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                        <title>Letters</title>
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			<title>Growing poverty</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486653/growing-poverty-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486653/growing-poverty-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 24 21:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is mired in a deepening chasm of poverty, with a quarter of its population enduring abject destitution. This socioeconomic malaise is exacerbated by a stark disparity of wealth, cleaving society along lines of extreme economic stratification. The genesis of this crisis lies in a combination of factors: agricultural stagnation, rapid population growth and a dearth of essential public services. To ameliorate this condition, Pakistan must prioritise human capital formation, agricultural modernisation, economic diversification, robust social welfare programmes and the extirpation of corruption. Only through a concerted and resolute effort can the nation aspire to a more equitable and prosperous future.

Mudasir Ali

Ratodero]]>
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			<title>Youth and the policymakers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486652/youth-and-the-policymakers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486652/youth-and-the-policymakers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 24 21:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2486652</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan has the world&#39;s largest population below the age of 30. This youth bulge can prove to be a game changer for Pakistan but the state policies do not seem aligning with such prospects. Unfortunately, our policymakers do not find time to think about this frustrated and unemployed youth population burdened with huge expectations and having big dreams in their eyes. It&#39;s about time for those sitting in the power corridors to take some effective and urgent measures to accommodate this rapidly rising strength of unemployed youth.

According to a report, Pakistan needs to generate 1.4 million jobs every year to accommodate the graduates every year. We have outstanding examples in our neighbourhood of how they utilised their human capital. Both China and India are now the world&#39;s best performing economies thanks to their policymakers who chanenelled the human resource in the best possible way. Pakistan must learn from these neighbouring countries and formulate policies keeping its youth in view.

M Sohaib Murtaza Khichi

Faisalabad]]>
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			<title>Poor transport services</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486651/poor-transport-services</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486651/poor-transport-services#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 24 21:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2486651</guid>
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				<![CDATA[We have always heard of mismanagement in different departments of Pakistan. Our transport system is a case in point. People face numerous challenges traveling within and between cities. Passenger coach services in Punjab and Sindh have nothing to write home about. They charge an exorbitant amount from passengers in terms of fare - that too for very pathetic service standards. Even when there is a cut in fuel price, they never cut the fare. And there is no one to keep a check on this. Same is the case with train services. The fares are not commensurate with the services provided. The level of cleanliness inside the coaches, particularly in the washroom, is extremely disappointing. Food is also sold at much higher prices, and the quality is not good either. The government needs to take step to better the services so as to provide comfortable and hassle-free commute.

Nasrullah Khadim

Kandhkot]]>
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			<title>Adieu to foodie's paradise</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486650/adieu-to-foodies-paradise</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486650/adieu-to-foodies-paradise#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 24 21:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2486650</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is a stunning country, and its northern areas are a slice of heaven on earth. A little piece of heaven can also be found in Islamabad&#39;s Margalla hills, particularly at the Monal restaurant, where locals and tourists alike savour delicious food served with a smile by the courteous staff. The breathtaking view from uphill is simply mesmerising, and the picturesque capital city beckons from the corner of the restaurant, with the Faisal Mosque being a sight to behold.

But, all good things usually come to an end. The golden era of this restaurant is drawing to a close, in line with the top court&#39;s directives. It&#39;s a bitter pill to swallow, and citizens will miss out on the opportunity to indulge in good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and the thrill of a hair-raising drive to the hilltop.

The Margalla Hills will also feel the pinch, missing the vibrant atmosphere that drew people in droves, leaving with memories of happy times and beaming faces. The public is sure to miss a peaceful retreat. Restaurants like Monal in hilly areas are the need of the hour, catering to people&#39;s demands for a serene and tranquil environment.

Monal Restaurant has been the go-to destination for foodies for years, and its mouth-watering dishes have stolen the hearts of many. Its culinary delights have left people wanting more, and they are always eager to come back with friends and family to share a meal that&#39;s truly a feast for the senses.

For years to come, Monal Restaurant will be etched in our memories as a place where we&#39;ve shared countless moments of laughter and camaraderie with good friends, making it a treasured spot that will be deeply missed.]]>
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			<title>A cry for justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470852/a-cry-for-justice-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470852/a-cry-for-justice-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 24 21:35:57 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470852</guid>
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				<![CDATA[It&rsquo;s been a year since I received the devastating news of my uncle&rsquo;s murder. Abdul Qayyum was mercilessly gunned down and the pain and shock still linger, and the quest for justice remains unfulfilled. The questions swirled: Who could have done this? Why did they target Abdul Qayyum, a man with no enemies or wrongdoings? The next day, the BLF had claimed responsibility for the heinous crime on social media. The community of tehsil Buleda was in outrage, condemning the killing. I wrote an open letter to the BLF, demanding proof for their baseless accusations against my uncle. I reached out to every media platform, pleading with the separatists to justify their actions.

We filed an FIR with the CTD and approached the courts, but justice remains elusive. Thousands of similar incidents have occurred in Balochistan, where brainwashed youngsters are recruited for destructive purposes. The BLF&rsquo;s actions &mdash; destroying machinery, killing labourers and threatening youth &mdash; only fuel hate and hinder progress. Killing innocent people, including locals and those from other provinces, is a cruel tactic. Alleging false claims and taking lives is against Baloch values and tradition. The family of Shaheed Abdul Qayyum still awaits justice. The law enforcement agencies must fulfil their duties to safeguard the public from militants and insurgents. Peace can only prevail when justice is served. The people of Balochistan deserve protection, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

I urge the authorities to take immediate action and investigate the murder of Abdul Qayyum. We need answers, and we need justice. The memory of my uncle and all the innocent victims of the BLF&rsquo;s brutality demand it. The people of Balochistan are tired of living in fear and seeing their loved ones taken away by senseless violence. We demand an end to this brutality, an end to the BLF&rsquo;s reign of terror. We demand justice, and we demand it now.]]>
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			<title>Bus station upkeep</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470851/bus-station-upkeep</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470851/bus-station-upkeep#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 24 21:35:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Letter]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470851</guid>
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				<![CDATA[In Pakistan, initiating any programme or project takes months, even years. Yet, once these projects become operational, they frequently fall victim to neglect and insufficient maintenance, leading to rapid deterioration. The metro bus system stands as a prime example. Authorities must intervene before these once-promising stations become mere relics.

As a frequent commuter residing in Rawalpindi, I have observed the urgent need for high repair and maintenance on the metro bus tracks, rather than cosmetic fixes. A large portion of the population depends on this service daily. Delays are not just frustrating; they are economically damaging, causing lateness for work and appointments. Moreover, these tracks present significant safety risks. Proper upkeep will not only enhance the speed and efficiency of the service but also enable more people to benefit from it.

Moreover, there needs to be more civic responsibility among the public. Basic courtesies, like queuing, must be observed. It is imperative to implement programmes and awareness campaigns to promote more civilised behaviour, including forming orderly queues and respecting public property. Discipline is crucial for the smooth functioning of any public service, and the metro bus system is no exception.

The metro bus system plays a vital role in the transportation infrastructure, but its future looks bleak without adequate maintenance and public adherence to rules. Immediate action from authorities is necessary to address these pressing issues.]]>
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			<title>Toxic letter probe focuses on source of arsenic</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461990/toxic-letter-probe-focuses-on-source-of-arsenic</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461990/toxic-letter-probe-focuses-on-source-of-arsenic#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 24 16:54:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Naeem Asghar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461990</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Investigators collect data on off-counter sale of chemical powder]]>
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				<![CDATA[Investigation teams collected the data on sale and the overall market for the arsenic powder, as they widened the scale of their investigation into the toxic letter sent to the superior judiciary in recent weeks, sources said.

It was initially reported that anthrax-laced letters were sent to the judges of the Supreme Court, Islamabad High Court (IHC) and the Lahore High Court (LHC). However, it transpired in the investigation that the white powder in the letter contained arsenic.

Eight high court judges received the toxic letters on April 2, while the Supreme Court judges received similar letters on April 4 and 5. Investigation so far, revealed that the letters were filled with arsenic powder in a non-toxic quantity, according to a report sent to the interior ministry.

Two separate cases were registered and the investigation got underway by the Counter-Terror Department (CTD) of the police and other agencies. Sources said that the powder found in the letters was different from the arsenic powder that could be bought from the apothecaries.

Read also:&nbsp;Anthrax found in threatening letters: forensic report

According to the sources, investigation teams are visiting all these shops, where arsenic powder is sold for medicinal purposes and collecting data on the substance.

According to the sources, the letters were posted at the post offices in the Satellite Town in Rawalpindi and I-10/4 in Islamabad. The investigation teams visited the apothecaries in these areas and checked the records of the chemical powders including anthrax powder, and arsenic powder being sold in 15 to 20 days.

The CCTV footage and the names of the senders written on the letters had been sent to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the envelopes were sent to the experts for analysis of the ink and the writing. The postal stamp on the letter was also being analysed, the sources said.

(WITH INPUT FROM OUR RAWALPINDI CORRESPONDENT QAISER SHIRAZI)]]>
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			<title>Allegations traded over ‘toxic’ letters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461836/allegations-traded-over-toxic-letters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461836/allegations-traded-over-toxic-letters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Apr 24 04:45:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461836</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI claims govt sent them to judges; PML-N leader says affair befits ex-ruling party]]>
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				<![CDATA[The PTI on Friday alleged that the delivery of threatening letters laced with a toxic powdery substance to judges was a government&rsquo;s conspiracy to harass them while the PML-N claimed that there might be a group under the influence the former ruling party that was behind it.

The PTI has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the letters sent to judges so that the elements attacking them were brought to justice at the earliest.

