model</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412232/zoom-acquires-workvivo-to-enhance-hybrid-work-model#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 23 08:11:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2412232</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Workvivo provides options like surveys, activity feeds, shout-outs, email digests and more for better communication]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Zoom has acquired the employee communications platform Workvivo to help companies improve their internal communication and culture.

After the increased use in the pandemic, Zoom has constantly improved its platform to engage and retain more users. With Workvivo on board, the company&nbsp;aims to &quot;fully unlock the potential of their employees and evolve their company culture in a hybrid world&quot;.

As per ZDNet, Workvivo provides multiple options such as polls, surveys, activity feeds, shout-outs, email digests, community groups, organisation charts, and shared calendars, which will help better communication among employees in a digital/hybrid workspace.



We believe people work to live, not live to work &ndash; which is why we&rsquo;re excited to share @workvivo will be joining our team! Together, we will expand our platform and focus on putting your people at the heart of work. 💙🎉 https://t.co/LfzuXsEywX
&mdash; Zoom (@Zoom) April 14, 2023


As per Zoom, &quot;engaging employees and driving culture through connection is no longer a &lsquo;nice to have&rsquo; &mdash; it&rsquo;s imperative for success in today&rsquo;s business environment&quot;.&nbsp;As a result, acquiring Workvivo aligns with the platform&#39;s vision.

Zoom is, however, yet to release&nbsp;the terms and conditions of the deal.]]>
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			<title>Importance of e-commerce for Pakistan’s growth</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2404587/importance-of-e-commerce-for-pakistans-growth</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2404587/importance-of-e-commerce-for-pakistans-growth#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Mar 23 19:37:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asad Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2404587</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sector may continue growing, driven by internet penetration, middle class]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The e-commerce sector in Pakistan has achieved significant growth over the past few years, thanks to the increasing internet and smartphone penetration.

According to a report of eMarketer, Pakistan&rsquo;s e-commerce sales are projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2023, up from $1.2 billion in 2018. This article will explore the state of e-commerce sector, its challenges and opportunities, and how it is expected to evolve in the future.

E-commerce in Pakistan is still in its nascent stages, but it is growing rapidly. A report of the State Bank of Pakistan says the number of registered e-commerce merchants increased from 571 in 2015 to 1,516 in 2019. Similarly, the number of e-commerce transactions increased from 3.4 million in 2015 to 29.7 million in 2019.

Several factors are driving the growth of e-commerce. Firstly, the increasing use of smartphones and internet has made it easier for people to shop online.

We Are Social says in its report Pakistan has 97 million internet users, representing 38.7% of the population. Similarly, the number of mobile phone users in the country is expected to reach 161 million by 2025, up from 113.6 million in 2020, according to a report of GSMA.

Secondly, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce, as people are opting for online shopping to avoid physical contact. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority says there was a 35% increase in e-commerce sales during the first wave of the pandemic.

Thirdly, the government of Pakistan has been taking steps to promote e-commerce. In 2019, the government launched the E-commerce Policy Framework, which is aimed at creating an enabling environment for the growth of e-commerce.

The policy includes measures such as simplifying the tax system, improving the logistics infrastructure and providing training and support to e-commerce entrepreneurs.

Despite its rapid growth, the e-commerce sector faces several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of trust among consumers.

According to a report of the Pakistan Software Export Board, only 18% of Pakistanis have ever made an online purchase, citing concerns of fraud and security as the main reason.

Another challenge is the lack of a robust logistics infrastructure. World Bank says in its report logistics cost accounts for around 18% of the value of goods in Pakistan, compared to 8-10% in developed countries. This is due to factors such as poor road infrastructure, a lack of standardised packaging, and inefficient customs procedures.

Payment infrastructure is also a major challenge. While digital payment solutions such as JazzCash and easypaisa have gained popularity, many people still prefer cash-on-delivery as a payment method. This poses a challenge to e-commerce businesses, as they have to deal with the risk of fraud and non-payment.

Despite the challenges, there are several opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities is the large and growing population of Pakistan. According to the United Nations, Pakistan is the world&rsquo;s fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 220 million. This represents a huge potential market for e-commerce businesses.

Another opportunity is the growing middle class. McKinsey &amp; Company says Pakistan&rsquo;s middle class is expected to double by 2030, reaching 100 million people. This presents an opportunity for e-commerce businesses to target a growing market of consumers who have the purchasing power to buy online.

Moreover, the rise of social media presents another opportunity. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are widely used in Pakistan, and many businesses have leveraged these platforms to reach potential customers.

E-commerce businesses can also use social media platforms to market their products and services and reach a wider audience.

Pakistan&rsquo;s e-commerce sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, a growing middle class, and government support. However, the sector also faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its continued growth.

One area that needs improvement is the logistics infrastructure. The government and private sector need to invest in improving the road infrastructure, standardising packaging, and streamlining customs procedures to reduce logistics cost and improve efficiency of the supply chain.

Another area that needs improvement is the payment infrastructure. While digital payment solutions have gained popularity, more needs to be done to increase the adoption of these solutions and reduce reliance on cash-on-delivery.

This includes improving awareness of digital payment solutions, enhancing security measures, and providing incentives to consumers to use digital payments.

The writer is a member of PEC and has done Master&rsquo;s in Engineering

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2023.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Online self-assessment for inter students on the cards</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2403344/online-self-assessment-for-inter-students-on-the-cards</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2403344/online-self-assessment-for-inter-students-on-the-cards#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Feb 23 20:51:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ayesha Khan Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2403344</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Only students passing this test will be allowed to sit annual exams]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Sindh Education Department is considering introducing an online examination system in colleges to assess the students before the annual examination at the intermediate level. 

This will not only help the intermediate students perform better in their annual exam but will also help assess their academic ability. Forms for the board exam will be issued only to those students who pass this online self-assessment test.

This has been decided by Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Secretary College Education Department Ahmed Bakhsh Narejo in their meeting. The College Education Department would be responsible for monitoring the online test which will be conducted across the province at the same time. 

A regular marks sheet will be issued to the students and those securing positions will be awarded prizes and scholarships. 

Narejo told The Express Tribune that the College Education Department would introduce the online self-assessment system soon. &quot;Now students will take test of each subject to evaluate their ability. This will help them prepare well for their annual exams,&quot; he added. &quot;This test will be conducted through SECCAP website.&quot;

The test will be designed by the College Education Department. &quot;Class timetable of teachers, academic plans, and how much course they have covered will be made available online and linked with this test system,&quot; Rashid Ahmad Khoso, Deputy Director of Colleges, Sindh, told The Express Tribune.

&quot;This will be a testing system of international level which will be monitored through various online apps,&quot; he added.

Narejo, meanwhile, added that the Sindh Colleges Department has given scholarships to 5,000 deserving students at the university level. The problem of teachers&#39; recruitment has also been resolved with the Sindh Public Service Commission, he added.

&quot;More than 3,000 teachers will be recruited; of which, orders of 1,500 have been approved in the first phase, while the remaining teachers will be recruited in the second phase,&quot; he added. &quot;This will help overcome shortage of subject teachers in the colleges.&quot;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Mashal Khan notifies FIA cybercrime wing against acid attack threat online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322157/mashal-khan-notifies-fia-cybercrime-wing-against-acid-attack-threat-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322157/mashal-khan-notifies-fia-cybercrime-wing-against-acid-attack-threat-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Sep 21 08:18:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2322157</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A troll threatened to gather users who'd be willing to throw acid on the starlet underneath a photo of hers.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Recently, actor Mashal Khan received a violent threat online in the form of a troll, whom she rightfully reported to the National Response Centre for Cyber Crime.

The Suno Chanda actor hit back at the netizen, who hurled vile abuses at her in a comment, while threatening to gather users who&rsquo;d be willing to assist in &lsquo;throwing acid&rsquo; at the starlet.

Mashal shared this comment on her Instagram Stories and wrote, &ldquo;This is beyond disgusting. This person&rsquo;s life must be really pathetic for them to hide behind a screen and [pass] hallow threats under my pictures. P.S. Cyber Crime has been contacted.&rdquo;

The netizen&#39;s comment read: &ldquo;Guys, please help me to acid attack on this beshiya, Mashal Khan. She is beshiya and should be removed from our society; Mashal Khan, acid attack game on!&rdquo;4



The comment was reportedly made under a picture Mashal shared on August 22. The photo saw her donning an exquisite, red velvet shoulder-less gown, which irked Pakistan&rsquo;s moral brigade, albeit, the comment has either been removed or can&#39;t be spotted anymore.





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A post shared by Mashal Khan (@mashalkh)




On the work front, Mashal is currently featuring in Qissa Meherbano Ka opposite Ahsan Khan.

An actor and model, Mashal debuted on television with 2018&rsquo;s mega-hit, Suno Chanda. She reprised her role in Suno Chanda 2 and went on to feature in Khaas, Dikhawa, Dulhan, among others.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Spoiler alert! 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' alleged trailer leaks online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2316828/spoiler-alert-spider-man-no-way-home-alleged-trailer-leaks-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2316828/spoiler-alert-spider-man-no-way-home-alleged-trailer-leaks-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 21 09:17:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2316828</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sony deals with a whack-a-mole situation as Twitter trends, YouTube thumbnails spoil MCU’s worst-kept secrets.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[On Sunday, Sony had been on its toes in an attempt to take down what appeared to be a leaked trailer for its highly anticipated Spider-Man: No Way Home, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The upcoming superhero installment has been trending on the micro-blogging site&nbsp;since some users shared what appeared to be the trailer, others however, spent their time trolling Sony and warning the alleged leaker.

Sony did not immediately respond to a request for a comment from the aforementioned publication.

Some tweets sharing the video of the alleged trailer were also taken down with users being subjected to a copyright statement. &ldquo;The media has been disabled in response to a report from the copyright owner,&rdquo; a message read. The outlet, upon viewing the alleged leak, also dubbed the contents of the trailer legitimate but refused to share specifics, keeping in line with the ethics of reporting.

The studio, however, has been in a whack-a-mole situation, according to the news report, since the blocking of one video from a Twitter handle would prompt the posting of it from another.&nbsp;Spider-Man fans have been chomping at the first look of No Way Home since rumors swirled about who will appear from the previous Spider-Man films.

According to the BGR, the film will see a multiverse. The outlet alleges that Marvel is having a hard time trying to deny leaks, and an even harder time trying to convince fans that it won&rsquo;t be a multiverse, since many have claimed they saw Loki in the unauthorized leak. The outlet also promises that No Way Home will feature villains from all of Sony&rsquo;s old Spider-Man films, including Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), who had confirmed that he will be reprising the role from the Sam Raimi films. He had also detailed how his character will return to life.

Many have also alleged that both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will play their respective Spider-Man versions, since you can&rsquo;t bring back the villains from other Spider-Man films without also restoring the heroes. But there are no guarantees for either one of these spoilers.

According to another Spidey-centric leak by Games Radar, a recent photo from the set of the film shows&nbsp;Doctor Strange meeting up with Holland&rsquo;s Peter Parker. That crossover has been backed up by a series of No Way Home merchandise, which feature&nbsp;Benedict Cumberbatch&rsquo;s Sorcerer Supreme and Wong (Benedict Wong) in the Sanctum Santorum with the webhead.

Spider&ndash;Man: No Way Home is currently slated to arrive in theaters in December 17.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Balochistan introduces online tax system</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314956/balochistan-introduces-online-tax-system</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314956/balochistan-introduces-online-tax-system#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 21 19:46:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2314956</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Provincial finance minister hopes mechanism will steer transparency in system]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government of Balochistan has installed online tax collection system in a bid to enhance revenue receipts and promote tax culture in the province.

During a meeting held for signing of tripartite agreement for installation of online tax collection system, Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi said that the initiative would not only facilitate taxpayers in the province but also steer transparency in the system.

&ldquo;The installation of online tax collection system will eventually bring sustainable reforms in revenue generation of the provincial government,&rdquo; he said.

The finance department has introduced the online tax collection system that is in line with Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal&rsquo;s vision of overcoming budget deficit and ensuring facilities to the business community.

The provincial minister said that the outdated system of tax collection was being digitised to enable people to pay taxes to the government of Balochistan from any part of the country.

Detailing further, he said that sales tax on services would be collected in the first phase under the system of alternative delivery channels which would provide facilities to the people.

Buledi termed introduction of the system historic and said that disbursement of taxes would now be possible through internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, easy paisa and other modern means while eliminating suspicion.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2021.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Online education: the new abnormal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2312850/online-education-the-new-abnormal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2312850/online-education-the-new-abnormal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 21 17:36:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M Zeb Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2312850</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Over the last one and half years of rollercoaster, one has seen education in Pakistan going downhill.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Some universities around the globe had put in place strategic plans to capitalise on ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and make a gradual shift to online education prior to the Covid-19. Back then, it was planned to capture the untapped remote markets by following the first-mover strategy. But now it has become a new fad thanks to the pandemic and breakthrough innovations in the IoTs (internet of things). This, however, is not a panacea that one can advise for any disease to anyone!

Does this paradigmatic shift bode well for education or otherwise in countries like Pakistan is a question that policymakers and academicians need to ponder over from all aspects of learning. Over the last one and half years of rollercoaster (going online and offline), one has seen education in Pakistan going downhill. Barring a few exceptions, most academic institutions had no IT infrastructure in place to tackle the mounting challenge of online admissions, teaching, and examination. Nor were the faculty and staff trained to understand, let alone address, the new problems. 