A PTI spokesperson made it clear that the party stood firmly with the judiciary and would not tolerate any attempt to attack the institution or coerce the judges.

The letters were sent after the top court initiated suo motu proceedings in response to allegations made by six Islamabad High Court judges against intelligence agencies.

However, PML-N senior leader and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah said the PTI was the beneficiary in the whole threatening letters affair.

&ldquo;There may be a group under the influence or sympathisers of the PTI involved in sending threatening letters to judges,&rdquo; he maintained while speaking in the Express News show &lsquo;Center Stage&rsquo;.

On the host Rehman Azhar&rsquo;s query, Sanaullah replied that creating disorder in the judiciary&rsquo;s affairs would only be in favour of the PTI.

The former interior minister pointed out that there was no case against his party in the courts and it even received relief from the IHC.

&ldquo;Why will we send threatening letters to the judges?&rdquo;

Sanaullah said the issue of the threatening letters to judges was basically a problem of the independence of the judiciary.

He advised the judiciary to hold itself accountable.

&ldquo;If the judiciary is angry with the [security] establishment, surely call them too.&rdquo;

The PML-N leader believed that the judges should have asked the executive to investigate the matter when it had occurred.

In response to a question, he said the government or the security establishment could not be taken down without the help of insiders.

&ldquo;Political instability will harm the country. The government should try to bring about political stability and it will.&rdquo;

Separately, the PTI has formed its apex committee for making important decisions of the party.

The body has been constituted on the instructions of PTI founding chairman and former premier Imran Khan.

The 10-member committee includes PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Hammad Azhar, Khalid Khurshid, Hafiz Farhat, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and ex-speaker of the lower house of parliament Asad Qaiser.

Sources said the PTI was considering other names for the vacant slots of the body.

They added that the formation of the apex committee would be announced through a notification.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Love from women of steel: 'Sinf-e-Aahan' letters are going viral for all the right reasons</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2342721/love-from-women-of-steel-sinf-e-aahan-letters-are-going-viral-for-all-the-right-reasons</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2342721/love-from-women-of-steel-sinf-e-aahan-letters-are-going-viral-for-all-the-right-reasons#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 22 05:26:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2342721</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Twitter lauds Umera Ahmed's writing for the emotional reflection and character arc of the girls' PMA journey so far]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nadeem Baig&rsquo;s directorial Sinf-e-Aahan has been a fan favourite since its first episode aired last month. The show follows six fearless, passionate and opinionated women, who defy conventions as uniformed lady cadets. Needless to say, that show has grown on the audiences over time and every new episode see viewers appreciating the show for something new.

&ldquo;Sinf-e-Aahan is literally so wholesome. It makes my Saturdays so much better. It is not only well written but the perfect casting and acting make it even more enjoyable. Even the side characters show incomparable growth. It&rsquo;s been a while since a Pakistani drama made me this happy,&rdquo; shared a fan on the micro-blogging site.



Sinf-e-Aahan is literally so wholesome. Makes my saturdays so much better. Its so well written. The perfect casting and acting makes it even more enjoyable. Been a while since a Pakistani drama made me this happy.#sinfeahan #sinfeaahan pic.twitter.com/eQZwuwghUG
&mdash; Fatima⁷~ (@itsFatimaahere) February 5, 2022



Last week&rsquo;s episode of the show took us closer to the personal lives of the characters and how these iron ladies understand the importance of female friendship. How they rely on each other as a support system instead of fighting with each other as it is usually shown in Pakistani drama serials.

Appreciating the due time taken to curate a bond between these women, a user felt the whole process was as natural as it is in the real life. &ldquo;The way female relationships have been portrayed in Sinf-e-Aahan is true to reality. These aren&rsquo;t automatic or forced friendships. These are girls being girls-- some kind, some spoiled, some showing loyalty to another friend and finding themselves along the way.&rdquo;



The way female relationships have been portrayed in #SinfeAahan is true to reality. These aren&rsquo;t automatic or forced friendships. These are girls being girls - some kind, some spoiled, some showing loyalty to another friend&hellip;.&amp; finding themselves along the way. #PakistaniDramas pic.twitter.com/Ilw5eirKU6
&mdash; SophiaQ (@SophiaAQ) January 16, 2022



A major highlight of the latest episode was also the bittersweet memories all the cadets shared in the form of handwritten letters to their loved ones&rsquo; back home. Amongst all six, Rabia Safeer (Sajal Aly), Mahjabeen Mastan (Kubra Khan) and Shaista Khanzada&rsquo;s (Yumna Zaidi) letters stood out for their captivating writing, nostalgic value, and heavy reflections on their time at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) so far.

&ldquo;What an absolutely beautiful episode of Sinf-e-Aahan. The Lady Cadets were required to write to their homes, and boy was it fun hearing them write. If you haven&rsquo;t already, watch it now,&rdquo; asserted a fan right after the episode concluded on Saturday.



What an absolutely beautiful episode of #sinfeaahan!! The LCs were required to write to their homes, and boy was it fun hearing them write. If you haven&rsquo;t already, watch it now.
&mdash; Busy sushi 🍣🥢 (@sushi_busy) February 5, 2022



The scanned copies of the letters were uploaded from the famed writer Umera Ahmed&rsquo;s official social media accounts and immediately made rounds on Twitter with fans sharing their reactions and pointing out the growth in the characters within just ten episodes.

Praising the choice of words, a user wrote, &ldquo;I got goosebumps while listening to everyone&rsquo;s views about PMA but these letters were truly motivational and emotional. Hats off to you, Umera Ahmad.&rdquo;

Fans were quick to pick on Mahjabeen&rsquo;s inner conflict with her parent&#39;s relationship in her letter. The first part of her letter depicts a confused girl not knowing how to communicate with her own parents because of their complex relationship. She calls it a &lsquo;real challenge&rsquo; and a fan, taking to Twitter, highlighted how dysfunctional families and parental neglect affect children&rsquo;s mental health.



Parents fight destroyed childrens mental health💯💔#SinfeAahan pic.twitter.com/YvxSrY1xkl
&mdash; H A N I 💫 (@be_like_hania) February 6, 2022



A Twitter user lauding Mahjabeen&rsquo;s letter wrote, &ldquo;My favourite scene from today&#39;s episode would be Mahjabeen&#39;s letter to her parents. The complexity of emotions presented in the letter made me cry. There were things which she was never able to say when living with her parents and the way Kubra delivered it made everything heartbreakingly beautiful.&rdquo;



my fav scene from today&#39;s episode would be mahjabeen&#39;s letter to her parents. the complexity of emotions presented in the letter which she was never able to say when living together &amp; the way kubra delivered it, everything was heartbreakingly beautiful #sinfeaahan @KubraMKhan
&mdash; s⁷ (@shizaahahaa) February 5, 2022



&ldquo;The hesitance was not only felt in her body language but the writing manifested the complex relationship she shared with her parents. Kudos to Umera Ahmed,&rdquo; the user further added.



Kubra As Mahjabeen nailed today&#39;s epi with her emotions when she was writing the letter&amp; don&#39;t know what to write as she doesn&#39;t communicate with her parents,Literally it brought tears in my eyes😭
Kudos to u Kubra u just nailed that scene 👏 Rula diya🥺@KubraMKhan #sinfeaahan
&mdash; ✨ н&upsilon;м&alpha;я&iota; ѕ&iota;&part;✨ (@sidk24) February 5, 2022



Mahjabeen&rsquo;s resilience turns to a breaking point in her letter where she breaks down to appreciate the harsh but simple life of army personnel compared to her full of luxury and wealthy life back home. Her character arc is noticeable and fans love the remarkable growth.

&ldquo;Mahjabeen&#39;s character development is so well-timed. It&rsquo;s just so refreshing to watch. She still has flaws, she still makes mistakes but the way she&#39;s learning and growing. Kubra Khan, you did so well. Mahjabeen really has made a place in our hearts!&rdquo; tweeted a fan.



Mahjabeen&#39;s character development is so well timed. Its just so refreshing to watch. She still has flaws, she still makes mistakes but the way she&#39;s learning and growing 🥺 @KubraMKhan you did so well. Mahjabeen really has made a place in our hearts! #sinfeaahan #Sinfeahan pic.twitter.com/5oFSjsboOU
&mdash; Fatima⁷~ (@itsFatimaahere) January 29, 2022



Next on the fan&rsquo;s hit list was Rabia&rsquo;s letter to her idol, her brother and army officer Danial (Usman Mukhtar). The letter was evidence of their strong sibling bond displaying the role her brother has played in her life as a friend and how she can relate to his past experiences of training in Kakul.

&ldquo;Rabia&#39;s letter, her dialogues, her emotions, I can&#39;t forget how beautiful this particular segment was. The writer deserves applause for heart touching words. Sajal, you were amazing as usual,&rdquo; tweeted a fan.



Rabia&#39;s letter, her dialogues, her emotions, how beautiful this particular bit was. Writers deserve applause, rabia&#39;s letter was so heart touching. Sajal you were amazing as usual.🙌#Sinfeahan #SajalAly #SajalAli#SinfeAahan
&mdash; 𝓣𝓾𝓶 𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓹𝓲𝔂𝓪? 🪐 (@Aediltubata) February 6, 2022




The scene also made fans emotional by showcasing how a brother served to be a hero for his younger sister. Relatable to fans, they were in awe of the selection of words Rabia chooses in her letters to express her gratitude for her brother.