Most educational institutions took the easy path of doing nothing until it became an issue of survival for them to do something (that too was some sort of window dressing and maintaining the fa&ccedil;ade). Students, imprisoned at home, were advised to stay tuned to an online platform with no system for checking their identity, ensuring their active participation, and giving them opportunity to make smooth psychological transition. It was mostly a unilateral delivery of content that made students uninterested at best and resentful at worst. 

The quality of voice happened to be so poor that most students would prefer surfing the net (Facebook being a good pastime place) to deciphering distorted sounds. Besides this, students belonging to rural areas had connectivity issues and many of them did not have the necessary gadgets for online education. In some cases, students had to travel long distances to come to main cities for taking exams. The hassle and fatigue, in turn, proved taxing on their academic performance. 

Despite every attempt by some institutions, cheating permeated even more in online examinations. It was a heyday for free riders and duffer students. With no physical supervision, one can turn to Google and other search engines for help to answer any conceptual/technical question. To avoid being caught by Turnitin (a software used to detect plagiarism), some over-smart students would turn in handwritten WORD/PDF documents/images besides doing translation/retranslation of the stuff got from online sources. Verbal exams met similar fate with no objective criteria to evaluate one&rsquo;s knowledge of all key areas of a subject.

Socialisation, one of the core objectives of education, happened to be an orphan with no institution doing anything for personality grooming of students during the Covid crisis. On-campus interaction of students creates opportunities for debate/discussion on social/political issues, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Online interaction, limited by time and cultural inhibitions, makes it difficult to acquire interpersonal skills and develop critical thinking abilities. School-going children, in particular, remained dormant with no interest in outdoor activities. 

This new &lsquo;abnormal&rsquo;, however, was a blessing in disguise for many individuals and academic institutions. Private institutions, without paying salaries and other expenditure, charged full tuition fee from students for poor quality recorded lectures and PowerPoint slides. Those in the government institutions, on the other hand, had no motivation to even try some form of online education. They offered the usual excuse of unavailability of funds and infrastructure. 

The challenge for educationists has always been addressing the questions of what to teach and how to teach to produce graduates who, besides knowing more and better than those who have no chance of going through any formal education, are better citizens. Online education, the one we observed during the pandemic, has fallen short on all counts and should not be allowed to become a substitute for on-campus education. It should be a stand-by option available for abnormal situations with all its essential elements in place before full-scale implementation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2021.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Online grocery shopping gains traction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2312117/online-grocery-shopping-gains-traction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2312117/online-grocery-shopping-gains-traction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 21 16:46:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2312117</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Companies aim to utilise technology to bridge gap between producers and consumers]]>
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				<![CDATA[The online grocery business has gained traction since the Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan and businesses specialising in this segment are taking benefit of digitalisation to bring producers and consumers closer.

&ldquo;Online shopping is transforming the business environment in Pakistan and giving a push to the idea of creating operational efficiencies by using technology,&rdquo; remarked Fowrry Founder and CEO Adeel Hasan while talking to The Express Tribune.

Fowrry &ndash; a mobile application for delivering groceries &ndash; has generated over 3,000 jobs and its current revenue stands at $352,000.

Customers are gaining more and more knowledge day after day and are using technology to access online marketplaces to compare prices of different products and buy them.

With new companies emerging frequently and growing competition in the grocery shopping segment, Hasan considers it a perfect time to educate the consumers about the online delivery model.

&ldquo;A majority of consumers still rely on the brick and mortar business model to purchase essential commodities,&rdquo; he pointed out.

Outlining his company&rsquo;s vision, he said that Fowrry aimed to bridge the gap between the customers and grocery producers. He expressed the determination to achieve operational efficiency through economies of scale.

He revealed that 300 people were indirectly connected to his company. The enterprise has been working closely with the Islamabad Administration since 2019 to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to the consumers at prices set by the government.

&ldquo;We envisage the delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables that are on a par with international standards,&rdquo; he stressed.

Echoing Hasan&rsquo;s views, GrocerApp CEO Ahmad Saeed said that the role of middlemen was necessary in big grocery markets, but his enterprise targeted to minimise the middlemen intervention by setting up multiple centres where farmers could supply their produce directly.

He pointed out that the farmers were earning 15-20% more from the digital platforms while the consumers were also taking benefit of them.

Highlighting the business model, he said that his firm was striving to optimise the consumer-to-producer supply chain, which would allow the consumers to receive a high value for their money.

&ldquo;Digital platforms are efficient in terms of operation and cost,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The warehouses utilised by such platforms are located in the suburbs of different cities, which cost one-fourth of the rates for premium grocery warehouses.&rdquo;

He added that his business passed on the impact of cost saved from overheads to the consumers, which provided relief for them.

&ldquo;We have plans to enter the meat category and introduce pulses on the application,&rdquo; he said, highlighting that digitalisation was helping in the process.

To date, the company has secured a total of $9.7 million in funding from different ventures.

He emphasised that grocery was a $60 billion market, hence it was impossible for a single player to cater to the needs of all consumers.

&ldquo;Grocery remains a constant challenge, especially for women as they rely on their male counterparts to purchase it,&rdquo; said Saeed. &ldquo;This is where we got the idea for the startup as it does not only provide a business opportunity for us but also facilitates the women in purchasing groceries.&rdquo;

Encouraging entrepreneurship

Speaking about the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Pakistan, Hasan said that establishing a business was a huge challenge faced by the youth due to the high cost of setting up online enterprises in addition to the cost of doing business.

He revealed that his company offered technological platforms without any initial setup cost or monthly subscription in a bid to enable Pakistanis to start their own business and sell goods in the local market regardless of their location.

Hasan added that the startup was focusing on women-led businesses amid the Covid challenges. &ldquo;Due to market closure and reduced physical business activity, women-led businesses have received a significant dent,&rdquo; he said.

The writer is a staff correspondent

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2021.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Platforms like PMDA necessary, says Habib</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2309051/platforms-like-pmda-necessary-says-habib</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2309051/platforms-like-pmda-necessary-says-habib#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 21 05:13:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2309051</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister says govt committed to streamlining media]]>
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				<![CDATA[Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib on Monday said the government was in negotiations with international social media giants to convince them to set up representative offices in Pakistan, without which it was difficult to monitor harmful and offensive content online.

&ldquo;Experience has shown that on a number of occasions social media has been used to propagate anti-Pakistan as well as anti-Muslim agenda &ndash; mostly from artificial accounts set up in India &ndash; and it becomes difficult to interact with those platforms until they have representation inside the country,&rdquo; he was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE).

The minister was addressing concerns of representatives of the CPNE (&ldquo;control the country&rsquo;s media, which is not possible in the modern age of information&rdquo;) during a visit to the head office of Daily Times in Lahore.

&ldquo;Our efforts are aimed at facilitating the flow of genuine news while rooting out fake and false propaganda in the shortest possible time,&rdquo; he said, alleging that it was because of lack of proper communication between interest groups and stakeholders that certain members of the press got the impression that the government wanted to &ldquo;control&rdquo; it.

That, according to him, was precisely why the government felt it was necessary to have a platform like the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA). It read: &ldquo;Minister of State Farrukh Habib has taken it upon himself to personally interact with all stakeholders and explain the official position.&rdquo;

The minister said that the government was committed to streamlining the entire media industry in keeping with the evolving demands and trends of the present times and for that purpose the PMDA was meant to act as an &ldquo;umbrella organization.&rdquo;

Representatives of the press were &ldquo;fearful&rdquo; that the authority might be misused to exercise central control over the flow of news in the country and advised the government against &ldquo;reinventing the wheel,&rdquo; but the minister explained that all commissions and tribunals that are proposed in the PMDA would have due and equal representation from the industry to make sure that their interests were not compromised.]]>
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			<title>9 takeaways from Zara Noor Abbas' online Q&amp;A</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307723/9-takeaways-from-zara-noor-abbas-online-qa</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307723/9-takeaways-from-zara-noor-abbas-online-qa#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 21 07:05:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2307723</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor shared her likes, dislikes and beliefs in a recent #AskZara Twitter session]]>
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				<![CDATA[Popular actor Zara Noor Abbas, who has managed to earn a name for herself with her sheer hard work and perseverance, recently took to Twitter to engage in a Q&amp;A with her followers.

The 31-year-old, who recently made waves with her work in Ehd-e-Wafa and Zebaish, has often had to tackle allegations of nepotism and detail her quick jump to fame in Pakistan&rsquo;s entertainment industry, provided her family background.

But in a first of her many to come one on ones with fans, Zara has opened up about her likes, dislikes and beliefs. Taking to the micro-blogging site on Sunday night, she wrote, &ldquo;Is it too late for an #AskZara right now? If not, fire away,&rdquo; and so netizens followed! Here&#39;s a lowdown of nine juicy details the starlet shared in her online session.

Favourite hobby

Being an actor, Zara likes to watch old-school films, shocking right?



Movies. Ufh. Purani Wo bhi. https://t.co/tShosP201Z
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Favourite place

&ldquo;Santorini jana hai (I want to go to Santorini). It&rsquo;s in Greece, one day [I will], InshAllah,&rdquo; tweeted the actor.



Santorini jana hai. It&rsquo;s in Greece. One day InshAllah :) https://t.co/5LhhyBZBTQ
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Modeling or acting?

&ldquo;I like acting, I don&rsquo;t know how to model,&rdquo; admitted Zara.



Bohat shukria ❤️
I like acting. Mujhe modeling naheen atee :) https://t.co/BhzKGOHgt3
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Favourite writer

&ldquo;Sajji Gul and Umera Ahmed,&rdquo; confessed the starlet.



Sajji Gul!!!!! And Umera Ahmed 🌱 https://t.co/HPWfKSvntf
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Comfort food

When a user offered to send food, provided their mother would like to cook something for Zara and her family, the Parey Hut Love star &ndash; without hesitation &ndash; wrote, &ldquo;Mothers are so sweet. My favourite is biryani, any day!&rdquo;



Mothers are so sweet.
My favourite is Biryani. ANYDAY!! https://t.co/dP5kiECiGC
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Advice to younger self

&ldquo;Live freely, do not be afraid of anyone and never be dependent on anyone for emotional comfort,&rdquo; shared the actor.



To live freely. To not be afraid of anyone. And to never be dependant on anyone for emotional comfort. https://t.co/nxZbjp4dWD
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Favourite SRK film

&ldquo;There isn&rsquo;t one,&rdquo; admitted Zara. &ldquo;I love every single film of his, every ad, every interview and every word,&rdquo; shared the celebrity in a Mahira-esque fashion.



Ek naheen hai. Hur movie favourite hai. Hur commercial unka. Hur interview. Hur baat!! 😍 https://t.co/naU4mf6SNb
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Advice for a happy married life

&ldquo;A happy married life comes later, first comes a happy mind and a life of your own. [When] you make yourself happy, everyone [around you] will automatically be happy,&rdquo; shared Zara.



Happy Married life comes later. First comes an advice for a happy mind and life ON YOUR OWN. You make yourself happy. Everyone will be happy automatically. https://t.co/Vsb9fcH2Zh
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Favourite book

&ldquo;I really like Mrs Funny Bones by Mrs Funny Bones,&rdquo; concluded the actor.



I really like Mrs Funny Bones by @mrsfunnybones 🥳 https://t.co/VYlfobVuGe
&mdash; Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021


Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Ali Zafar wants online hate speech to qualify as punishable offence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307227/ali-zafar-wants-online-hate-speech-to-qualify-as-punishable-offence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307227/ali-zafar-wants-online-hate-speech-to-qualify-as-punishable-offence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 21 10:14:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2307227</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singer has praised Canada's latest bid to curb cyber-bullying the same way.]]>
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				<![CDATA[On Wednesday, Canada&rsquo;s government announced&nbsp;it plans to make online hate speech a crime punishable by as much as $20,000 (roughly&nbsp;$16,250&nbsp;US) for the first offense and $50,000 ($40,600 US)&nbsp;for the second, reported CBC.

The news&nbsp;comes after a 20-year-old man crashed&nbsp;his truck into a family of five in Ontario &ndash; killing everyone but a 9-year-old girl &ndash; in an anti-Muslim terror attack.

During a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Canada&rsquo;s Attorney General David Lametti assured Canadians that the proposed law is not meant to target &ldquo;simple expressions of dislike or disdain.&rdquo; Instead, the law is designed to punish extreme forms of hatred that &ldquo;expresses detestation or vilification of a person or group on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination.&rdquo;

After the news made its way to social media, Pakistani singer Ali Zafar shared it on his Twitter writing, &ldquo;Exactly what was needed. [The] same should be implemented here.&rdquo;



Exactly what was needed. Same should be implemented here. &ldquo;Canada to Make Online Hate Speech a Crime Punishable by $16,000 Fine&rdquo; https://t.co/Jb74K1Np1q
&mdash; Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) June 24, 2021



Sharing an excerpt from the article he posted, Zafar added, &ldquo;&#39;Hate speech directly contradicts the values underlying freedom of expression and our Charter of Rights,&#39; Lametti said. &#39;It threatens the safety and well-being of its targets. It silences and intimidates, especially when the target is a vulnerable person or community.&#39;&rdquo;

It is pertinent to mention here that in in September 2020, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)&#39;s special court registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Meesha Shafi and eight others on the accusations of running a social media campaign against Zafar.

&nbsp;​In his application, Zafar argued that the allegations against him were made under a premeditated plan conspired by Shafi, her friend and her lawyer, while numerous &lsquo;fake&rsquo; [social media] accounts were also created to run the &#39;Me Too&#39; campaign against him.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Experts seek end to tax on online marketplaces</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2306184/experts-seek-end-to-tax-on-online-marketplaces</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2306184/experts-seek-end-to-tax-on-online-marketplaces#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 21 19:51:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2306184</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say 17% tax will curb growth of the nascent e-commerce platforms]]>
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				<![CDATA[Experts have urged the government to withdraw the proposed general sales tax (GST) on e-commerce marketplaces, saying it would dwarf the growth of the nascent market.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Nest I/O Founder Jehan Ara tweeted, &ldquo;Marketplaces are a new phenomenon in this country and need much more time to grow and strengthen. 17% GST will be too much for them to bear.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Do we want to nip them in the bud?&rdquo; she questioned.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Daraz Group Global CFO Kiran Faruqi said, &ldquo;In the federal finance bill 2021, we as an online marketplace have seen several constructive developments, however, there have been certain changes proposed in the Sales Tax Act 1990, which pose a threat to the nascent marketplace industry in the country.&rdquo;

She said that the proposal states that platforms operating online marketplaces would now be included within the definition of tier-1 retailers and are proposed to be taxed at 17% on all transactions conducted on the platforms.

&ldquo;For an online marketplace model to work, the title of goods must remain with the seller - not the online marketplace as it would be the case if the proposal is implemented,&rdquo; Faruqi highlighted.

According to her, the proposal would effectively make the online marketplace a legal seller instead of the actual seller of the product.

&ldquo;Other countries even some Asian countries have imposed tax on online market places but their rate is very low,&rdquo; said Topline Securities ICT analyst Umair Naseer. &ldquo;The purpose of the government is to increase tax net but the equation should also be beneficial for all stakeholders.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We believe the proposal if passed, would drastically hamper the industry,&rdquo; she pointed out.

Without online marketplaces that help sellers effectively reach and engage with users by leveraging the internet and leading technology, SMEs likely would not be able to compete effectively and complete as many transactions; therefore reducing the overall economic activities, number of jobs created, and tax collections.

Endorsing views of his fellow experts, UNISAME President Zulfikar Thaver said, &ldquo;These policymakers have not understood the basic concept of sales tax.&rdquo;

&ldquo;As per the sales tax manual, it is imposed to discourage spending on the item, it is usually imposed on imported items or items made of imported raw materials; such as cigarettes, liquors, luxury items, etc whose buying is to be discouraged,&rdquo; he maintained

Thaver stated that due to Covid-19 pandemic, retail businesses adopted online platforms and instead of supporting them, the government is imposing sales tax.

The Daraz official highlighted that from consumers&rsquo; perspective, they would also lose convenient access to a large number of goods across categories that are important for their daily lives, negatively impacting the quality of their lives.

&ldquo;To achieve the ultimate goal of expanding tax net for SMEs, we believe it would be more beneficial to focus on creating incentives for unregistered retail participants to digitalise and register themselves - this would serve the digitalisation vision more fruitfully by activating SMEs and maximise long-term tax revenues,&rdquo; Faruqi suggested.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20h, 2021.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Hania Aamir is surviving another day in a misogynist world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2303807/hania-aamir-is-surviving-another-day-in-a-misogynist-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2303807/hania-aamir-is-surviving-another-day-in-a-misogynist-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jun 21 07:51:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2303807</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor's recent video was misrepresented, following which, she faced online harassment which was celebrated by many]]>
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				<![CDATA[Hania Aamir became the target of trolls after a now-deleted video posted by her sparked controversy. Several shared snippets from the video to spew hate against the actor and misrepresent the scenario.

In the midst of this bashing, according to Hania, another distasteful and off putting video surfaced on social media, which showed a man &ldquo;ejaculating&rdquo; to her picture &ldquo;on video on the internet.&rdquo; This video was then re-tweeted and &ldquo;made viral,&rdquo; according to the celebrity, who shared a response to the virtual harassment on her Instagram.

Taking to the photo-sharing app, the Dil Ruba star shared a clip of herself in tears with a caption reading, &ldquo;Just another day surviving in a misogynist world where double standards have power over innocence and where coexisting with difference of opinion is not a thing. Where a man trying to belittle a woman is applauded but if a woman does the same she is hated.&rdquo;





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View this post on Instagram


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A post shared by Hania Aamir 哈尼亚&middot;阿米尔 (@haniaheheofficial)




The actor then reinstated how her initial video, which was misrepresented, merely showed her affection towards her loved ones, but clearly, the opposite is acceptable in the world we live in. &ldquo;Where a woman showing affection to her loved ones is wrong but a man ejaculating on a woman&rsquo;s picture on video on the internet is re-tweeted and made viral content. Just another day surviving, hope you all are doing well in this disgusting world and keeping your goodness intact. Someone else&rsquo;s evil shouldn&rsquo;t ruin your goodness,&rdquo; she concluded. 

Hania&rsquo;s initial and now-deleted video showed her lying over Aashir Wajahat with Nayel Wajahat by her side and here&#39;s what trolls had to say:



Hania amir posted a video of her lying on ashir wajahat on bed ??!!!!! Wtf ??!!!Please don&#39;t come at me with any justification for this cringe🤮🤮#HaniaAamir
&mdash; عطاء المصطفیٰ (@your_mulberry) June 4, 2021





Is it only me who finds Hania Aamir&#39;s physical closeness weird with these Wajahat&#39;s kids... 😖😖
&mdash; Ennanana (@Enna_Ejaz) June 4, 2021





Bhai Baap director ho tu kya nhi ho skta!!!!! #HaniaAamir new #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/MRBIWobztw
&mdash; Hannan Dar (@HannanDar5) June 4, 2021





What is this behaviour Hania
Subha bahi bahi sham ko charpai#haniaamir#shame#HaniaAmir pic.twitter.com/y7CQ82fEbR
&mdash; Alishba🇵🇰🇪🇸 (@Alishba_MaLiK_) June 5, 2021



Nevertheless, fellow actors and social media celebs lent their support to Hania on the comment section of her response post. &ldquo;Small men with small minds and fragile egos will forever remain tiny, irrelevant and insignificant,&rdquo; wrote Ali Rehman Khan. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re stronger and braver than all of them put together, with a heart of gold to top it off. Keep shining that light of positivity and warmth wherever you go, because it makes a difference. You make a difference. You&rsquo;re incredible and you remind us every day of that fact. Lots of love,&rdquo; added the actor.

Dananeer, who&rsquo;s become best buds with Hania over the course of a few months, also chimed in saying, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve only known you for a couple of months but they were enough to concrete my belief in your beautiful, loving and warm heart. You&rsquo;re a lioness. These internet trolls can have a field day for all it matters, we know you. Larki lagi reh!&rdquo;

Have something to add to the story? share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>7 ways to break compulsive quarantine shopping habits</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2299433/7-ways-to-break-compulsive-quarantine-shopping-habits</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2299433/7-ways-to-break-compulsive-quarantine-shopping-habits#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 21 10:49:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2299433</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[For those prone to impulse buys, the combination of a lockdown and increasing online retail can be dangerous.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Contrary to popular belief, shopping has never been easier as retailers now rely on digital marketing to amp sales and consumers, shop online amid the coronavirus pandemic. You can simply log onto your favorite online store, select a few items and checkout. In a day or two, your package will arrive, making you happier and hoppier!

But for those prone to impulse buys, the lockdown combined with the increasing availability of online retail can be a dangerous one, according to Healthline. So as with any addiction, it can be tough to break such a pattern of behaviour. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s important to get to the root cause of the addiction, which varies across individuals,&rdquo; says Chloe Greenbaum, the founder and director of Premier Psychology Group.

Greenbaum mentioned that the root cause can range from emotions of anxiety and stress to feelings of being unfulfilled at work or in your personal relationships. And without professional help, it can be difficult to find the origin of compulsive shopping. However, below are a few practical steps you can take to break the habit.

1. Find dopamine offline

Find a constructive activity that gets you excited and does not require you to go online. Pour your energy into board games, ring people you love or listen to more music. If you must go online, watch a movie, but whatever you do, don&rsquo;t add to cart!



2. Develop a checklist 

When shopping, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Do I already have something similar? Why am I making this purchase?



3. Unsubscribe online retailers

If you think you&rsquo;re being watched, you&rsquo;re right. And if you think your thoughts are playing onscreen, you are most certainly right too. Email marketing is designed to hit people at the exact moment they&rsquo;re most tempted to shop. Remove triggers by blocking emails and ads.



4. Change relationship with electronics

Learn to put your phone away. Simply being on a phone or computer can be the first trigger to online shopping. &ldquo;Take a step back from electronics usage,&rdquo; Drew Pate, the chief of psychiatry at LifeBridge Health says.



5. Keep track of your spending

Keeping a meticulous record of your spending can help break a shopping habit, according to Greenbaum. After all, there&rsquo;s a reason why most of us hate to receive ATM receipts or check our current bank amount online.



6. Set clear limits

Instead of going cold turkey, set a budget for your shopping. This way, you can begin to separate what you want from what you need.



7. Wait a few days 

Instead of purchasing back-to-back, give yourself three days or a week before hitting checkout. Keeping items in your online shopping cart for a longer period of time helps you realise whether the purchase is a compulsive or a necessary one.



Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Online award ceremony for drawing contest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2299054/online-award-ceremony-for-drawing-contest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2299054/online-award-ceremony-for-drawing-contest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 21 20:23:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2299054</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[China’s Zhengzhou province, Gwadar arrange programme simultaneously]]>
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				<![CDATA[An online award ceremony related to a drawing contest between students of middle school in China&rsquo;s Henan province and Balochistan&rsquo;s Gwadar district held in Zhengzhou and Gwadar simultaneously, while the Sister School Contract Signing Ceremony was also held online.

Since the beginning of 2021, the drawing contest themed &ldquo;Pakistan in my heart&rdquo; and &ldquo;China in my heart&rdquo; started among students of the Affiliated Middle School of Henan Normal University, Zhengzhou No 122 Middle School and Gwadar Faqeer Middle School.

Nearly 20,000 Chinese and Pakistani teens attended the contest to depict their understanding and expectation of each other&#39;s country, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to a report published by China Economic Net (CEN) on Saturday.

&ldquo;Henan, the cradle of the Chinese nation and civilization, is an important province in China in terms of population, society, economy, science and technology. For crucial importance to China-Pakistan friendly relations, Henan devotes to developing bilateral economy, establishing sister city ties and promoting cultural exchanges with Pakistan,&quot; Henan Vice Governor Huo Jinhua said, while addressing the ceremony.

Pakistan Ambassador to China Moinul Haque, in his address, said Pakistanis would never forget the selfless assistance given to them by the Chinese government and people.

&quot;Particularly at the most difficult moment when the epidemic was raging, China provided Pakistan with urgently needed Covid-19 vaccines,&rdquo; he said, adding the neighbouring country saved incredible amount of lives in Pakistan.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong underlined that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. 

&quot;As the flagship project of the BRI, the CPEC has made great contributions to Pakistan&#39;s economic development and regional interconnection, while its construction is putting more emphasis on social welfare and people&#39;s livelihood,&quot; he said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2021.]]>
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			<title>No delay or cancellation in CAIE exams, confirms Shafqat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2295465/no-delay-or-cancellation-in-caie-exams-confirms-shafqat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2295465/no-delay-or-cancellation-in-caie-exams-confirms-shafqat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Apr 21 09:01:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2295465</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Physical classes for grades 1-8 to remain suspended; classes for grades 9-12 to be made regular in 'staggered manner']]>
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				<![CDATA[Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood announced on Sunday that A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will take place as per the date sheet announced by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and there will be no delay or cancellation.

The decision, he informed, was taken at a special meeting of health and education ministers of all provinces including Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Shafqat wrote on his official Twitter handle.

However, he added that students wishing to take their Cambridge exams in the October/November session instead will be allowed to do so in the same fee they have paid already.

&nbsp;



It was also decided with complete consensus among ministers that A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will take place as per date sheet announced by CAIES. There will be no delay or cancellation. Those students wishing to take exams in Oct/Nov can do so in the same fee already paid
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021


&nbsp;

&ldquo;[The] Meeting was also informed that Cambridge has decided not to give teacher assessed grades this year therefore those not taking exams will take them in the next cycle Oct/Nov. Cambridge also assured that all SOPs will be strictly followed,&rdquo; the education minister wrote.

&nbsp;



Meeting was also informed that Cambridge has decided not to give teacher assessed grades this year therefore those not taking exams will take them in the next cycle Oct/Nov. Cambridge also assured that all SOPs will be strictly followed
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021


&nbsp;

Moreover, the education minister stated that classes for grades 9 to 12 will commence in a staggered manner in all affected districts, to allow students to prepare for their board exams.

The meeting also decided that exams for the aforementioned classes will take place according to the new date sheets announced by the provincial education boards.