The third letter that won the internet this week was a rather entertaining one that Shaista sent to her grandmother. Fans were moved by how out of everyone, Shaista chooses to address her grandmother, who was the most hostile amongst all family members.



shaista khanzada&#39;s letter is the most interesting and the surely the most funniest letter out of all of them.🤣🤣🤣 #SinfeAahan #YumnaZaidi pic.twitter.com/DQOBw16cov
&mdash; Irum Abdul Razzaq (@irumshahzadi_12) February 6, 2022





&quot;Shukar hay PMA mein ap jaisi dadi nahi hoti &quot;and then Shaista proceeds to write a letter to her Dadi. I lover her character.#sinfeaahan
&mdash; Mirable. (@EkQaidPanchi) February 5, 2022



The episode also unveiled Sri Lankan national Nathmy Pereera&rsquo;s command over the Urdu language. Fans were low-key glad for &ldquo;not having to read subtitles or translate larger parts of conversations&rdquo; when watching the series with family.

While some fans are complaining about the current pace of the show getting monotonous with just snippets of training and the blatant army life without a purposeful storyline, others think it is perfectly timed to give space for each character to establish themselves as an individual.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Zeb Bangash, Shamali Afghan are sending 'Love Letters to Kabul' through music</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2319505/zeb-bangash-shamali-afghan-are-sending-love-letters-to-kabul-through-music</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2319505/zeb-bangash-shamali-afghan-are-sending-love-letters-to-kabul-through-music#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 21 06:46:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asfa Sultan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2319505</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singers highlight the musical connection between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India with their collaborative effort.]]>
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				<![CDATA[As much as there was a promise of Taliban 2.0 the recent videos of the Taliban assaulting women on streets and pictures of musical instruments broken by the Taliban paint a picture we all have seen before. Some artists have reportedly also gone into hiding while others are seeking refuge on the internet by digitising their content and sharing testimonies with those away from home.

The artists and their repeated pleas have allowed both the Afghans and Pakistanis to look through the propaganda and reconsider their position on what is a humanitarian crisis first and political chaos later.

Shamali Afghan and Zeb Bangash are two known names in the Afg-Pak music scene who continue to take inspiration and give back to their roots while staying thousands of miles away from home. Shamali, despite having lived in Toronto has grown up listening to the stories of Afghanistan, courtesy of his Afghan father Ustad Shah Wali and Zeb, whil having no direct link to what we call Afghanistan today, feels connected to it because of her Pashtun descent and a &lsquo;serendipitous&rsquo; bond with Shamali. Both artists recently joined hands for Love Letters to Kabul, their EP which traces the musical connections between Pakistan and its neighbours.

The Pashtun connection

&ldquo;When Paimona first came out, there were a slew of anti-Afghan and anti-Pakistan sentiments that built up in its comments section. Then there were Indian users picking sides. But they all loved the song,&rdquo; Zeb Bangash recalled in a conversation with The Express Tribune. &ldquo;So it was quite interesting for me because irrespective of people&rsquo;s feelings towards a country&rsquo;s politics, they always react differently to its culture. Culture really rises above it all,&rdquo; she added.

&ldquo;This collaboration came into being a year ago. Shamali and I met by chance when we were being pitched to do a Coke Studio song together&rdquo; recalled the Sooha Saaha singer. &ldquo;I know his father, Ustad Shah Wali. He&rsquo;s our family&rsquo;s favourite performer. I learnt Paimona and Bibi Sanam under his tutelage&rdquo; she revealed, gratefully.

It all started when Shamali, who was in Kabul when Covid-19 broke out, visited Zeb in Pakistan with his cousins. They ended up jamming for a few weeks. &ldquo;We spent a lovely time doing music, after which, we decided to record a few songs. Now, they all have a different meaning and gravity to them,&rdquo; acknowledged Zeb.

The Dilruba Na Raazi singer remembered reaching out to Saad Sultan, who agreed to produce the songs and Hashim Ali, who agreed to make their music videos.

About the musical connection between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and whether it can be used to cure the hatred which has built up, Zeb assured, &ldquo;Of course! Connection to the Afghan culture is part of our genetic make-up. All three Afghan Ustads that we are covering in our EP have either contributed to or played in Pakistan. Ustad Nashenas has several PTV recordings. Most of our parents and grandparents would have all his cassettes. Ustad Biltoon has come and performed here so many times. So with travel, the transition of music is a continuum and it has been that way for a long time.&rdquo;

The continuum

Whether you call Afghanistan the Heart of Asia or the Graveyard of Empires, its artists appear to be as resistant to influence as its inhabitants are to occupants. And that can be assessed by the way they continue to express themselves. As Zeb relayed, &ldquo;The new element is that we decided not to include too many new elements. The traditional Afghan sound is in itself so beautiful and the Pashtu saazina or Afghan saazina is a common denominator on both sides of the border, so we thought it would be nice to put them together.&rdquo;

However, she clarified that the beauty of the traditional styles does not mean she and Shamali felt there was no room to add their own touch. &ldquo;There is a bass in there, there are keys in there, and there are certain parts that are modern. It&rsquo;s a modern sound but it&rsquo;s been crafted in a traditional way. We needed that original Afghan tabla jhol and this Pashtu groove, it&rsquo;s a very specific groove that only people from Peshawar can get a hang of. So we got this amazing tabla player, Javed Khan, from Peshawar, and a great rubab player, Waqar Attal, as well,&rdquo; elaborated the vocalist.

A-political stand

Zeb, who in 2017 had promised to keep her political views under wraps, has now kept them at bay entirely. &ldquo;I feel the best things come out when we&rsquo;re entirely connected to our music and our intentions don&rsquo;t have [an agenda],&rdquo; she shared. &ldquo;So this was liberating. It is our privilege as performers and we often give it up by delving into matters that political experts can talk better about,&rdquo; she continued.

But if one&rsquo;s art does not reflect the politics of the time, how does one connect to the viewer or listener? &ldquo;It feels squeamish to hear constant political commentary by people who can express themselves in other ways,&rdquo; resorted the singer. &ldquo;I mean right now, I would much rather write a song than have a political discussion,&rdquo; she admitted.

As for her EP making a political statement &ndash; provided the timing of its release &ndash; despite having been conceived out of the sheer love for a city, Zeb assured, &ldquo;As a student of history I know that there is no situation. Things in this world have always been the same. There&rsquo;s always been famine, brutality, violence, but as an artist, I feel, we&rsquo;re lucky to have a medium through which we can connect to people and help bridge gaps rather than pushing them away with politics and alienating them.&rdquo;

Listen to&nbsp;Yaar&nbsp;from Zeb and Shamali&#39;s Love Letters to Kabul&nbsp;here:





Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Gender inequality</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315824/gender-inequality</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315824/gender-inequality#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 21 06:41:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ganji Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2315824</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Globally, only 7% of women have financial services as per the World Bank Global Index Report 2017]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Living amongst men is itself a strenuous task for most Pakistani women. Women are harassed and then accused of luring their harasser, which helps harassers play the role of the victim. Honour killings have become extremely common. The problem is that most cases go unreported.

Apart from this, not many realise that women are pushed out of different professions because their male counterparts are better suited for the roles. Pakistan ranks 153 out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum&rsquo;s global gender index. Gender inequality seems to be a never-ending fight in Pakistan. Considering the fact that women make up half of the total population &mdash; about 48.8% &mdash; they deserve equal participation in different ranks and roles. Even the Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah said, &ldquo;No nation can rise to the heights of glory unless her women stand aside with her men.&rdquo; However, political participation, inclusion and equal of opportunity is still a far-off thought for many women in the country.

Gender inequality is not just limited to Pakistan. Many countries around the world have yet to achieve gender parity. Globally, only 7% of women have financial services as per the World Bank Global Index Report 2017. Another report by the Global Gender Gap suggests that only six countries in the world provide rights to both men and women equally. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go before we bridge the gender gap in our country. But we must not stop working towards it.]]>
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			<title>Rampant femicide</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315823/rampant-femicide</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315823/rampant-femicide#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 21 06:41:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hamza Wyne]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2315823</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[An epidemic of gender-based violence is encompassing the whole country]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[An epidemic of gender-based violence is encompassing the whole country. Women aren&rsquo;t safe anywhere, not even in their homes. The term &lsquo;femicide&rsquo; has taken hold of our vocabulary. The cold-blooded assassination of Noor Mukadam and many others have demonstrated the heinous shape that toxic masculinity can take. Noor&rsquo;s murder was not a result of a single cause &mdash; a brawl in this case &mdash; but a build-up of something evil over the years, that goes into the rearing of men in our society. This entails the moral policing of women, control over their body, and severe surveillance of their movements. If these restraints are infringed, naked threats and violence is the usual course taken by men.

A go-to justification of femicide is the story of mythical dishonour that women allegedly bring to the family and community. In every realm of society, women are not only oppressed but are also being deprived of their agency. Even amidst the raging outcry about rampant gender-based violence, it is risible to observe that rather than accepting their responsibility in sustaining the patriarchal structure, men have taken an affront to the expression of infuriation by women on this fatal issue. Thus, the first step towards a safe and gender-inclusive society demands the acknowledgement of the matrix of femicide that is unfolding in our society.]]>
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			<title>Foreign diplomacy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315825/foreign-diplomacy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2315825/foreign-diplomacy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 21 06:41:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tariq Mehmood Khalid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2315825</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In the ever-changing global scenario, one country alone cannot decide the destiny of the world]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf recently expressed his resentment over the absence of an overdue call from US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Imran Khan. His pessimistic tone left everyone questioning as to why President Biden could not be &ldquo;persuaded&rdquo; to make the phone call. Yusuf warned the US leadership that Pakistan has &ldquo;other options&rdquo; if the US continues to give a cold shoulder. This itself was enough to expose Pakistan&rsquo;s desperation. However, the humiliation was furthered when Pakistan&rsquo;s request to join the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan was denied.

Considering that Pakistan is a major stakeholder in Afghanistan, it is absurd that the country was not offered to join the meeting in the first place. Despite exhausting all resources and compromising self-integrity to fulfil the US objectives, Pakistan has remained unsuccessful in creating a mutually comprehensive relationship with the US. The never-ending trust deficit between the US and Pakistan can be understood through the parasitic US behaviour against Pakistan and Pakistan&rsquo;s continued dependency on the US for economic and strategic interests. Pakistan needs to revisit its foreign policy goals. The country requires a vigorous strategy to explore multiple options to ensure that the country is not used as a scapegoat for anyone&rsquo;s interests. It is time to realise that the US is no longer the sole superpower, given the humiliation it has suffered in Afghanistan. In the ever-changing global scenario, one country alone cannot decide the destiny of the world.

To avoid further exploitation, Pakistan must reduce dependency on any single country. Individuals at the helm of affairs must formulate a counter-narrative against the propaganda campaigns launched by the hostile countries against Pakistan. There is an urgent need for the realisation that political polarisation at home, the evil of dependency and a frail foreign policy will never earn a good name for the country.]]>
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			<title>Vaccine certificate error</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314682/vaccine-certificate-error</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314682/vaccine-certificate-error#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 21 09:10:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Uzair Bhaur]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2314682</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Why should a person who is not responsible for the error suffer the negligence of NIMS?]]>
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				<![CDATA[I have gotten my vaccination from a centre in Lahore. When I downloaded my vaccination certificate form the web portal of the National Immunization Management System (NIMS), I was astonished to see that the date of my second vaccination dose was not correctly mentioned.

The date on the certificate was of one month later than the actual vaccination dose date. Due to this, my certificate indicates a gap of two months between the two doses. Fortunately, I have with me a digital copy of both the vaccination forms that I filled at the time of vaccination. Therefore, I decided to seek help.

On the said web portal, there is an option where you can register a complaint. Using this, I submitted my complaint and requested to correct the error made. I was again astonished when I was informed through the web portal that my vaccination certificate could not be corrected.

The reason given on the portal was that the &ldquo;date cannot be changed as certificate issued&rdquo; (exact wordings quoted). How can one know about the error in the certificate before it is even issued? Does NIMS expect people to use extra sensory perception or some other mysterious way to know of such errors beforehand?

There is an error because of the negligence of the people who updated the record in the system, and it is the responsibility of NIMS to find a way to correct it. Why should a person who is not responsible for the error suffer the negligence of NIMS?]]>
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			<title>EOBI does not deliver</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314681/eobi-does-not-deliver</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314681/eobi-does-not-deliver#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 21 09:10:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Naeem Sadiq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2314681</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan is the only country in the world where 90% of them are deprived of old-age benefits]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is the only country in the world where half of its workers are being paid less than the minimum legal wage while 90% of them are deprived of old-age benefits.

EOBI confirms that it has only 9 million registered employees on its roll. This simply means that we have created a death trap for the remaining 81 million workers who will not receive a single penny as they enter their twilight years.

The existing EOBI must be replaced by a modern, small and completely digitised organisation which is directly linked to NADRA&rsquo;s database. A few people sitting in one office should be able to monitor, within minutes, if the EOBI contribution of any CNIC holder in Pakistan has been deposited or not. The scope of EOBI must be expanded to include every citizen above the age of 18 years, regardless of the employer or the nature of the job.

Every worker must receive an SMS each month to confirm that the latest EOBI amount has been deposited and the total accumulated so far. Finally, even for the miniscule minority of 10% workers who are included in the current EOBI scheme, receiving their pension is an unspeakable torture. All pensions must automatically be transferred every month to the bank account or mobile phone account of the pensioner, without any worker having to visit any office or bank.]]>
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			<title>TikTok ban</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314680/tiktok-ban-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314680/tiktok-ban-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 21 09:10:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Malik Tariq Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2314680</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It has now become a regular feature to ban TikTok on one pretext or another]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[It has now become a regular feature to ban TikTok, an application widely used by middle-class Pakistanis, on one pretext or another. Is it a mere coincidence that the process of banning this application, owned by a Chinese company, started ever since it was banned by the US Trump administration?

As far as the contents of most American, and Europe-based applications, are concerned, they are far more lethal and hate-based than the so-called &lsquo;Islamophobic&rsquo; TikTok. But rarely have they been banned so frequently. Therefore, suspicions arise as to why TikTok is being banned so frequently in Pakistan. Why can&rsquo;t we use these computerbased applications for the benefit of our society instead? Why ban them outright?

It is a stated policy that the US is against all Chinese investments in Pakistan, especially CPEC. There should be no doubt in our minds that the relationship between China and Pakistan is broadbased, sharing common strategic interests and not transactional, as we had with the US. Over the years, numerous individuals within our paid public office holders have been beneficiaries of American largesse. Many of them have shifted their assets to their newly acquired foreign country, seeking citizenship for themselves or their family.

The oath of citizenship binds them to obey whatever is required to serve US national interests, or the interests of any country whose citizenship they acquire voluntarily. It is in Pakistan&rsquo;s national security interest not to appoint such individuals to any public office of importance, in any regulatory authority, or in sensitive organisation or diplomatic assignments. These individuals can be liable to succumb to their conflict of interest because of the fear of prosecution, punishment or confiscation of assets.]]>
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			<title>Economic shock</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302258/economic-shock</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302258/economic-shock#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 21 08:24:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Zohaib Jawaid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2302258</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Economic shock]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It was only after the coronavirus started spreading rapidly across continents that countries leaped into action in order to curb its spread. As a natural response, countries opted for nationwide lockdowns because of which the economies around the world witnessed an unprecedented shock. The problem amplified when the lockdown did not yield success. The spread did not stop, the cases kept rising, and countries were forced to open economic activities in a controlled environment. But, the damage had been done. Now it is time to unite and fix the matter.]]>
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			<title>Commissions without chairpersons</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302257/commissions-without-chairpersons</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302257/commissions-without-chairpersons#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 21 08:24:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M Shahjahan Memon]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2302257</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Commissions without chairpersons]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), an impartial state institution which acts as a watchdog, has been non-operational after its chairperson&rsquo;s four-year term had expired in May 29, 2019. The NCHR Act demands a broad mandate for the promotion and implementation of human rights as guaranteed in the Constitution and fulfillment of international treaties to which Pakistan is a party. Some critics are of the view that watchdogs like the NCHR have deliberately been made dysfunctional by the incumbent government, which they believe is a serious cause for concern and human rights violation as per the Paris principles.

Federal Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari has categorically denied this allegation and has instead blamed it on the opposition. Similarly, the National Commission on the Status of Women too is non-operational and is without a chairperson. This speaks volumes of the misplaced priorities of the incumbent government. They do not realise that this will have serious implications for Pakistan in the future. It is high time that the PTI government prioritised human rights in the larger interests of the country and its citizens.]]>
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			<title>Consistent efforts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302256/consistent-efforts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302256/consistent-efforts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 21 08:24:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Raja Shafaatullah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2302256</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Consistent efforts]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Recently the UN General Assembly passed a resolution directing Israel and Palestine to put an immediate stop to the fighting. Prior to it, a resolution at the UN Security Council, which was fiercely promoted by our foreign minister, was vetoed by the US. But this is nothing new since the US has vetoed at least 53 UN Security Council resolutions critical of Israel over the past five decades.

However, foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkey, and many Muslim countries did not give up and pushed for a resolution and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. A strong joint concerted effort was finally successful but things still hang in the balance.

I think there is a lesson to be learned&nbsp;by everyone here, especially our political leadership. If they persevere and forge unity to help and support the cause of the people, there is no reason they won&rsquo;t prevail. The same must also be done for the people of IIOJK. Unity and consistent effort will eventually force the world to realise Indian atrocities being committed against the helpless Kashmiris. Such efforts can keep the issue current and alive, which eventually can lead to the UN pressuring India to respect UN resolutions to provide the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. We must not forget or lower the pressure in highlighting the cause of IIOJK.]]>
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			<title>Importance of self-care</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302255/importance-of-self-care</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2302255/importance-of-self-care#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 21 08:23:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alizey Naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2302255</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Importance of self-care]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In the present age where everyone is in a rush to achieve their goals in life, people have forgotten to take care of themselves. In the race to be successful they have neglected the fact that in doing so they are losing their health. The famous saying &ldquo;health is wealth&rdquo; is not just a saying but has a rather deep meaning. One needs to remain healthy if one is to lead a prosperous life. If a person is not healthy then s/he cannot enjoy life to the fullest. Health is what makes a man most joyful and satisfied in life and people don&rsquo;t realise this. In the hustle of attaining material things they do not know what they are missing out on.

The first and foremost thing that people should focus on in their life is their health through self-care. One should crave out time from their busy schedule for things that make them feel at peace, mentally and emotionally. For many people journaling is the best way to relax and let lose all their thoughts and feelings. For some going to a salon, having a massage, or going for spa works as a therapy. Many would even prefer an outing which may include shopping, going out for lunch or dinner, visiting a park or watching a movie. There are also those who revert to yoga and meditating. For me the best relaxation therapy is curling up on my bean bag and fading away into a mystical world of my favourite novel.