&nbsp;



A special meeting of Health and Education Ministers of all provinces and AJK/GB was held today. The following decisions were taken with complete consensus. 1) Classes 9 to 12 would commence in affected districts in a staggered manner to allow students to prepare for Board exams
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021


&nbsp;

Read Punjab to resume physical classes for grades 9-12 from Monday

&ldquo;This means [exams] will not start before 4th week of May,&rdquo; the minister wrote, adding that, &ldquo;University admissions schedule will be adjusted keeping in view the new exam time table.&rdquo;



2. 9 to 12 exams will take place according to the new date sheets announced by the Boards. This means will not start before 4th week of May. University admissions schedule will be adjusted keeping in view the new exam time table
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021


Read more Private schools warn of protests if on-campus classes not resumed

The meeting further decided that universities in affected districts will continue conducting classes online while districts with less than eight per cent positivity will be allowed to hold physical classes. Furthermore, classes 1 to 8 were decided to remain suspended across the country.



Universities in affected districts will continue online while in districts with less than 8% positivity they will continue to function
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021




It was also decided that classes 1 to 8 will remain closed. The details will be announced by the provinces and GB/AJK
&mdash; Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021


&ldquo;The following decisions were taken with complete consensus,&rdquo; said the federal education minister.

Read more Sindh suspends on-campus classes for grades I-VIII for 15 days

Previously, the government decided to extend the closure of schools &ndash; classes 1 to 8 &ndash; in the districts most affected by the coronavirus till the 28th of April.

Speaking to the media, Shafqat said that classes 9 to 12 would resume from April 19, even in the most-affected districts with strict adherence to the precautionary standard operating procedures (SOPs), while the board exams would be held from the third week of May.

&ldquo;These classes [1 to 8] can take place online but there will be no physical presence during the sessions,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It is the prerogative of the provinces to decide as to which of their districts are most affected and require strict measures.&rdquo;

The decisions were taken in a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) &ndash; the government&rsquo;s unified effort against the pandemic. The education minister said that the NCOC would review the situation on April 28.]]>
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			<title>Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK observes Kashmiri Women's Resistance Day</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2285996/tehreek-e-kashmir-uk-observes-kashmiri-womens-resistance-day</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2285996/tehreek-e-kashmir-uk-observes-kashmiri-womens-resistance-day#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 21 11:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2285996</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Conference aimed to awaken the world’s conscience on the century's most barbaric mass rape that took place in IIOJK]]>
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				<![CDATA[An online Conference on Kashmiri Women&#39;s Resistance Day was organised by Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragic Kunan and Poshpora mass rape incident and to honour the victims.

The conference aimed to awaken the world&rsquo;s conscience on the century&#39;s most barbaric mass rape, as the world has become a silent spectator of the heinous crimes of the Indian occupational forces, especially murder and rape, taking place in illegally Occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

The Conference was titled &ldquo;Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape with Denied Justice for 30 Years&quot;.

It was chaired by President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK Raja Fahim Kayani &amp; Moderated by Information Secretary Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK Rehana Ali.



The President of TEK UK, Raja Fahim Kayani said the following, in his opening remarks:

&quot;The Mass Kunan Poshpora rape incident of 1991 is an unforgettable incident in Kashmir&rsquo;s history. It was committed under the black RAPE Law under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1990&#39;s section 7 which gives impunity to the Indian army to search, torture, kill &amp; rape innocent Kashmiris &amp; burn their properties, even entirely on suspicion&quot;.

Kayani further said &quot;India should be sanctioned for its war crimes in IIOJ&amp;K. Former Australian Senator Lee Rhiannon while expressing her views said that, I pay tribute to the history, the culture, and struggle for justice of the Kashmiri people.

Rape is a shocking crime and has been used as a tactic of war to violate and humiliate women and through them, entire communities.

On 23 Feb 1991, in the villages of Kunan and Poshpora, Indian Forces committed mass rape of more than 100 young, old and minor women. It was a pre-planned crime and a systematic rape conducted by the Indian army.

Indian laws such as AFSPA effectively allow military personnel to get away with rape and brutality and the world needs to put more focus on violence perpetrated by Indian forces in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

Shaffaq Mohammed, a former liberal Democratic member of the European Parliament expressing his views said that the Kunan Poshpora Incident, where women from 2 Kashmir Villages were subjected to the most brutal acts of sexual violence are still awaiting justice after 30 years.

The United Nations passed Resolution 1820 in 2008 on Women &amp; Peace and Security to tackle the growing incidents of &ldquo;Rape as an Act of War&rdquo;.

The Special Envoy of UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie must speak in favour of the victims of Kunan Poshpora and bring their plights to the world&rsquo;s attention.

Mary Hunter Researcher for the Centre for Army Leadership and the London Institute of South Asia said that It has been repeatedly suggested by the Human Rights Watch that rape has been used as a &ldquo;weapon of war&rdquo; by the Indian security forces against the entire Kashmiri community.

As per the second UN report, published in 2019, stating that &ldquo;no progress&rdquo; has been made in bringing justice, Dr Farhan Mujahid Chak, Secretary-General Kashmir Civitas, said that on 23rd Feb 1991 4th Rajputana Rifles of the 68 Mountain Division of Indian Armed Forces entered Kunan &amp; Poshpora and mass raped more than 100 young and old women.



The world must come forward and the culprits of the Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape must be held accountable so that justice is served. Shamim Shawl, APHC Representative and Secretary-General Kashmir Tehreek-i- Khawateen during her address said that we demand Justice for Kunan Poshpora Mass Raped Victims and we demand the International Commission to investigate the Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape that occurred on 23rd Feb 1991 by Indian Occupational Forces.

Sheni Hamid Political Strategist &amp; Senior Political Advisor said that the brutal rape of the female villagers in 1991 in IOJK, by some Indian representatives, is indeed against all these conventions and against the UN&rsquo;s Human Rights Principles - which was being signed by India as well.

UNSC should consider investigating this particular matter further and upon the solid evidence, should also refer the case to the ICC.

Dr. Arch. Franca Colozzo, INSPAD, during her address said: Human Rights Watch said the government had launched a &quot;campaign to absolve the army of human rights violations and discredit those who filed the allegations!&quot;

If this unsustainable Indian campaign of covering up misdeeds and discrediting those who would like to lift the veil of such shame continues, we are faced with the sad realization that Indian democracy is now dead.

Elif Selin Calik, International Journalist and Poet expressed her shadow with the victims of the Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape and said that every act of tyranny and deprivation of justice has the power to haunt not only the offenders but society as well.

Human Rights Lobbyist, Shaista Safi Kashmiri, said that this day is a reminder that Indian occupational forces use Rape as a weapon of war, they think of it as their duty and get away with the horrendous crimes because of draconian laws such as AFSPA.

Author and Songwriter, Turgay Evren said that we need to name and shame the perpetrators of this crime. He also said, &ldquo;Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape, I am going to write and dedicate a song to Kashmiri Women, Mothers, and daughters who have suffered in Kashmir.&rdquo;

Tamkeen Sheikh Ex-Con. Parliamentary Candidate during her address said that. &ldquo;It is high time we behave like human beings, come together like human beings, and stand up against people who are involved in such human rights abuses.&rdquo;

Yahya Akhter, Director of Information Cell TeK UK said that the Human Rights Convention and world conscience has failed the innocent and helpless women of Indian occupied Kashmir.

India is committing war crimes in occupied Kashmir but Europe and America are ignoring it for their economic benefits which will not go very well in history.

Altaf Ahmed Bhat, the Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), said in his statement: &quot;30 years passed on since the Indian Brutal Indian Forces Mass Raped more than 100 young and old women of Kunan Poshpora. There has been no action against the perpetrators till now as the Indian army continues to enjoy impunity and protection granted by the Indian state with draconian laws such as AFSPA.

Molestation, rape and torture have become routine for the Indian Armed Forces in Kashmir.

In the last 32 years, 11,234 women were gang-raped or molested, 7,163 Kashmiris are killed in custody, 110,386 structures destroyed and 22,924 women are widowed.

We appeal to the UN, EU Parliament, International Human Rights Organizations to Intervene and ask India to permit to allow them for free and Fair Investigation of grave Human Rights Violations in IIOJ&amp;K.

Soraya Boyd. the CEO-Founder and Facilitator of Global London said in her statement:

&quot;In 2008 the UN Security Council adopted a resolution which affirms that &quot;rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity or a constitutive act concerning genocide&rdquo;.

&quot;Mian Muhammad Tayyib, Vice President of Tehreek e Kashmir Europe, Sardar Aftab Ahmed, advocate Vice President TeK UK, Farooq Baig Secretary-General TeK Germany, Muhammad Lukman Deputy Sec-Gen TeK UK, Khawaja Muhammad Suleiman, Director KIC Birmingham and Muhammad Munir, TeK Germany also attended the seminar.]]>
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			<title>Digital portal for farmers on the cards</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283644/digital-portal-for-farmers-on-the-cards</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283644/digital-portal-for-farmers-on-the-cards#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 21 20:26:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2283644</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Experts believe dedicated web portal will help farmers improve production]]>
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				<![CDATA[In an age where almost all sectors of the economy have some form of digital presence, Punjab&rsquo;s farmers appear to be far behind in the race. Agricultural experts from the province believe the sector needs a dedicated online portal to help farmers bridge that gap.

Through the proposed web portal, farmers are expected to have access to modern guidelines, experts, and researchers. 

&ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s agriculture sector has enormous untapped potential and a dedicated portal will help farmers improve their yield,&rdquo; said one expert. 

The agriculture department has already welcomed the proposal by a group of farmers and offered its support. 

&ldquo;The government would welcome any move that paves the way for the betterment of agriculture in the province,&rdquo; said one official. &ldquo;Punjab Agriculture Department is ready to provide all possible assistance and guidance for the portal,&rdquo; he added. 

According to Aamer Hayat Bhandara, a young farmer from southern Punjab, who has been actively rallying for an online portal, farmers in the province need constant information about new seeds, crops and research. 

&ldquo;We constantly need information related to seeds, diseases and pests. The dedicated portal will provide similar information and guidance to farmers,&rdquo; claimed Bhindara. 

Production of certain crops, Bhindara said, has been hit by the pandemic. &ldquo;We export cotton worth $12 billion annually, but our production has dropped by 45% during the last 12 months due to various reasons, including the pandemic.&rdquo; Experts believe farmers will be able to overcome such challenges with access to modern techniques and ideas.

The proposed portal will not only serve as an important source of information for the farming community but also help the country meet the food security challenges in the future. 

When asked about the quality of information available to farmers, one Lahore-based farmer said it wasn&rsquo;t enough. &ldquo;The information shared by the provincial department is usually one-sided and does not help,&rdquo; claimed Rana Mubashir Hassan, who owns a farm in Lahore. 

&ldquo;Some people think that farmers in Pakistan are illiterate. That isn&rsquo;t entirely true. Most families have at least one person who can use a mobile phone and internet to access the online information,&rdquo; claimed Hassan. 

He said that if the information is produced in an easy and consumable format, access will not be an issue. &ldquo;Videos in Urdu or other local languages will help the farmers.&rdquo;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2021.]]>
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			<title>RDA offers online clearance of documents</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282151/rda-offers-online-clearance-of-documents</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282151/rda-offers-online-clearance-of-documents#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 21 20:34:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Rawalpindi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2282151</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People will be able to get information about their work from the One Window Operations Centre]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The development body of the garrison city has offered online clearance of documents of buildings and plots with a precise timeline to facilitate the citizens.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza has inaugurated the online facility at One Window Operations Centre (OWOC).

He said it has been launched with the collaboration of Punjab Information and Technology Board.

He said in line with Prime Minister&rsquo;s policy RDA is creating ease for doing business which will boost the investment besides generating new opportunities for employment. The services at centre include approval of maps, transfer of plot or any other work-related to RDA.

People will be able to get information about their work from the OWOC.

RDA chairman said OWOC is to facilitate people so that they don&rsquo;t have to go around every office for their work but only submit their applications here and get a copy of the decision on their application from the same office. He said 30 days have been fixed in this regime for the approval of the map and construction completion certificates, 45 days for the NOC of change in land use and 60 to 75 days have been fixed for the permits of the residential societies. I am trying to make this online facility process better so that the people don&rsquo;t have to visit the office and inconvenience is avoided, he added.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2021.]]>
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			<title>Electronic voting for expats discussed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2281018/electronic-voting-for-expats-discussed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2281018/electronic-voting-for-expats-discussed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jan 21 04:27:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2281018</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[President Alvi says overseas Pakistanis key stakeholders in development]]>
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				<![CDATA[President Dr Arif Alvi said on Friday expressed hope that expatriate Pakistanis will be able to cast votes electronically.

Overseas Pakistanis are key stakeholders in the development of the country and it is important that they are taken on-board in the decision making and policy making process, he said during a meeting with PM&rsquo;s Adviser for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan.

President Alvi and Dr Awan discussed the overall situation including parliamentary performance and steps to bring electronic voting system in the country as well as steps to enable overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes in the polls.

Awan said electronic voting system will pave the way for the most transparent elections in the future. He said that electoral reforms are being carried out in accordance with the manifesto of the current government and the wishes of the people.

He expressed hope that development of an electronic voting system will enable overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes and pave the way for them to be a part of the electoral process.]]>
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			<title>‘Online classes failed to yield desired results’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2281016/online-classes-failed-to-yield-desired-results</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2281016/online-classes-failed-to-yield-desired-results#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jan 21 04:22:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2281016</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Teachers, parents urged to play role for fixing damage caused by prolonged closure of schools]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prolonged closure of educational institutions has resulted in an immense educational and academic loss to children. The role of teachers and parents is very important to restore children interest in education.

These views were expressed by Member National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for AntiNarcotics Force Sheikh Rashid Shafiq at a dinner hosted by All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) Rawalpindi.

APPSMA Divisional President Abrar Ahmed Khan, Coordinator Home Minister Chaudhry Saghir Ahmed, Central Senior Vice President APPSMA Muhammad Furqan Chaudhry were also present on the occasion.

Abrar told Shafiq that the closure of private educational institutions due to Covid-19 outbreak caused extraordinary damage to the education sector.

Children&rsquo;s academic abilities have been severely affected, which cannot be compensated for in the years to come. Shafiq admitted that there was no other opinion and the education of children had been badly affected due to Covid-19.

Online education has not been able to achieve the goals it should have as students from poor families have no access to the internet, he said.

&ldquo;Teachers and parents have an important role to play in re-engaging children with education,&rdquo; he said, adding that education is the backbone of any country&rsquo;s development.

Pakistan has devised an excellent strategy to control the coronavirus pandemic, which is why educational activities are being revived in all educational institutions from February 1, he informed. Shafiq appreciated the efforts of APPSMA officials who have always played a significant role in promoting education and solving the problems of private educational institutions.]]>
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			<title>Murdered boy was ‘lured through online game’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280887/murdered-boy-was-lured-through-online-game</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2280887/murdered-boy-was-lured-through-online-game#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 21 20:44:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2280887</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police arrest three suspects in the case]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The suspected killers of a 13-year-old child after sexual assault had reportedly befriended him through an online game, PUBG.

This was disclosed by Lahore DIG Investigations Shariq Jamal during a press conference at his office on Thursday.

Jamal said police had arrested three suspects, Atta Ullah, Mussawar Iqbal and Muhammad Naveed, in the case. The investigation had revealed that they had befriended the victim, a resident of Raiwind, during online interaction but their relationship had soured, he added. He said the suspects had developed a grudge against the boy for avoiding meeting them. They hatched a plan to teach him a lesson.

The suspects abducted the victim and took him to Nankana Sahib, where they sexually assaulted him and then shot him dead.

The DIG also disclosed the arrest of a man suspected of sexually assaulting his daughter repeatedly over a long time. He said Boota Masih had been subjecting the victim to sexual violence for over two years. One day, his wife caught him red handed. He harassed her and tried to force her to keep silent, but the woman lodged a case. The suspect also threw hot tea at his wife, causing burn injuries. Jamal said police were investigating the matter further after arresting the suspect.

Regarding investigation into a case of the murder of a man by his son, the office said Ali Hassan was annoyed with his father Babar Butt because he tortured his mother. The suspect hatched a plan to rid his mother of the torture and with the help of his friend Hashir. He shot Babar dead and fled from the scene.

Jamal also said that the killing of a 35-year-old woman in Kot Lakhpat had turned out to be a murder during robbery and the suspect was her neighbour. The victim identified as Mehwish was in her house when the suspect identified as Shahzeb Riasat barged in and tried steal valuables. When the victim offered resistance, he stabbed and later strangled her to death.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2021.]]>
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			<title>Tractors to Twitter: India's protesting farmers battle on highway, online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278628/tractors-to-twitter-indias-protesting-farmers-battle-on-highway-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278628/tractors-to-twitter-indias-protesting-farmers-battle-on-highway-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 21 09:49:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2278628</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Demonstrators also battle a social media campaign by the Hindu-nationalist BJP of PM Modi]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a standoff between farmers from India&rsquo;s northern breadbasket and the government that has convulsed the country, the farmers have a 21st-century ally: a handful of supporters scattered around the world running a Twitter handle.

The farmers have paralysed some traffic in and out of New Delhi, protesting recent agriculture laws that they fear could eventually eliminate government-guaranteed minimum prices for their crops.

But the demonstrators, many of them from the Sikh religious minority, say they are also battling a social media campaign by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP brands some of the protesters as separatists from the giant multi-ethnic nation, a charge the demonstrators call disinformation.

Bhavjit Singh became energised for the battle in November from his bedroom in Ludhiana in the agricultural heartland state of Punjab, where he watched with dismay the online attacks on the farmers.

With a few friends, the information technology professional launched the @Tractor2twitr Twitter account in late November. The following month he journeyed to the focal protest site on a main highway connecting Haryana state and Delhi, the territory that includes the capital.

Thousands there have jammed the road for kilometres with tractors, trailers and tents, sleeping in makeshift hovels and cooking in ramshackle kitchens.

Singh, 38, joined the protesters with two smartphones.

&ldquo;We will intensify our campaign because we are getting organised and getting more support now,&rdquo; Singh told Reuters, speaking near the noisy protest site where open kitchens dished out midmorning snacks. &ldquo;Our war of perception, the war of messaging is going in the right direction.&rdquo;

The account, with more than 23,000 followers, promotes its message by pushing one hashtag a day. One day recently, #FarmersDyingModiEnjoying, pushed by @Tractor2twitr, was among the top hashtags on Indian Twitter - battling #ModiWithFarmers.

Thirteen thousand kilometres (8,000 miles) away in Houston, Texas, Baljinder Singh is part of the core group that helps run the account.

The BJP &ldquo;were targeting us, so we felt we had to answer them back,&rdquo; the owner of a couple of 7-Eleven stores in the United States told Reuters. &ldquo;We are all the sons and daughters of farmers.&rdquo;

Baljinder and Bhavjit Singh, who share a common Sikh family name, are not related.

@Tractor2twitr has been joined in recent weeks by a union group called the Farmers Unity Front (Kisan Ekta Morcha), setting up accounts on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Snapchat, staffed by 50 volunteers, that have surged to hundreds of thousands of followers.

&lsquo;Manipulated&nbsp;Media&rsquo;

The farmers demand Modi repeal the three farm laws, enacted in September, which they say could make them vulnerable to retail giants like Walmart Inc and India&rsquo;s Reliance Industries.

The government says the laws, which let growers bypass government-regulated wholesale markets and sell directly to buyers, are a reform that gives farmers more options. It has sought to assure the farmers that the guaranteed-pricing system will not be dismantled.

As the farmers were trooping toward Delhi late in 2020, a wave of misinformation began spreading online, said Rajneil Kamath, publisher of fact-checking website Newschecker.

Old, unrelated images and videos - including some from demonstrations outside India calling for an independent Sikh homeland - were passed off as representing the farmers, Kamath said.

In December, Twitter flagged a tweet by the head of the BJP&rsquo;s vast social media team, Amit Malviya, as &ldquo;manipulated media,&rdquo; saying a video he posted showing an elderly protestor narrowly avoiding a police beating had been misleadingly edited.

BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga says the party has been legitimately highlighting that people other than farmers, including Sikh separatists, had potentially infiltrated the protests.

&ldquo;We believe some people are trying to hijack the movement,&rdquo; Bagga said.

At the protest site, Ammy Gill, a 25-year-old lyricist from Punjab, divides his time helping out at community kitchens and chronicling the protests on social media.

&ldquo;The objective of our social media messages is to counter the trolls and the campaign against farmers,&rdquo; Gill said.

&ldquo;We are not here for a picnic.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Govt won’t spare people insulting army: Sheikh Rashid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278358/govt-wont-spare-people-insulting-army-sheikh-rashid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278358/govt-wont-spare-people-insulting-army-sheikh-rashid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 21 06:37:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2278358</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Interior minister says cases will be registered against such people in 72 hours]]>
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				<![CDATA[The country&rsquo;s top security czar has announced that the PTI government is going to prosecute the people using derogatory language against the armed forces within 72 hours.

&ldquo;Cases will be registered against people using foul language against the armed forces within 72 hours,&rdquo; Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid said on Saturday, a day after Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman harshly criticized the country&rsquo;s military leadership.

Addressing the media after a PDM meeting in Lahore, Fazl had said the opposition would decide if it should march to Islamabad or to Rawalpindi, where the headquarters of the Pakistan Army is located.

&ldquo;All parties [in the 11-party opposition alliance] agree that the establishment has held the system of the country hostage and created a deep state,&rdquo; the Mualana had said.

Commenting on Fazlur Rehman&rsquo;s statement, the interior minister said the PDM chief should learn to distinguish between Islam, the religion, and Islamabad, the centre of the country&rsquo;s political power.

&ldquo;Fazl has flustered. Luck is not in his favour,&rdquo; Rashid said in an apparent reference to the rebellion of some key members in Fazl&rsquo;s party JUI-F and the announcement of these leaders to revive the JUI-P, an older organization from which the JUI-F branched off.

&ldquo;We will lodge cases against people targeting the army in 72 hours. We have sent the case of [JUI-F leader] Mufti Kifayat Ullah to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) for registration of a case [in view of his recently televised comments against the army],&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;

Rashid commended the PDM&rsquo;s decision to participate in the upcoming by-elections, apparently on the insistence of one of the leading opposition parties PPP and said the PPP won while the PDM lost.

The PDM &ndash; formed in September last year with the avowed aim to dislodge the PTI government &ndash;concluded the first phase of its anti-government campaign in December after holding six rallies.

On December 14, the PDM announced that all lawmakers from the opposition parties would submit their resignations from the assembly seats to their respective party leadership by December 31. It had also set a deadline for the government to quit by January 31.

The minister said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari &ldquo;played well&rdquo; while PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is also making a better way for his party. However, he said, the PML-N has created difficulties for itself by using unparliamentary language.

Rashid said the PDM parties are only fooling the nation as they would neither submit their resignations from legislatures nor they would boycott the upcoming by-polls or the Senate election. &ldquo;They will only stage a long march. When they do that we will also demonstrate our legal rights.&rdquo;

&nbsp;The minister said the PPP actually brought the PDM to its knees. &ldquo;[The yesterday&rsquo;s press conference shows that] the PDM has accepted its defeat but the PPP has emerged victorious.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Talking with reference to the PDM&rsquo;s announcement to stage protests outside the offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the minister said NAB is not going to be rolled back due to the opposition&rsquo;s protests.

&ldquo;NAB should take action against us even if we commit corruption. NAB has already arrested two ministers of the ruling PTI due to their corruption.&rdquo;

He said the opposition parties particularly the PPP and the PML-N did not amend the NAB law during their respective tenures from 2008 till 2018. However, they came up with 34 NAB amendments as soon as the government decided to bring in legislation with regard to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

&ldquo;The PDM must know that Prime Minister Imran Khan can resign but he will not surrender to the corrupt,&rdquo; Sheikh Rashid claimed. He reiterated that the passport of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will expire on February 16 and that his passport will not be renewed.

The minister said an online visa facility has been provided to people of 192 countries and 200,000 applications are received in 24 hours for online visas.

&ldquo;100,000 identity cards are issued daily and the first identity card is issued in 15 days. The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) office in Rawalpindi issues 1,500 cards every day,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>It gave me anxiety: Dua Lipa on impact of trolls on her health and career</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278293/it-gave-me-anxiety-dua-lipa-on-impact-of-trolls-on-her-health-and-career</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278293/it-gave-me-anxiety-dua-lipa-on-impact-of-trolls-on-her-health-and-career#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 21 17:29:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2278293</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singer opened up about becoming paranoid after being turned into a meme and revealed how her stage presence suffered]]>
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				<![CDATA[Popular singer Dua Lipa has opened up about the impact of online trolls on her music career and mental health over the past few years.

In an interview featuring her Attitude magazine December cover, the Future Nostalgia singer relayed how online bullies have influenced her mental health. &quot;I experienced a s*** ton [of bullying] at the end of my first record, and it was definitely something that gave me anxiety,&rdquo; she told the outlet. &ldquo;It made me upset and feel like I wasn&rsquo;t good enough. Or that I&rsquo;m not meant to be here or on the stage.&rdquo;

Dua said the frequent negative commentary shook her confidence and self-esteem, especially as an artiste who rose to mainstream fame rather quickly. &quot;Even after the Grammys, some people were like, &lsquo;she doesn&rsquo;t deserve it!&rsquo;&quot;

&quot;There were so many things, especially when you start out, like a video of me dancing and they&rsquo;re like, &lsquo;Ah well, she has no stage presence&rsquo; &ndash; but they&rsquo;d never been to one of my shows, they&rsquo;d never seen me perform,&rdquo; continued the Blow Your Mind hit-maker.






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Dua had once turned into a meme after dancing at one of her tour stops in 2018. While it may have seemed harmless, the meme had a very real impact on Dua&#39;s mental health and reputation as a performer. &ldquo;They would take one small snippet and run with it and it would become a whole thing,&rdquo; Attitude quoted Dua as saying.

&quot;For a short period of time, it messed with my mental health. You know, I&rsquo;d go on stage and if somebody was filming me, in my head, I wasn&rsquo;t, like, &lsquo;Oh, they&rsquo;re filming me because they want to keep it.&rsquo; I was like, &lsquo;they&rsquo;re filming it so they can laugh at me or something.&#39;&quot;

Thankfully, the singer was able to work through that paranoia, and her recent SNL stint is proof of just that. The Don&#39;t Start Now crooner did not hesitate from her onstage presence felt &mdash; or her studio performance, for that matter.