Self-care is very essential so do not let anyone or anything interrupt your peace time. Life may be tough but make sure you do your best to take care of health, body and mind because at the end of the day it is all about enjoying life and being happy.]]>
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			<title>Child marriage</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301068/child-marriage-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301068/child-marriage-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 May 21 07:28:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Dr Yasmin Soomro]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2301068</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Child marriage]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Early Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 defined the minimum age of&nbsp;marriage for males to be 18 years and for females to be 16 years.&nbsp;Until now, Sindh is the only province that has unanimously adopted the&nbsp;Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act&nbsp;2014&nbsp;which has raised the legal minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls to 18 years. Other provinces must also amend this law to protect and safeguard the interest of our underage girls and boys. The grim reality is that child marriage is rampant mostly in rural and tribal areas where around 35% of all child marriages in the country take&nbsp;place. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey,&nbsp;3.3% of girls are married off under the age of 15 while 18.3% of girls are married off before reaching 18 years.

In order to ensure compliance with age restrictions for marriage, submitting a copy of the CNIC of the bride and groom along with the nikahnama form must be made mandatory. The age-old practice of writing down the CNIC number of the father in order to meet the formality must be stopped. Furthermore, clerics must be educated on the matter and told not to go through with the nikah unless proper proof is provided. I urge the federal government to enforce this across all provinces in letter and in spirit.]]>
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			<title>Unwise decision</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301067/unwise-decision</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301067/unwise-decision#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 May 21 07:25:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Malik Tariq Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2301067</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Unwise decision]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The world&rsquo;s commercial aviation industry is facing a crisis of increasing losses because of travel restrictions imposed due to the raging pandemic. Airlines all over the world have resorted to voluntary employee &lsquo;furlough schemes&rsquo; or &lsquo;leave without pay&rsquo; and in some cases &lsquo;retrenchment of staff&rsquo;.

While states with a welfare system are providing their citizens with basic medical coverage and cash relief, there seems to be no effective welfare state concept in Pakistan. PIA is facing a multi-pronged crisis. It not only faces the backlash of Covid-19 travel restrictions but also has to deal with the ban imposed on operation into the EU airspace and other countries after EASA had in writing stated that &ldquo;Pakistan, as the State of Operator, is currently not capable to certify and oversee its operators and aircraft in accordance with applicable international standards&rdquo;. Furthermore, the verdict of lack of capability by the CAA has been imposed by ICAO after the Aviation Minister, PIA and CAA mishandled the unfortunate tragic crash of PK8303 on May 22.

It is about time that the federal government along with the relevant authorities turned their focus and invested in the national airline of our country. Corruption and nepotism need to be systematically rooted out of an institution that internationally represents the country, in order to improve Pakistan&rsquo;s image that has long been tainted.]]>
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			<title>Israeli atrocities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301066/israeli-atrocities-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2301066/israeli-atrocities-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 May 21 07:21:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Raja Shafaatullah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2301066</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Israeli atrocities]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[One wonders where the saviours of human rights, the champions of democracy, and the protectors of free speech disappear when it comes to one of the worst tales of oppression in the modern era. Israel is, as it did in the past, bombing densely populated areas in Gaza in the name of self-defence. It is destroying buildings, desecrating schools, breaking down water and sewage lines, and demolishing power lines on a daily basis. It recently destroyed a building that housed media houses including Al Jazeera.

Heavy bombing in civilian areas has caused massive causalities of innocent people including women and children. The global superpower, the US, is witnessing the massacre, yet it remains apologetic for the aggressor. US officials, instead of leading the free world to stop the atrocities being committed in Palestine, pledged unconditional support for Israel. He, instead of condemning the barbaric actions of Israel, spoke of their right to self-defence.

The UN General Assembly and the Security Council can&rsquo;t do anything as the real control lies with the powers holding the right to veto. Anything even remotely condemning Israel is vetoed by the US. Through such actions, world powers have made the UN a toothless and useless body that is unable to follow through on its mandate. However, while countries like Pakistan and Turkey are working hard to convince the UN members to pressure Israel to stop the aggression against the innocent people of Palestine there seems no light at the end of the tunnel. Even though a ceasefire may have been reached, what has happened to Palestine cannot be undone and atrocities continue unabated.

It is a shame the world powers would destroy a country on a false or cooked-up information and look the other way whenever they please. It is time the global leaders for once worked for truth and justice and rallied behind Palestinians instead of enabling the apartheid state of Israel.]]>
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			<title>Essence of charity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300957/essence-of-charity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300957/essence-of-charity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 21 09:06:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Raza Kazmi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2300957</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Essence of charity]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[I want to draw the attention of the readers towards an important issue of charity &ndash; or sadqa &ndash; not reaching the deserving people or not being doled out in a proper manner. Many of us give sadqa, but don&rsquo;t make an effort to ensure that it reaches those who truly deserve it. If the charity doesn&rsquo;t reach the deserving people, its religious, ethical and social purpose is not served. Moreover it may even be used in a negative way. The true essence of sadqa is that it reaches the needy people.

Another common mistake that we inadvertently make is that we keep giving sadqa to some particular person or family &ndash; something that makes them dependent on the doles and stop them from stepping out to work. It is even a greater sadqa to provide an opportunity for people to make a living instead of giving them cash. Another way is to provide training to people through short courses like on mobile repair, painting, driving, etc so as to equip them to earn a livelihood for themselves and their families in a decent way.]]>
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			<title>Discriminatory ad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300955/discriminatory-ad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300955/discriminatory-ad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 21 09:03:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Naeem Sadiq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2300955</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Discriminatory ad]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[I refer to a newspaper advertisement of Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), Central Kurram, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa which states that Christians would be preferred for the post of janitors, ostensibly under the pretext of &ldquo;Minority Quota&rdquo;. The advertisement is insulting to our minorities, highly discriminatory and repugnant to the Constitution of Pakistan.

Such advertisements reflect our negative and insulting attitude towards our minorities. Afterall there are no ads that state that non-Muslims would be preferred for the jobs of Chief Executives or Director Generals.&nbsp; So why these double standards for the lowest posts of sanitary workers?

As a citizen of Pakistan, I stand ashamed at this blatant discrimination. Such derogatory treatment to our minorities at home makes our support for Muslims abroad appear hollow and untruthful. Can one request the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to kindly take notice, withdraw this derogatory ad and issue a policy to not repeat such discriminatory ads in future?]]>
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			<title>Child abuse</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300954/child-abuse</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300954/child-abuse#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 21 09:00:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shifa Rajput]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2300954</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Child abuse]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Our children are not safe. Not in schools. Not in playgrounds. Not in madrassahs. Not even at home. According to a child rights NGO, more than eight cases of child sexual abuse were reported every day in the year 2020. What&#39;s alarming is that even these numbers are massively underreported. While the legislation to prevent child abuse and punish perpetrators does exist, most cases of abuse are hushed up by the families of the victims themselves due to social stigmas. More often than not, the perpetrator is someone close to the family.

Childhood sex abuse can have long-term damaging impacts on the victim&#39;s mental health. In addition to that, our society&#39;s collective behaviour towards victims of abuse makes things all the more complicated as well. We end up blaming and shaming the victim instead of caring for them. The Zainab Ansari case that occurred in January 2018 was a wake-up call for the entire country. However, children are still molested each day, and there seems to be no end to it.

We as a society need to tackle this issue proactively. Relevant authorities must ensure that the laws are not just made stricter but implemented as well. Investigation agencies should be provided specific training on how to handle cases related to child abuse. Sex education should be introduced in school curriculums, and children should be made aware of the concept of good touch and bad touch. Awareness campaigns should be run through the various media platforms. We need to do a better job of protecting the children in our country so that their childhood may be preserved.]]>
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			<title>Soil erosion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300952/soil-erosion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2300952/soil-erosion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 21 08:56:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muneer Sabzal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2300952</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Soil erosion]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Soil erosion means removal of top fertile layer &ndash; something that causes land degradation. Better land management can help keep soils intact so that they can grow more carbon-sucking vegetation. Soil is a non-renewable resource. Human beings cannot survive without it because it provides the basis for all terrestrial life. Soil is a vital resource that provides food, fuel, and fiber.

Soil is a medium for plant growth. Soil erosion not only reduces soil fertility, crop production, and biodiversity but also alters water quality and increases anthropogenic activities like deforestation, intensive cultivation, soil mismanagement, and urbanisation.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that when cultivated without conservative practices, soil erodes 100 times as quickly as it forms; and this is currently the case. The risk of erosion will grow further in the future due to emissions-driven temperature changes with resulting decrease in agricultural production, land value and human health.]]>
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			<title>Night of Power</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297702/night-of-power</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297702/night-of-power#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 21 06:29:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alizey Naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2297702</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A single good deed on this night brings the blessings of 1,000 months]]>
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				<![CDATA[Laylat ul Qadr, also known as the &lsquo;Night of Power&rsquo;, is the night when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) by Angel Jibreel. It was revealed on one of the last 10 odd nights of the Holy month of Ramazan, but the exact date is unknown.

Muslims all over the world consider it as the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. So, they spend the final nights of Ramazan offering prayers, reciting the Quran and asking God for forgiveness. It is undoubtedly a night in which God forgives all the previous sins of those who seek true forgiveness. Some people also spend the last 10 days in aitkaaf &mdash; staying in isolation within the parameters of a mosque and devoting oneself to worship, abstaining from any worldly deeds.

Another significance of Laylat ul Qadr is that on this night the annual decree is revealed and the Angels descend down to Earth &ldquo;with a&nbsp;myriad&nbsp;of tasks, leading to a night of peace, blessings, and divine guidance until the dawn&rdquo;. A single good deed on this night brings the blessings of 1,000 months.]]>
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			<title>Cryptocurrency and Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297699/cryptocurrency-and-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297699/cryptocurrency-and-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 21 06:24:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saifullah Napar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2297699</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Where the world is benefitting from this mode of investment, Pakistan has restricted its residents from crypto mining]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Cryptocurrency, a digital asset having no precedent of its kind, has grabbed the attention of the world. It provides a high return to investors, which makes it an enticing digital asset. While praising its high returns, it is also equally important to consider its high volatility. The extent of its volatility is that investors may reach peak increase but then hit a tipping point after which the value suddenly declines &mdash; a phenomenon we are currently witnessing.