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Still, the bullying from the past stuck with her and seemingly contributed to her thoughts on cancel culture and social media hate. &ldquo;There should be a communal understanding that people make mistakes, and we should learn from each other&rsquo;s mistakes and we should try to teach each other,&rdquo; Dua added. &quot;I think there is so much judgement and meanness&hellip; cancel culture is so dangerous and toxic.&quot;

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>BTS closes record-breaking year with New Year's Eve online concert</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278229/bts-close-record-breaking-year-with-new-years-eve-online-concert</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278229/bts-close-record-breaking-year-with-new-years-eve-online-concert#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 21 05:23:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2278229</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Halsey, Lauv and Steve Aoki were also joined on a special stage by connecting remotely.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Goyang, South Korea&nbsp;

Global K-Pop sensation BTS celebrated New Year&rsquo;s Eve with an online concert on Thursday along with other K-pop groups from its management agency Big Hit Entertainment and fans from around the world.

Halsey, Lauv and Steve Aoki, who have all collaborated with BTS in recent years, joined on a special stage by connecting remotely.

Seven-member BTS also took part in a short online fan meeting, reading messages and playing a game, which fans could toggle to among multiple screens.

&ldquo;I hope you wrap up the end of the year well, and I&rsquo;d like to see you in person soon,&rdquo; Suga said.

The concert, at Goyang, northwest of Seoul, was originally scheduled to be held simultaneously online and offline, but in-person attendance was canceled due to a new wave of Covid-19 infections in South Korea.

With the concert, BTS wraps up a record-breaking year with three No.1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming the first K-pop group to ever receive a Grammy Award nomination.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PM approves online agri-dashboard to monitor food prices, availability</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278134/pm-approves-online-agri-dashboard-to-monitor-food-prices-availability</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2278134/pm-approves-online-agri-dashboard-to-monitor-food-prices-availability#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 20 11:49:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2278134</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Stresses on the need for urgent measures to control inflation of items such as flour, sugar and pulses]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday approved the online agri-dashboard developed by the National Security Division, that will monitor food prices and availability of commodities at national, provincial and district levels.

The dashboard will use authentic indicators to prevent any food crisis and will also be effective in preventing hoarding and profiteering.

The prime minister stressed&nbsp;on the need for urgent measures to control inflation of items such as flour, sugar and pulses.

He stressed the need to increase exports and find local alternative to imports to ensure increase of current account surplus.

This was the first of the series of weekly meetings meant to review progress of priority sectors. PM&rsquo;s Special Assistant Dr&nbsp;Moeed Yousuf, secretaries of the ministries concerned and senior officials attended the meeting, whereas chief secretaries of the four provinces participated via video-link.

On the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan, specific areas have been given a priority status which include food security, agriculture, electricity, manpower, foreign investment, privatisation, information technology and exports to implement major reforms in six sectors that faced neglect in the past.

According to the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, from now onwards, there will be a weekly review meeting chaired by the prime minister, where he will be given briefings on the progress of these meetings with special focus on each sector.]]>
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			<title>US retail sales rise as online shopping booms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2277547/us-retail-sales-rise-as-online-shopping-booms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2277547/us-retail-sales-rise-as-online-shopping-booms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Dec 20 19:27:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2277547</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[E-commerce sales jump 49% in holiday season, according to Mastercard report]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[US retail sales rose 3% during this year&rsquo;s expanded holiday shopping season from October 11 to December 24, a report by Mastercard Inc said on Saturday, powered by a pandemic-driven shift toward online shopping.

US ecommerce sales jumped 49% in this year&rsquo;s holiday shopping season, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse report, underscoring the Covid-19 pandemic&rsquo;s role in transforming customers&rsquo; shopping habits.

Holiday e-commerce sales made up 19.7% of total retail sales this year, the data showed, noting that options such as buy online and pick-up-in-store, contactless technologies were key for retailers. The holiday shopping season can account for the majority of certain retailers&rsquo; annual sales, but the health crisis meant several retailers including Walmart Inc and Target Corp, faced with capacity constraints in certain stores, rolled out their holiday promotions early.

E-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc also pushed back its annual summer promotional event to October, marking a longer-than-ever holiday season for retailers who missed out on sales for several weeks during the lockdowns earlier this year.

&ldquo;This was a healthier holiday season than many had forecast,&rdquo; senior adviser for Mastercard Steve Sadove told Reuters in an interview.

Sadove believes the digital trend will continue to grow in 2021, with smaller retailers also embracing new technology to offer customers new ways to shop.

People spending longer at home due to extended work-from-home and remote learning policies have fuelled demand for home decor and home-improvement products, with retail sales in the home furniture and furnishings category jumping 16.2% according to the report.

Electronics and appliances also rose 6% during the period, as a reduction in spending on dining out, travel and leisure encouraged shoppers to make other purchases.

Sales of apparel and jewellery slumped overall, but e-commerce sales rose 15.7% and 44.6%.

The SpendingPulse report tracks spending by combining sales activity in Mastercard&rsquo;s payments network with estimates of cash and other payment forms but excludes automobile sales.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2020.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Kangana Ranaut gets rape threats online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269314/kangana-ranaut-gets-rape-threats-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269314/kangana-ranaut-gets-rape-threats-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 20 10:38:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2269314</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[On October 17, the Mumbai police also registered an FIR against Ranaut and her sister for allegedly promoting enmity]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Kangana Ranaut&nbsp;has received a rape threat from an Odisha-based lawyer. The actor, who is currently in her hometown Manali, is yet to respond.

The comment came on a Facebook post she had shared on Navratri, wherein she also mentioned another FIR registered against her in Mumbai. She wrote, &ldquo;Who all are fasting on Navratris? Pictures clicked from today&rsquo;s celebrations as I am also fasting. Meanwhile, another FIR filed against me&hellip;Pappu Sena in Maharashtra seems to be obsessing over me, don&rsquo;t miss me so much I will be there soon.&rdquo;

It is in the comments section that the advocate reportedly made the threat.

As per a&nbsp;Times of India&nbsp;report, the lawyer later posted a note claiming that his account had been hacked. &ldquo;Today my Facebook ID got hacked and some derogatory comments were posted. These are my not views regarding any women or any community. I am also very shocked and apologise for it,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I request all the people to kindly accept my apology and forgive me if their sentiments got hurt. I am really sorry for it.&rdquo;

The lawyer subsequently deleted his Facebook account.

Ranaut is busy with her family but for the last couple of months, she has been rather vocal on a number of subjects connected to Sushant Singh Rajput&rsquo;s case and the Hindi film industry in general. On October 17, on the orders of a local court, the Mumbai police registered an FIR against the&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;star and her sister Rangoli Chandel for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities.

The Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate&rsquo;s court had ordered the police to investigate a complaint filed by Munawwar Ali Sayyed, a Bollywood casting director and fitness trainer, which referred to the sisters&rsquo; tweets and other statements.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Expanding online:  Ralph Lauren to cut thousands of jobs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2265220/expanding-online-ralph-lauren-to-cut-thousands-of-jobs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2265220/expanding-online-ralph-lauren-to-cut-thousands-of-jobs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 20 20:10:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2265220</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Covid-19 health crisis has hammered demand for high-end handbags, apparel and accessories in retail stores]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Luxury apparel maker Ralph Lauren Corp will cut 15% of its global workforce by the end of its fiscal year in a company-wide restructuring to lower costs and move more of its business online, it said on Tuesday. The company had a total workforce of 24,900 as of March end and based on that, the plan could impact more than 3,700 jobs. The Covid-19 health crisis has hammered demand for high-end handbags, apparel and accessories in retail stores, forcing luxury goods companies to slash costs and slow brick-and-mortar expansion plans. However, their e-commerce sales have surged. Ralph Lauren said it would invest in digital platforms to support e-commerce operations, expand product personalisation and add new features like augmented reality. It will also move some human resource and planning systems to online cloud platforms, and streamline reporting lines. &ldquo;The changes happening in the world around us have accelerated the shifts we saw pre-Covid,&rdquo; Chief Executive Officer Patrice Louvet said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2020.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>KU to conduct semester examinations online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259143/ku-to-conduct-semester-examinations-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259143/ku-to-conduct-semester-examinations-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 20 05:51:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2259143</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Oral examinations will be arranged for students with medical difficulties, internet issues]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Karachi University (KU) has issued a notification to conduct semester examinations online via Skype, Google Classrooms, Microsoft Teams or Whatsapp.

The two-page detailed notification was issued by the KU&#39;s Registrar Professor Dr Saleem Shehzad and applies to affiliated colleges operating under the annual examination system.

It is to be noted that the semester started in January and faced interruptions post-February 27 while online classes for the semester started in mid-June.

According to the notification, four different modes of examinations have been mentioned including &#39;during session assessment&#39; which includes a term paper, case study project, thematic essay, individual or group presentations, class tests or activity, a quiz, e-portfolio, open-book assignment and an individual or group oral examination.

The second mode of examination is the final examination which includes open-book assessments, essays, final year project, reading and comprehension and a oral examination.

The third mode of examination is practical or lab assessments. However, the practical part of the exam has been omitted and only the methodology part of the examination will be included. Videos will be shared with the students and the assessment will be done orally.

The fourth mode is the supplementary examinations. The notification stated that the procedure of these examinations will be similar to the final examinations.

The schedule of the examinations will be determined by the relevant course in-charge and the in-charage will also be responsible for the allocation of marks.

According to the notification, online exams for KU students and affiliated college students can be taken over Skype, Google Classroom, MS Teams and Whatsapp video calls. Students who have issues related to the internet or any medical difficulties can submit an application to the class teacher. Oral examinations for these students over the phone will be arranged.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Nigerian startup helps local churches digitise operations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2258261/nigerian-startup-helps-local-churches-digitise-operations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2258261/nigerian-startup-helps-local-churches-digitise-operations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 20 08:59:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2258261</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Part of a broader trend across Africa which has seen people worshipping remotely following the virus outbreak]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Henry Okolo has grown accustomed to using his phone to stay in touch with God during the coronavirus pandemic. He uses an app every Sunday morning to listen to a virtual service in Nigeria&rsquo;s commercial capital, Lagos. &nbsp;

Okolo, a father-of-two, has used it to help his family pray at home following the closure of churches in March. Lagos state, with more than 15,000 confirmed infections and about 200 deaths, has the largest share of Nigeria&rsquo;s about 45,000 Covid-19 cases.The O&rsquo;Sanctus app, created last year by Nigerian tech firm Applus Dome Limited, allows Catholics to attend virtual services, reserve time with priests and make financial offerings.&rdquo;It made so many things easy for us,&rdquo; said Okolo.

It is part of a broader trend across Africa which has seen people worshipping remotely, often by watching sermons online, because of the widespread closure of churches.

The closures have played a crucial role in the battle to stop the novel coronavirus taking hold across Africa, which has the highest number of Christians of any continent - 631 million people as of 2018, or 45% of the continent&rsquo;s population - according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.

O&rsquo;Sanctus, originally launched as a church management tool for one parish, covers four digitised parishes and has garnered more than 3,000 subscribers.

Mercedes Otakponmwenhi, who runs Applus Dome Limited, said the app was set up with the aim of digitising parts of church activities without realising that the highly infectious virus would force people to worship from home.

In a push to ease restrictions, authorities in Lagos last week said places of worship can re-open from Friday, Aug&nbsp;7.

But the need for digital worship is not over. Places of worship can open for services only once a week, and at no more than 50% capacity.]]>
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			<title>Online platform offers butcher services</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257671/online-platform-offers-butcher-services</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257671/online-platform-offers-butcher-services#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 20 19:24:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257671</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Butchers would be available for Rs5,000 for the first day and Rs4,000 for the second and third day]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Chinese digital company Dazaran was providing online sale and purchase of cattle and slaughter house facility for Eidul Azha, company official said.

Butchers would be available for Rs5,000 for the first day and Rs4,000 for the second and third day for goats and small cows Dazaran Senior Director Quratul Ain Zaidi said. The company will provide services of butchers for big bulls and camels for Rs18,000 to Rs20,000 for each animal.

She said that During the Covid-19 pandemic the customers and buyers were not able to rush to the market or mandi for purchasing of sacrificial animals. Consequently in this challenging situation, Dazaran had provided digital facility for every citizen from the twin cities to avail the chance of online buying and selling of cattle including the Eid days services.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2020.]]>
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			<title>People urged to buy sacrificial animals online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257166/people-urged-to-buy-sacrificial-animals-online-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257166/people-urged-to-buy-sacrificial-animals-online-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 20 20:09:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257166</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cattle market visitors flout SOPs; traders dispirited by decline in sales]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The relevant authorities are encouraging people to buy sacrificial animals online or at least wear masks when visiting cattle markets, fearing preparations for Eidul Azha could reverse the decline in Covid-19 infection numbers.

On the other hand, social-distancing restrictions, including half-day closing, have seen a drop in customers at the normally bustling cattle markets which, are set up in urban centres ahead of Eid.

The main cattle market of Karachi was less busy on Sunday, just six days ahead of Eid, than it had been in preceding years, witnesses said.

Trader Allah Ditta, who travelled hundreds of miles to sell his stock, said his customers had almost halved. 

Meanwhile, most visitors flouted the requirement to wear masks, and many were accompanied by children who, this year, have been restricted from visiting cattle markets.

&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand this coronavirus. I have not seen anyone dying of it,&rdquo; said another trader Muhammad Akram, exasperated by the decline in sales. &ldquo;Look around you: No one is wearing a mask.&rdquo;

Pakistan has reported over 270,000 Covid-19 casesm including over 100,000 from Sindh, and almost 6,000 deaths, over 2,000 of which are reported from Sindh. 

Daily cases of new infection numbered just under 1,200 in the country on Sunday versus a peak last month nearing 7,000 around Eidul Fitr.

&ldquo;In the last four weeks there has been significant slowdown in the pandemic&rsquo;s spread, with an 80% decline in deaths,&rdquo; State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza said on Sunday - three weeks after he himself tested positive for Covid-19.

&ldquo;Last Eid, since gatherings increased, people travelled, and this interaction caused cases to spike,&rdquo; Mizra said. &ldquo;People should take it very seriously and act responsibly. There is a chance that cases might go up again, like Spain.&rdquo;

While market visitors have fallen, more people are paying charities to slaughter cattle on their behalf and deliver their cut to them or donate it to the needy.

Shakil Dehelvi, joint secretary-general of Alamgir Welfare Trust, said the charity had received its target booking number twice as quickly as last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Online purchase of sacrificial animals booms in Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256043/online-purchase-of-sacrificial-animals-booms-in-pakist</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256043/online-purchase-of-sacrificial-animals-booms-in-pakist#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 20 19:43:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2256043</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People buy animals on digital platforms to avoid risk of contracting virus]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In the wake of Covid-19, small and large enterprises specialising in the sale of sacrificial animals and related services, have entered the digital market space as customers opt to minimise the risk of contracting the disease by purchasing sacrificial animals online for Eidul Azha.

As a result, the online purchase of sacrificial animals is booming in Pakistan this year compared to the previous year. A major chunk of the population across all major cities of Pakistan has shown preference for home delivery of sacrificial animals to protect themselves from the virus.

Online marketplaces, such as OLX, Facebook and Instagram, are playing a crucial role by empowering small and large-scale cattle and goat farmers across the country to promote their animal stock and sacrificial packages through free ad listings.

OLX Pakistan Head of Sales Farhan Khan said last year over 20,000 animals were sold through the platform for Eidul Azha. &ldquo;This year, however, more than 800 sellers post their stock of animals on OLX on a daily basis while over 25,000 potential buyers visit the website in search for a suitable deal,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Feedback from the sellers suggests that almost 80% of the advertised animals are sold within a week, which reflects the true potential of digital marketplaces for such type of transactions.&rdquo;

He projected that the number of buyers and sellers would increase further as the Eid was approaching.

&ldquo;We have been incredibly inspired by how people can utilise Facebook during these challenging times for important religious occasions,&rdquo; said a Facebook spokesperson while talking to The Express Tribune.

Apart from purchasing animals online, many people are also asking for slaughtering services, which are considered hygienic and hassle-free as Pakistan struggles to curb the spread of the disease.

Megastores have also entered the market of sacrificial animals to enhance profits and grab a considerable market share. Carrefour, through its online and telephonic-booking services, not only sells sacrificial animals but also provides slaughtering services and sends prepared meat to customers.

Carrefour Pakistan Country Manager Jean Marc Dumont said the store&rsquo;s Qurbani Sahulat Service registered a growth of over 100% this year as digital platforms continued to play a major role in promoting such services.

&ldquo;We ensure that animals are sacrificed in accordance with the Shariah and all meat is processed by following international hygiene and HACCP standards for proper packaging,&rdquo; he said.

Daraz officials said the platform partnered with a handful of offline meat businesses for providing sacrificial services on behalf of customers on Eidul Azha.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2020.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Runway revolution: Is this the end of fashion as we know it?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253260/runway-revolution-is-this-the-end-of-fashion-as-we-know-it</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253260/runway-revolution-is-this-the-end-of-fashion-as-we-know-it#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 20 05:49:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2253260</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Paris Fashion week goes online as designers call fashion shows 'outmoded']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Paris fashion week goes online for the first time in its history Monday, with fashion rocked not just by the coronavirus but by a growing revolt from within the industry.

The virus has brought designers&#39; long-suppressed frustrations with the system and its unforgiving pace bubbling to the surface. Many are questioning not just the infernal rhythm and environmental impact of five and six collections a year, but whether fashion weeks or even fashion shows still make sense in a digital world.

&quot;I can no longer cope with an industry built on abuse and consumerism, thriving on environmental destruction and perpetuating racial and gender-based injustice,&quot; declared the rising Brazilian creator Francisco Terra Wednesday, the brains behind the Neith Nyer brand. Terra -&nbsp;one of a wave of young designers to have broken onto the Paris catwalk in recent years -&nbsp;said that from now on he would only show once a year, &quot;maybe twice&quot;.

He is far from alone. Spanish wunderkind Alejandro Palomo said&nbsp;he is not sure if costly Paris shows really work for him while Colombian Esteban Cortazar said he has turned his back on them for now. &quot;I love the shows,&quot; Palomo said, &quot;but I am not going to put the pressure on my body of having to do one&nbsp;every few months,&quot; he claimed.

Nor is the rebellion confined to smaller independent labels.

Shows &#39;outmoded&#39;

The tectonic plates began to shift in April when Saint Laurent designer Anthony Vaccarello said he was pulling out of Paris fashion week this year. From now on the label would &quot;take control of its pace and reshape its schedule,&quot; he said.

Gucci&#39;s Alessandro Michele delivered another bombshell in May, slashing his shows from five to two a year, and questioning the whole idea of seasons, on which the fashion calender is built. &quot;Clothes should have a longer life,&quot; he said, and should be &quot;seasonless&quot;. Mugler designer Casey Cadwallader said Thursday he would follow the same path.

The cracks really began to show after several hundred industry players led by Belgian master Dries Van Noten signed an open letter in May arguing for a major overhaul of the industry. Brands like Chloe, Thom Browne, Y/Project, Lemaire and Alexandre Mattiussi as well as some top-end department stores have since joined the call for &quot;fundamental change that will simplify businesses, making them more environmentally and socially sustainable.&quot;

They want the fashion calendar redrawn so winter clothes hit the shops in winter and summer ones in summer -- rather than months before as they do now. For others, the fashion show itself is as &quot;outmoded&quot; as the calendar.

A broad-based coalition called &quot;Rewiring Fashion&quot;, uniting the likes of hot US labels 1017 ALYX 9SM, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler and Phipps with several Paris stalwarts has laid out another top-to-bottom reimaging of the system. &quot;We find ourselves facing a fashion system that is less and less conducive to genuine creativity and ultimately serves the interests of nobody: not designers, not retailers, not customers -&nbsp;and not even our planet,&quot; they said.

Time to slow down

They too insist the &quot;fashion calendar is out of sync with the customer, unsustainable for industry professionals and damaging for sales. &quot;It&#39;s time to slow down,&quot; their manifesto declared.

In a digital world staging fashion shows six months before the clothes hit the shops makes no sense, and was an open invitation to fast-fashion rip off merchants, it added. Like Van Noten, they also want an end to discounting and Black Friday-type sales which they blame for much of the industry&#39;s wasteful overproduction.

However, some top luxury brands are not yet ready for revolution.

Dior CEO Pietro Beccari defended both the calendar and shows, by adding that &quot;a live performance is like nothing else. We believe there will always be a place for a live show.&quot; But Palomo believes the video presentations forced upon Paris fashion week by the pandemic may be a blessing in disguise, opening the door to freeing up the way designers present their creations.

While Paris fashion week prides itself on giving young guns a place in the schedule alongside iconic houses like Dior, Chanel and Hermes, Palomo and Cortazar say it was also &quot;killing them economically&quot;.

&quot;Everyone is trying to keep up their image, to make out that everything is fine, and behind the scenes we are spending money that we do not have,&quot; Cortazar said.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Doctors switch to online consultancy amid virus lockdown in India</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2230988/doctors-switch-online-consultancy-amid-virus-lockdown-india</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2230988/doctors-switch-online-consultancy-amid-virus-lockdown-india#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 20 09:18:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2230988</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As the country's tally of virus infections stands at more than 165,000, with 4,706 deaths]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As India's health system grapples with the coronavirus, doctors are increasingly going online to consult with patients suffering less critical or chronic diseases, while the Indian economy prepares to emerge from a nationwide lockdown.




To head off a rush at clinics and an accompanying risk of infection, many doctors are turning to video calls and WhatsApp chats, in addition to regular telephone calls, to treat patients suffering from illnesses such as diabetes or kidney conditions.

"There is a lockdown, patients cannot come, but the disease will not wait," said Sushila Kataria, the director of internal medicine at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram near New Delhi.

Kataria said she had started treating nearly 80% of patients online, with physical check-ups limited only to urgent cases.

Despite one of the world's strictest lockdowns since late March, India's tally of virus infections stands at more than 165,000, with 4,706 deaths.

The spread has overwhelmed many hospitals, already grappling with a shortage of beds and doctors, diverting attention from non-virus patients and those with chronic illness.

With its health system overstretched even in normal times, India issued telemedicine guidelines in a push for internet consultations.

Patients could go online to book appointments and make advance payments, with free follow-up consultations, even before the pandemic, but now it is helping to formalise the process.

General physician Devendra Taneja said an emergency video call cost the most, with calls scheduled in advance cheaper and fees for a phone call lower still, while a WhatsApp chat was the cheapest.

Treatment from home reassures some, such as Pradeep Kumar Malhotra, a 69-year-old patient of Taneja's who recently had spinal chord surgery.

"One is actually afraid to go and see a doctor," Malhotra said. "We might catch infection from the hospital. That is a big problem."

Yet doctors must struggle with poor network connections and find ways to build patient trust.

Being unable to perform physical examinations of pregnant patients could be frustrating, said gynaecologist Mukta Kapila, adding, "Not being able to provide the healing touch at this time makes you feel a little incomplete as a doctor."]]>
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			<title>Free medical consultation just a click away</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2221729/free-medical-consultation-just-click-away</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2221729/free-medical-consultation-just-click-away#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 20 05:45:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hafeez Tunio]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2221729</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New website connects patients with top Pakistani physicians and doctors for immediate help]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the province and consequent lockdown in the city, many people suffering from other diseases or medical conditions are apprehensive of visiting the hospitals and waiting there for long hours. For all such people, a new facility has been launched through which they can have access to doctors’ consultation at home - that too free of charge.

In case of a medical emergency, patients can seek help and connect to doctors via their smartphone and computer by accessing the website Tibi Sahulat (www.tibisahulat.com). The website, along with its android application, has been launched by a software engineering student Aftab Ahmed, who came up with the idea and took 289 tops consultants in various cities of Pakistan on board.

“Anyone seeking urgent consultation with leading physicians and surgeons in Pakistan can now ask questions through chat or phone calls,” Ahmed said, adding that the service will be available round the clock and people will be able to choose the physicians by looking at their expertise and credentials.

A novel idea

Ahmed conceived the idea as he had been suffering from lower back pain due to a herniated disk and could not trace a doctor because of the lockdown.

“I thought of developing an application to provide relief to citizens in emergencies,” he said. “This application is meant to guide patients and link them with accredited doctors without having to pay anything.”

Explaining the process, he said that queries can be answered by doctors within 15 to 20 minutes, while those with medical histories would be able to upload their test reports on the app for the doctors to look at. Almost all the doctors registered with the app are specialists in various fields.

Apart from an anonymous chat service, patients will also be able to talk to their doctors through audio and video calls.

Instant help

Sharing her experience of using the app, an undergraduate student from Iqra University. Rukhsana. said that one day, she suddenly experienced some irritation and redness in her eyes, but no clinics were open because of the lockdown.

“One of my relatives sent me the link to this service to seek medical help. At first, I thought it was a scam but to my surprise, I received a reply from a female doctor within 10 minutes of uploading my query on the app. The doctor inquired about my medical history and asked me to send an image of my bloodshot eye. After that, she prescribed me some eye drops which gave me instant relief.”

Working for a cause

Dr Ilyas Akbar, a general physician who works at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, said that he registered himself with the app because he saw it as a cause.

“I received several emails from this boy (Aftab Ahmed) on a professional social media group dedicated to doctors. I thought I would register myself and take out some time for needy people especially during the ongoing crises,” Dr Akbar said. “I go to PIMS in the morning and run my private clinic in the evening but I also continuously check tibisahulat.com for any queries.”

Future plans

According to Aftab Ahmed, it has been a month since he launched the app and is now working to help the registered doctors in developing a clinic management system.

“Such software is used across the globe and I am glad to introduce it in Pakistan,” he said. “Once the situation returns to normalcy, I am planning to add another feature on the website through which people will be able to book an online appointment with leading physicians and surgeons of Pakistan and visit their clinics.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Small businesses use online platforms to sell products</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2217350/small-businesses-use-online-platforms-sell-products</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2217350/small-businesses-use-online-platforms-sell-products#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 20 04:20:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2217350</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[E-commerce grows as retailers connect with buyers online amid lockdown]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Small businesses are adopting online platforms for selling their products as demand for essential and general goods is on the rise in Ramazan because consumers prepare for the Eid amid a nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

Small businesses of various commodities had suffered in the past few weeks, however, various online platforms provided them an opportunity to keep their businesses alive in challenging times. These retailers of clothing, footwear, electronic goods, frozen food, etc are now using free platforms to connect with buyers.