Where the world is benefitting from this mode of investment, Pakistan has restricted its residents from crypto mining. The reasons for this restriction and the future steps that the government might take in this regard are still unclear. Historically, with regard to any new technology, Pakistan has often been among the last participants in the race to embrace it, and it has often resulted unfavourably. Yet, our government and authorities are prone to making the same mistakes and showing blunt disregard towards the continuously evolving world. For a better Pakistan, the concerned authorities must make timely decisions.

Policymakers should first create a legal framework, then protect small or new investors against its high volatility by specifying the range of investment one can make based on their incomes. For instance, &lsquo;A&rsquo; investor having &lsquo;Z&rsquo; income can only invest within the range of &lsquo;X-Y&rsquo; amount. Such a method may prove safe and highly fruitful in the long-run.]]>
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			<title>Economic quagmire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297697/economic-quagmire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2297697/economic-quagmire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 21 06:17:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Raja Shafaatullah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2297697</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The country is caught in a vicious debt trap]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is drowning in debt due to the royal spendings of our leadership. They borrowed money from the IMF and other lenders and spent it on projects for self-enhancement and projection rather than for the needs of the country. Although such projects had some benefits for people, they were not planned and developed to lay the foundations of a strong economy. A lot of borrowed money also went to waste due to mismanagement, delays, and most importantly corruption. Resultantly, the country was not able to pay off the debts in time and had to borrow more.

The country is now caught in a vicious debt trap and we are at the mercy of international lenders. When we want to borrow more to pay old loans and to further run the country, these lenders enforce their own terms in order to ensure repayment. They have no concern for the people. While the economy remains in a shambles, our leaders are busy pointing fingers at each other. Little do they realise that it is not the doing of a single party or person, but all parties have contributed to bringing the country down to its knees. While politicians are corrupt, selfish, and incompetent, citizens also tend to display same traits. Nobody wants to pay taxes, and corruption has grown deep-rooted in the country at all levels. Our leaders must shun their differences and at least agree on some basic issues that pertain to the economy. They should adopt prudence and ensure continuity of projects that strengthen the economy. On the other hand, people should pay their taxes responsibly, enhance productivity, curb their appetite for imported goods, and support the government in every possible manner to take the country out of this economic quagmire.

It will be a long way before we reach stability, but if everyone wholeheartedly and honestly works for it, the economy can be steered toward strength and prosperity. If we don&rsquo;t do this on war footings, I am afraid the country will soon be on the brink of collapse.]]>
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			<title>Winter and allergy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271370/winter-and-allergy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271370/winter-and-allergy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 20 07:51:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2271370</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Karachi remains carpeted under thick smoke produced by industrial sites for most of the day]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The winter season brings with it the threat of allergy which most people in Pakistan will eventually develop due to effects caused by global warming and climate change. Many are unaware that allergic conditions are aggravated due to low air quality and increased pollution to a point where it can become life-threatening.

The city of Karachi remains carpeted under thick smoke produced by industrial sites for most of the day. Citizens have no choice but to inhale all the toxic chemical into their body. Those that are prone to allergy often need to be rushed to the hospital, wheezing and sneezing along the way. Many are given oxygen while others are treated with medication. This cycle continues every year, and will do so unless the authorities decide to do something about it. At present, the Environment Protection Department has launched a campaign against environmental pollution. Till now they have asked the owners of factories, mills and kilns to keep their units closed or install zig-zag technology immediately to prevent further increase in air pollution. However, this is simply not enough.

The country needs to move towards more sustainable systems if any significant change is to be made. At the same time industrial companies need to be fined heavily for producing toxic waste. Only by reducing pollution can we give our citizens a high-quality life they deserve.

Rehmat Baloch

Turbat]]>
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			<title>Political circus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271368/political-circus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271368/political-circus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 20 07:48:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2271368</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All politicians are the same]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[All politicians are the same. They serve the interests of the elite to make sure they are being looked after, while everyone else&rsquo;s reality has become a living nightmare as people remain torn in the midst of multiple crises.

Biden or Trump, what difference will either leader make in establishing world peace, eradicating hunger, saving the environment and helping to bring justice? The two are just different sides of the same coin. Both will undoubtedly take side with the Israelis in their conflict against the Palestinians. Both will help rich corporation, who helped them fund their campaigns, get even richer. The only difference between the two is that no matter how twisted, Trump is honest. He is true to his beliefs and doesn&rsquo;t hide his bigotry, racism and hatred.

I am not glued to the television screen as to who will win. No, I stay awake all night trying to figure out who will be the next Commander in Chief. Not until we are given a &ldquo;real&rdquo; alternative, not until an honest leader rises up, and most certainly not until a decent human being offers us real hope should we start expecting change. But for now, we just have to learn to bare to watch these fake political puppets on the screen.

Abubakar N Kasim

Toronto]]>
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			<title>Media and public interest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269730/media-and-public-interest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269730/media-and-public-interest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 20 08:02:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ali.malik.tariq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2269730</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[If the pen can be used for propagating moral and religious ethics, it can be used for negative purposes as well]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In the age of the internet, where flow and access to information is merely a click away, excessive restrictions on the print and electronic media would only compromise the credibility of reported news. If there is a major political event taking place such as an astronomical rise in basic food items, or a scandal where people are being defrauded of their lifelong savings by powerful land mafias and private housing societies, and the traditional media fails to report it, they will eventually lose their reliability. A responsible government is one that tries to address the problems instead of shying away from it in public.

The print media is said to have its own editorial board to review every news published for its authenticity and any adverse content, like one sowing seeds of sectarian strife or hate crime. Thus, while the electronic media can be regulated, banning traditional or internet-based media platforms does not seem to be a plausible solution. It must be understood that news of public interest &ndash; especially when state organisations or powerful members of society are involved in acts that breach the trust they have with citizens &ndash; must never be blocked as most such cases are violatative of the Constitution. Public interest must prevail otherwise the traditional media will become irrelevant and social media will take over.

Just like the pen or printing press can be used for propagating moral and religious ethics, they can be for negative purposes as well.]]>
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			<title>Kashmir, a prison</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269729/kashmir-a-prison</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269729/kashmir-a-prison#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 20 07:57:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Amjed Jaaved]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2269729</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Despite a lapse of over seven decades, no plebiscite has been held in IIOJK]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite a lapse of over seven decades, no plebiscite has been held in IIOJK. Aside from the legal rigmarole, there is a human rights dimension to the dispute. Kashmir has been reduced to a prison. Even Mehbooba Mufti, a former BJP ally, was compelled to call Kashmir a Guantanamo Bay prison, claiming that &ldquo;Kashmiris feel that they are literally imprisoned in a cage from which almost all exit routes are barred&rdquo;.

Even though international human rights law forbids a country to violate human rights conventions even in sovereign territories, India&rsquo;s stance that nothing of the sort is happening in IIOJK remains firm. They have even gone as far as to say that the abrogation of Article 370 and the consequent domicile changes in the region are India&rsquo;s internal matter &ndash; an absurd claim that cannot be made over a disputed territory. While India&rsquo;s hegemonic design in the valley relies on the normalisation of the situation in the near future, Pakistan&rsquo;s attempt to highlight Indian atrocities at the international foreign has paid off. Recently, the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet appealed to India for safeguarding human rights defenders and NGOs, saying three laws stifle their work, among them one that discriminates against religious minorities including Muslims, who are the country&#39;s second-largest religious group.

However, while a statement about Kashmir remains to be heard, the UN&rsquo;s acknowledgement of Indian suppression within its own country is a step in the right direction. One can only hope that the international community is up to speed with the plight of the Kashmiris as soon as possible. In the meantime, Pakistan will continue to stand tall in order to protect them.]]>
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			<title>Menace of air pollution</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269728/menace-of-air-pollution</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269728/menace-of-air-pollution#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 20 07:55:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2269728</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The recent reports indicate that the effects of climate change are increasing much faster than we expected]]>
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				<![CDATA[The recent reports regarding the air quality in Pakistan indicates that the effects of climate change and global warming are increasing much faster than we expected. The data from the report indicates that the country&#39;s annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is 58 &micro;g/m3, exceeding the recommended maximum of 10 &micro;g/m3.

There is no denying that air pollution had significantly impacted our lives, whether that be photochemical smog &mdash; sadly a seasonal crisis &mdash; or the fact that there has been a surge in respiratory related illnesses. While there are many contributing factors to air pollution in Pakistan, the most problematic of them is the burning of waste to &ldquo;get rid of it&rdquo;, this &ldquo;out of sight, out of mind&rdquo; approach has significantly increased the amount of toxic substances and pollutants in the air. The glorification of industrialisation and urbanisation masks all its costs under the guise of development, whether that be through the alarming increase of the usage of cars or by rapid but unregulated industrial growth that prioritises development over a citizen&rsquo;s right to life and to breathe fresh clean air.

This is the aforementioned dangerous precedent; rampant air pollution is the consequence of a flawed set of priorities &ndash;&ndash; when development is done for the sake of development and not to improve the quality of life of the people. Therefore, I strongly urge citizens to reconsider their lifestyle and make decisions that help us shape the future of Pakistan so that the future is safer, cleaner and greener for all.]]>
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			<title>Simplifying tax payments</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266892/simplifying-tax-payments</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266892/simplifying-tax-payments#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 20 07:22:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[naeem.sadiq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2266892</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Citizens perceive paying income tax as a complex and cumbersome process]]>
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				<![CDATA[When governments make promises, they are often intended to either appease or fool the public. A &ldquo;one-page simplified Tax Return Form&rdquo; is one of many such promises being made for the past several years. Citizens perceive paying income tax as a complex and cumbersome process that cannot be accomplished without the help of lawyers and accountants. This often involves paying more money to the tax lawyer than the amount paid to the government.