With conventional businesses inaccessible, e-commerce is thriving across the world and it has also picked up pace in Pakistan, even though it is limited to just a few large cities.

Large clothing brands and retailers have been able to survive through their established e-commerce platforms such as websites and mobile apps that picked up sales orders since the government had allowed e-commerce with certain standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Covid-19 patients urged to go to isolation facilities

Since shopping centres were closed, small retailers were looking for an alternative to reach their target market, which an online platform could provide easily where the sellers and buyers could arrange their logistics and supplies on their own.

"Online sales trend is increasing," remarked Karachi Electronics Dealers Association (KEDA) President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan. "Although walk-in customers were the majority of buyers in our markets, in these hard times online shopping is emerging as an alternative to physical trade."

"Old customers are also calling shopkeepers to buy what they want and the product is then delivered at their doorsteps," he said.

Sales of small and medium-sized traders have picked up pace gradually through various online platforms, especially in major cities. Retailers are now opting for online platforms that do not charge any registration fee or commission so that they can protect their profit margins.

After lives, Covid-19 starts claiming jobs

According to the online sale and purchase platform, OLX, a sharp increase in online shopping for garments and footwear for the upcoming Eid through OLX was observed amid the Covid-19.

"We are trying to do our part to offset the impact of disruption caused by Covid-19 on businesses that we consider our valued partners, and help accelerate Pakistan's transition from the traditional to a digital economy during the pandemic and beyond," said OLX Country Head of Sales Farhan Khan.

As the markets open from Saturday with some ease in restrictions, many of the shoppers will still not be comfortable with the idea of giving up social distancing. Therefore, online shopping is expected to gain further momentum.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2020.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Customers decry low quality of online goods</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2215867/customers-decry-low-quality-online-goods</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2215867/customers-decry-low-quality-online-goods#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 20 04:52:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2215867</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say sellers use filters to enhance image of products]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Largely disappointed with getting low-quality products, the people of Rawalpindi have begun to repel from online shopping method amid the lockdown.

As a substitute, they have joined voices with the traders to allow the opening of markets for a brief period amid the lockdown.

Most of the online-shoppers have complained about the quality of products that these businessmen are selling either on different e-commerce stores or on different social networking websites such as Facebook and Whatsapp.

Many who had a bitter experience from shopping online, considering it a utility during the lockdown situation, are now suggesting their family and friends refrain from it.

This situation has prompted the demand for opening markets, let it be for a brief period so that the customers could check the quality of the items they were to pay for.

The quality of the products displayed in photos is entirely opposite to what is delivered, an online shopper complained.

And this is not am objection of a single individual but many. Several e-commerce shoppers complained about the inferior quality of products including clothes, electronic items etc. “The electronic items delivered to me were of very poor quality,” Amjad said.

A homemaker, Tahira Mahjabeen, said: “I had ordered a dress online, but its colour faded after a couple of washes.”

She went on to say that by adding filters to the photos, the colours displayed in the photos are made to vibrant, adding that online sale is nothing more than an illusion.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Online lecture on project management</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2207815/online-lecture-project-management</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2207815/online-lecture-project-management#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 20 01:22:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2207815</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[IEP-RIC has decided to hold its regular lecture series online in wake of coronavirus outbreak]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Institution of Engineers, Pakistan, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Centre (IEP-RIC) has decided to hold its regular lecture series online in wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Accordingly, it held its first such event for the benefits of the engineers. It is a part of the institution’s ongoing professional development activities.

IEP-RIC  Secretary Gp Captain (retired) Engr. Najamuddin said that for their inaugural online lecture, they discussed Project Procurement Management. It was delivered by Karakoram International University Vice-Chancellor Dr Attaullah Shah, who is also the vice-chairman of IEP’s local chapter.

He also spoke about the procurement of consultants, price adjustments, dispute resolution and claims under the FIDIC.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Watch: Mehwish Hayat takes on TikTok's 'Oh Nanana' challenge</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2205030/watch-mehwish-hayat-takes-tiktoks-oh-nanana-challenge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2205030/watch-mehwish-hayat-takes-tiktoks-oh-nanana-challenge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 20 09:21:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2205030</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Reminding us of her #BottleCapChallenge, the celebrity clearly has a knack for testing her reflexes]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The lockdown continues to extend and celebrities are forced to limit their entertainment to social media platforms while keeping themselves entertained by various online activities.

These virtual activities either include conducting online sessions or interacting with their fans and collaborating with other artistes. Some of them have even started their own Youtube channels - with the most recent being Saba Qamar - while others are participating in various TikTok challenges, just like the rest of us.

Popular actor and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient Mehwish Hayat also uploaded a video of herself dancing with her brother to the beat of Oh Nanana. The celebrity said she only opted for this TikTok challenge because it allowed her to dance and have fun with her beloved sibling.

"Of all the internet challenges,this is the one that I opted for. Don't ask how long it took me to get Danish Hayat to rehearse these steps lol. In these difficult times, having fun with siblings and challenging each other is one of the few pleasures left. Never lose the inner child in you," remarked the star.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SowQmH_dd/

Hayat's fans loved her attempt and her latest video reminded us of the time she went viral for nailing the #BottleCapChallenge.

https://twitter.com/MehwishHayat/status/1146825804506193921

The celebrity clearly has a knack for taking up challenges, especially ones that require good physical reflexes. All we have to say is, keep 'em coming!

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>QAU gets ready for online classes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2196125/qau-gets-ready-online-classes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2196125/qau-gets-ready-online-classes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 20 04:00:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2196125</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[VC decides in a meeting via video link]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali has directed the deans of university to prepare standard operating procedure (SOP) for their faculties for online teaching.

Under the directions, the deans will hold regular online meetings with their directors, chairpersons and faculty and guide and monitor all activities to ensure faculty is ready for online teaching as and when needed.

The decision was taken in a meeting held at the university, presided over by the VC and also attended by the deans, chairpersons and senior officials through video link.

It was decided in the meeting that chairperson or director will ask their faculty members to start preparing online audio-video lectures  and text notes and each faculty member will experiment conducting online classes with their students few times in the coming week. In the light of feedback received from faculty the directors will submit their reports to their respective deans.

It was decided that the online viva of MPhil and PhD students will be held under certain guidelines. It will be ensured that students, at least three faculty members including chairpersons, external examiners and the HEC representatives are present on an online viva-voce exam.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>LCWU establishes online counselling centre</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2187632/lcwu-establishes-online-counselling-centre</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2187632/lcwu-establishes-online-counselling-centre#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 20 03:36:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2187632</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dramatic increase in the number of people affected by pandemic has built up stress in the populace]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in a joint venture with the International Young Psychologists Society initiated online counselling on Monday to provide psychological support during the current lockdown which is taking a toll on the mental health of people.

In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic which has limited movement and access to mental healthcare, the project aims to help those in need at a small scale, free of cost, during the first stage.

The exponential increase in the number of Covid-19 patients across the country is creating immense psychological pressure and imbalance in the community. Thus, the main target of the project is the general public who are going through stress and mental health issues.

The project will offer coronavirus consultation with respect to its spread and necessary precautions as well as counselling of quarantined patients and their caregivers.

Tales of survivors: ‘Never before had I seen doctors dressed up like aliens’

Primarily the consultation would focus on dealing with stress, anxiety and depression, bereavement counselling to families, and health tips to boost immunity.

LCWU Vice-Chancellor and Project Patron In-Chief Dr Bushra Mirza said, ''By counselling the patients with regard to coronavirus, we will outcast anxiety and help those who are helpless.”

She said she expected the project to bring positivity in people's lives. “This project can help people achieve a sense of self-actualisation and serenity in their lives. On both ends, the community will grow and flourish.”

LCWU Active Citizen Programme Head Dr Amina Muazzam said that in the online counselling project young psychologists will be assigned to certain individuals who require therapy or counselling for relief and relaxation.

For an appointment, individuals can contact via text or call on 03334389205 and 03094749552. They can also contact through Whatsapp on 03004478219 or 0096560919007 between 10am and 2pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2020.]]>
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			<title>British vicar catches fire waiting for God's answer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2183746/british-vicar-catches-fire-waiting-gods-answer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2183746/british-vicar-catches-fire-waiting-gods-answer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 20 06:10:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2183746</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As several places of worship adopt online prayers and services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A British vicar got more than he expected from his first attempt at an online sermon when he leaned too close to a candle on a cross and his sweater caught fire.

Stephen Beach of St Budeaux Parish Church in Plymouth, southwest England, was getting his congregation to reflect on the experience of waiting in the final section of a sermon delivered from his home last week.

“It’s a great thing to pause in the presence of God and to ask the question: Lord God, what are you saying to us?,” Beach said, warming to the theme.

“And then, of course, to wait for an answer. I’ve just been pausing between these...” he continues before the realizing his left shoulder has moved too close to the flame.

“Oh dear, I just caught on fire”, he exclaimed, batting and blowing out the flame. “Oh my word.”

Video sermons are part of the Plymouth church’s response to the coronavirus crisis, trying to encourage people to keep faith and sustain their normal outlook on life, the vicar told Reuters in a message.

“My family love it, and the youngest grandchildren want to know when Granddad is going to set himself on fire again,” Beach added.

Several places of worship around the world have adopted online prayers and services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a television message watched by more than 27 million people on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Britons to stay at home, told nearly all shops to close and banned social gatherings including weddings and baptisms.]]>
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			<title>Online classes from IIUI’s Faisal Mosque centre</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2180639/online-classes-iiuis-faisal-mosque-centre</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2180639/online-classes-iiuis-faisal-mosque-centre#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 20 04:23:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2180639</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In line with govt directions amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Islamic Centre of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) at Faisal Mosque has started online classes for students of Tehfeez and Qirat i--.

Islamic Centre Head Dr Ziaur Rehman said that the centre started classes to ensure the safety of children, keeping in view the global pandemic.

He said students can attend classes via video calls or other online alternatives. He added as many as 85 students in eight different classes were attending lectures on Tehfeez and Qirat.

Dr Rehman added that the centre's teachers and officials remain in contact with parents daily who in turn supervise their children to ensure their attendance in classes.

Parents have shown satisfaction over this initiative, noting that such classes can prevent the loss of academic time.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Dating in the time of coronavirus: Chat online, meet much later</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2179216/dating-time-coronavirus-chat-online-meet-much-later</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2179216/dating-time-coronavirus-chat-online-meet-much-later#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 20 05:54:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2179216</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Other sites are emerging too, such as 'Quarantine Together']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With governments clamping down on social interactions to contain the coronavirus spread, dating sites are discouraging dates and asking users to get to know each other virtually instead.

"We don't know who needs to hear this, but now is NOT the time to go out with your date to a bar," leading match-maker OkCupid tweeted on Monday.

"FaceTime, Skype, call, text, call, message on our app.... all very romantic right now," it added.

Dating sites contacted by AFP refused to divulge their traffic since Covid-19 starting shutting down US cities this week but it appears their usage is far from slowing.

Even if some academics would like them to suspend their activities entirely.

"It's time to shut down Tinder and all online dating services," tweeted US writer Matt Stoller.

Instagram to hide your likes

"No more internet-enabled interactions among random people until the #coronavirus crisis has passed," he added.

Joking about the coronavirus has become popular on dating sites, although not necessarily effective at endearing matches to each other.

"If someone seems like they're not taking the crisis seriously or they're making fun of it for me personally that's a turnoff," said comedian and author Lane Moore.

She helped created the show "Tinder Live," in which she interacts with matches in real-time, and thinks coronavirus could be an "opportunity" for people to bond.

"I'm talking to a guy right now who I met on Tinder Live and we're both talking about how this coronavirus COVID-19 stuff is impacting our lives so that can be a good way to know somebody," she said.

Moore, from New York, says many of the men she meets on Tinder want to cut the conversation short and jump straight to meeting in the flesh.

She thinks it's a good thing that now men are being forced to chat more first.

- 'One-word answers' -

"That's something that women have always wanted because it's an opportunity to meet someone you like the first time but also try to make sure that they're safe," Moore explained.

The dating site Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is proposing several different ideas for remote interactions, including an online video game date.

"This is going to be important for us to think outside the box in crazy times like this," said CEO Dawoon Kang.

CMB is also organising an online group discussion, which it has never done before.

Yale University student Ileana Valdez and five friends spent just a few hours setting up a dating site for students whose classes have been canceled and campuses are deserted.

The site, OKZoomer, a nod to the popular expression "Ok boomer" which millennials use to refer to older people, picked up 6,500 users in less than a week, according to Valdez.

"Social distancing allows us to focus on conversations and building up existing and new relationships," the computer science student told AFP via email.

Tinder unveils 'panic button' for emergency response

She feels that the big dating apps are focused on "hookups," and argues that OKZoomer sets the ground for "meaningful relationships."


For example, OKZoomer's algorithm does not prioritise proximity, unlike most major dating sites.

Other sites are emerging too, such as "Quarantine Together," whose slogan is "Get close even when you can't be close."

Moore, the comedian, isn't convinced that the new coronavirus will spark a dating revolution though.

"I can imagine that once all of this settles down the men who don't really want to be having a conversation will probably go back to one-word answers."]]>
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