Pakistan has been held back by a colonial bureaucracy that refuses to adopt modern and unconventional reforms. Why can we not understand that 2.2 million &ndash; equivalent to 1% of tax payers &ndash; cannot sustain a population of 210 million people? A simple non-threatening, bilingual, one-page tax form, easily understandable by a 10th grade student is all that is needed to radically transform our tax base. The one-page tax form ought to be massively advertised and explained on TV without it being changed from year to year. The current e-filing sounds impressive but is too complex for most citizens.]]>
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			<title>Chaudhry Rahmat Ali</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266890/chaudhry-rahmat-ali</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266890/chaudhry-rahmat-ali#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 20 07:20:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2266890</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[One of the earliest advocates for the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent]]>
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				<![CDATA[Synonymous with Pakistan is the name Chaudhry Rahmat Ali. For those who are unaware, he was one of the earliest advocates for the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent and the man who coined the name Pakistan in order to give the Muslims a new-found identity. While his passion remained unparalleled during the creation of Pakistan, it is unfortunate that today his role is often overlooked by many.

He practised law in Lahore before going to Cambridge to attain his Master&rsquo;s degree. He was residing in London when the roundtable conferences took place in 1930, and tried to convince the Muslim leaders to settle for nothing less than a separate state. At the time, no leader agreed with his opinion. Jinnah still had the belief that the Muslims could prosper under the Indian federation with special rights, and even Iqbal had not gone as far as to say that the Muslims needed to have a separate homeland. However, remaining steadfast with his idea, Rahmat Ali teamed up with three other students from Cambridge to publish a pamphlet Now or Never in 1933 in which he passionately expressed to the general public the necessity for the Muslims to be given a separate state. It was in this pamphlet that he had coined the name that is now at the very core of our identity, Pakistan.

Regardless of his over-enthusiasm, Rahmat Ali still needs to be considered a crucial factor in the Pakistan movement. Not only did he attempt to fill the void at the heart of every Muslim in India, but he also constantly pushed the prominent leaders to aggressively fight for a new separate and autonomous nation.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan's captaincy woes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266888/pakistans-captaincy-woes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266888/pakistans-captaincy-woes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 20 07:16:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Ibrahim]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Letters]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2266888</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The major reason for team's wavering performance is the lack of a strong leadership]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ever since Sarfaraz Ahmed was axed as skipper, our national cricket team has struggled to perform. The major reason for their wavering performance is pretty obvious &ndash; the lack of a strong leadership. While both Azhar Ali and Babar Azam, who have now replaced Sarfaraz in the test and ODI formats respectively, are top tier batsmen, the recent few tours have proven them to be incompetent captains. This makes it evident that the PCB&rsquo;s past few decisions have been ill-founded, reinforcing the need for them to properly understand what attributes make up a proficient captain.

A captain must have the ability to run his team smoothly, take quick and smart decisions, be active on the field and most importantly have a voice with which to control and support his players. Unfortunately, in the recent few matches, the two replacements of Sarfaraz are seen as meek figures on the field while their questionable decisions have led to some form of tactical chaos. It was seen that after every bad ball, half the team would huddle around the bowler, with each player giving their &ldquo;expert&rdquo; piece of advice and opinion on how to bowl. Not only does this confuse the already bewildered bowler, but it also gives the opposing team a boost of confidence, since the utter confusion becomes obvious to them.

Experts have ruled out the option of bringing Sarfaraz back because although his captaincy is stellar, he seemed to have lost his edge in both batting and wicket-keeping. Here, the PCB needs to question if the team actually has capable players who can prove to be well-rounded captains in the future. For the Test team, the only viable option seems to be Shan Masood, captain of the Multan Sultans, while in the limited overs format, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan can be seen as possible replacements. However, even though they are all well-experienced, active, commanding and talented players, the fluctuating nature of their performances have forced many to doubt if they will be able to handle the role of becoming captain.]]>
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			<title>Champions League ready to resume, at long last</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257792/champions-league-ready-to-resume-at-long-last</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257792/champions-league-ready-to-resume-at-long-last#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:23:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257792</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[UCL will move to Lisbon for the 'Final Eight' starting on August 12]]>
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				<![CDATA[After an enforced hiatus of almost five months, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League resume this week in order to clear up the last remaining business in a troubled season.

Both competitions were frozen in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the continent, and while European football&#39;s governing body acted swiftly to move Euro 2020 back a year, for a long time it was unclear how it would manage to complete its two landmark club competitions.

In the end the solution was to set up two mini tournaments bringing all teams together in one place from the quarter-finals onwards, with all ties being decided in one-off matches behind closed doors.

And so the Champions League will move to Lisbon for the &#39;Final Eight&#39; starting on August 12 and ending with the final at Benfica&#39;s Estadio da Luz on August 23.

The Europa League, meanwhile, will be played to a conclusion at a series of venues in western Germany, with the last eight beginning on August 10 and the final in Cologne on August 21.

&quot;I believed it from the first moment,&quot; said the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin recently when asked if he ever doubted it would be possible to play the tournaments to a conclusion.

&quot;You should always be optimistic, and if something like this crisis happens, you must have a plan ready.

&quot;At the present time, we will be playing matches without spectators until further notice. We will not take any risks.&quot;

- UEFA not worried -

There is, though, no question of further changes being made to the formats despite concerns about an increase in Covid-19 cases in and around Lisbon, and more recent worries in Germany about a rise in cases there.

UEFA also recently insisted it was &quot;confident&quot; there would be no more delays despite cases of coronavirus emerging among players at Real Madrid and Sevilla.

It is, in any case, now or never.

Indeed, the preliminary round of next season&#39;s Champions League begins next Saturday, the same day Bayern Munich entertain Chelsea and Napoli visit Barcelona in their outstanding last 16 second legs.

Before that, Manchester City defend a 2-1 first-leg lead at home against Real on Friday as Pep Guardiola&#39;s side target Champions League glory on the back of the club&#39;s success at getting a two-year ban from the competition overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The winner of that tie will face Juventus or Lyon in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

- Wolves&#39; longest year -

It is the Europa League which is first up, though, with the last 16 being completed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Two ties -- Inter Milan against Getafe and Sevilla against Roma -- will go ahead as one-off ties in Germany as the first legs were never played.

Six second legs will also be played with the winners heading to Germany for the last eight.

Among the ties to be completed is Manchester United&#39;s against Austrian side LASK, which will be a formality for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer&#39;s team after they won 5-0 in the first leg in March.

Their form since the Premier League resumed in mid-June has been excellent and they have already sealed a place in the 2020-21 Champions League, but now they want to finish this never-ending season with a trophy.

&quot;Now our focus is on the Europa League because this is a really good trophy and we want to win,&quot; Bruno Fernandes told MUTV.

&quot;I came to Manchester to win trophies. We need to play every game to win. If we go into the Europa League and win every game, we know we&#39;ll win the trophy.&quot;

United, Europa League winners in 2017, could yet find themselves facing Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-finals in Cologne on August 16 should both teams get there.

Wolves entertain Greek champions Olympiakos on Thursday having drawn 1-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Their campaign started more than a year ago now, with a 2-0 win over Northern Irish side Crusaders in the second qualifying round on July 25, 2019.

Extending it by another couple of weeks would do them no harm.]]>
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			<title>McIlroy targets majors with renewed focus after shutdown</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257791/mcilroy-targets-majors-with-renewed-focus-after-shutdown</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257791/mcilroy-targets-majors-with-renewed-focus-after-shutdown#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:21:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257791</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[31-year-old will compete in the PGA Championship at Harding Park starting on Thursday]]>
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				<![CDATA[Rory McIlroy says the coronavirus shutdown has made him more focused on adding to his tally of four major titles, the last of which came in 2014.

The 31-year-old will compete in the PGA Championship at Harding Park starting on Thursday, before the U.S. Open and the Masters in September and November. The British Open, the fourth men&#39;s major, was cancelled earlier this year.

&quot;Those were the three, even in quarantine, I was looking towards. Once the schedule was set it was those three events I was trying to get ready for,&quot; McIlroy told The Guardian.

&quot;Everything was normal then we had this massive gap where I had time to think: &#39;OK, what are you looking forward to after this break?&#39; It&#39;s a funny year... but I&#39;ve three opportunities from now until November to add to my major tally.

&quot;Because of all that&#39;s happened this year, it&#39;s made me focus a little more on just these weeks that are coming up.&quot;

The U.S. Open and PGA Championship will be held without fans present due to the virus outbreak but McIlroy is hopeful that might change for the Masters.

&quot;I think if anyone can make it work with spectators, it&#39;s them. Georgia is a state that&#39;s maybe a little more open to having crowds, and on the &#39;getting back to normal a little quicker&#39; side of things&#39;,&quot; the world No. 3 added.

&quot;But it&#39;s up to Augusta National and governor of Georgia. It&#39;s not just about players when you bring fans back, it&#39;s about keeping the community you&#39;re playing in safe. If you can&#39;t guarantee that you&#39;ll do that, then it&#39;s not worth it.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Sent off for a cough? FA issues guidelines to referees</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257790/sent-off-for-a-cough-fa-issues-guidelines-to-referees</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257790/sent-off-for-a-cough-fa-issues-guidelines-to-referees#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:18:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257790</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The instructions will come into force immediately and be applied at all levels of the game]]>
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				<![CDATA[Players who deliberately cough at opponents or referees can be shown red or yellow cards under new guidelines issued by England&#39;s Football Association (FA) amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The instructions to referees taking charge of games when Covid-19 restrictions are in place will come into force immediately and be applied at all levels of the game.

The FA document file for referees said action should be taken when &quot;the referee is certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official...&quot;

It added that the offence would fall under the category of &quot;using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures&quot;.

&quot;If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, a caution could be issued for &#39;unsporting behaviour - shows a lack of respect for the game&#39;.&quot;

The document added that referees must not look to punish &quot;routine&quot; coughing and should remind players to avoid spitting on the ground, although it is not an act of misconduct.]]>
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			<title>Premier League start date too early for Chelsea: Lampard</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257789/premier-league-start-date-too-early-for-chelsea-lampard</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257789/premier-league-start-date-too-early-for-chelsea-lampard#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:18:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257789</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Azpilicueta, Pulisic and Pedro picked up injuries during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup final]]>
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				<![CDATA[Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says starting the new Premier League season on Sept. 12 is too early and his players run the risk of sustaining injuries given the short turnaround between campaigns.

Chelsea trail Bayern Munich 3-0 heading into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Saturday and even if they fail to overcome the deficit Lampard&#39;s side will have little over a month to recover before the new season begins.

&quot;I am guessing we will be told when we start and that will be dependent on how we go against Bayern,&quot; Lampard told British media on Sunday.

&quot;It is not ideal if we carry on against Bayern - the players need to be given a break to play at the level and the quality product that the Premier League is.

&quot;Even in a worst-case scenario, we don&#39;t go through against Bayern, the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again.&quot;

Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pedro picked up injuries during Chelsea&#39;s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup final and Lampard fears other players could meet a similar fate.

&quot;The players need a break. That is why we have pulled two hamstrings and had players pull out of the game before this. I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that,&quot; he said.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>German Zverev yet to decide on playing US Open</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257788/german-zverev-yet-to-decide-on-playing-us-open</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257788/german-zverev-yet-to-decide-on-playing-us-open#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:14:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[World number one Ash Barty and her fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios have said they were skipping the event]]>
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				<![CDATA[World number seven Alexander Zverev has said he is still unsure about travelling to New York amid the Covid-19 pandemic to play in the U.S. Open.

Women&#39;s world number one Ash Barty and her fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios have said they were skipping the hardcourt Grand Slam, which starts on Aug. 31 and will be played without spectators in a bio-secure &#39;bubble&#39;.

Zverev, who reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open this year, told the Tennis Majors website he was undecided.

&quot;I will see because the situation right now in the U.S. is not that great so I don&#39;t know what we will decide with my team,&quot; the 23-year-old added.

&quot;I want to play tournaments, but I think the U.S. right now is a little bit of a funny place.&quot;

Zverev faced criticism after a video appeared to show him dancing in a crowded club at the end of June, soon after he said he would self-isolate after playing in Novak Djokovic&#39;s Adria Tour event, where numerous players tested positive for Covid-19.

&quot;I think just see how it develops over the next few weeks, if the cases go up (in U.S.), how the travelling will be and if it will be safe,&quot; Zverev said after defeating Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in Sunday&#39;s final to win the Ultimate Tennis Showdown exhibition in France.

&quot;I might not to go there if I don&#39;t feel safe, my team doesn&#39;t feel safe. I&#39;m still quite young but everybody that is involved with me maybe is a little bit older and they&#39;re in more danger than I am.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Serie A: Highs and lows of 2019-20 season</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257787/serie-a-highs-and-lows-of-2019-20-season</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257787/serie-a-highs-and-lows-of-2019-20-season#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:13:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Juventus were crowned champions for the 36th time as Sarri's side finished with 83 points]]>
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				<![CDATA[Serie A concluded on Sunday after a marathon 11-month 2019-20 season, with Juventus crowned Italian champions for the ninth year in a row.

Here, AFP Sport takes a look at the highs and lows after the final weekend of the campaign:

Juve hit 10-year low

Juventus were crowned champions for the 36th time, but wrapped up their season with the lowest number of points of their nine-season title run.

Maurizio Sarri&#39;s side finished with 83 points -- their lowest tally of the past decade -- with their most number of defeats for a single season in that time with seven.

The Turin giants won just two of their final eight matches, with Saturday&#39;s 3-1 defeat to Roma their first loss at their Allianz Stadium home since April 2018.

They also conceded 43 goals, more than in any of their previous eight title successes.

&quot;Considering all the problems we had this season which was unlike any other, we can be happy to have won,&quot; said Sarri.

&quot;It was a season in which the strongest could have lost.&quot;

Conte fury at Inter&#39;s Chinese owners

Antonio Conte&#39;s Inter Milan ended up finishing just one point behind fierce rivals Juve in second, their best placing since 2011.

But Conte&#39;s future has been thrown into doubt after his outburst following Saturday&#39;s 2-0 win over Atalanta in Bergamo which enabled them to snatch second place.

&quot;It has been a tough year on a personal level, very tough,&quot; said the former Juve, Chelsea and Italy coach, who was angered at perceived media criticism of him and his team.

&quot;We had to eat crap for months and got zero protection from the club.

&quot;There will be discussions with the president (Steven Zhang), but he is in China.

&quot;I can be a lightning rod for the first year, but if you don&#39;t learn and keep making the same mistakes that&#39;s just crazy.&quot;

Atalanta surge

Atalanta returned even stronger after the three-month lockdown in which the team&#39;s city of Bergamo was at the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gian Piero Gasperini&#39;s exciting side scored 98 goals -- 35 after the return -- with Colombians Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata scoring 18 each, and Josip Ilicic 15.

Atalanta finished the season third, matching last season&#39;s all-time best finish.

They still have plenty to play for too, as they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut season in the competition.

Immobile top, but Lazio fall short

Ciro Immobile equalled Serie A&#39;s single-season scoring record but Lazio fell short in their bid for a first league title in two decades.

The 30-year-old Italy international scored in a 3-1 defeat at Napoli to match Gonzalo Higuain&#39;s record of 36 goals, set while playing for Napoli in the 2015-16 season.

Immobile also wins the European Golden Shoe for the continent&#39;s top scorer this term.

&quot;Winning the Golden Shoe is a source of great pride, to go down in the history of this sport,&quot; said Immobile, who scored seven goals in his last five games including a hat-trick.

Lazio finished fourth to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2007.

Zlatan rolls back the years

Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the oldest player to score 10 goals in a Serie A season as AC Milan finished the campaign on a 12-game unbeaten run for the first time in nearly three decades.

The 38-year-old, who joined Milan in January, scored his first goal at Cagliari and ended the campaign scoring against the Sardinians in a 3-0 win at the San Siro.

The seven-time European champions moved up from 11th in January to sixth and qualified for the Europa League.

Balotelli flops amid racism storm

Mario Balotelli&#39;s return to hometown club Brescia was a flop with the Italy international also subjected to racism.

The 29-year-old former Manchester City and Liverpool striker was targeted by racist abuse at Lazio and Verona, where he threatened to walk off the pitch.

Verona were given a one-match partial stadium closure, which was later suspended on appeal. Lazio were fined 20,000 euros.

There was also controversy during the season surrounding Serie A&#39;s anti-racism campaign which featured three images of monkeys.

Balotelli scored just five goals as Brescia returned to Serie B after just one season in the top flight.]]>
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			<title>Court irked at authorities over deaths of animals at Islamabad Zoo</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257786/court-irked-at-authorities-over-deaths-of-animals-at-islamabad-zoo</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257786/court-irked-at-authorities-over-deaths-of-animals-at-islamabad-zoo#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 08:10:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saqib Bashir.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cities]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257786</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Hints at contempt proceedings against climate change minister, secretary; summons wildlife management board]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned the chairperson of the Wildlife Management Board and the secretary of ministry of climate change, sought names of wildlife officials, and hinted at contempt of court proeedings against Climate Change Minister Zartaj Gul and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, on Monday.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was hearing the case pertaining to deaths of animals at Islamabad Zoo. The court expressed its annoyance at the federal government.

It appears that the animals died due to incompetence of the Wildlife Management Board, observed the court.

According to the May 21 ruling, the board was to be responsible for the transfer of animals, remarked the court, adding that on March 16 the notification of the wildlife management board was submitted with approval of the federal cabinet.

The court was informed that the lions are being shifted to Lahore instead of a sanctuary, recalled the court. The ministry of climate change seems to be more interested on taking control of the management than in the transfer of animals, the court observed.

Who has appeared from the ministry of climate change, inquired Justice Minallah.

The petitioner&#39;s lawyer stated that the lions were being shifted to Lahore when they died.

The court observed that this pointed towards incompetence of the board. The climate change ministry, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, and the Capital Developement Authority are all engaging in politics, remarked Justice Minallah. &quot;No one was prepared to take responsibility for the zoo,&quot; he added.

Reminding that the court had asked in its earlier decision as to who would be responsible if anything happened to the animals, Justice Minallah directed Deputy Attorney General Tayyab Shah to read the court&#39;s earlier decision with regards to the zoo.

Justice Minallah observed that the federal government had notified who would be on the board. &quot;Who is the SAPM on climate change?&quot; asked Justice Minallah. Noting that Zartaj Gul is the minister for climate change, Justice Minallah wondered whether it would be best to initiate contempt of court proceedings against all the members of the board.

Justice Minallah expressed anger at the incompetency that led to the deaths of animals. He asked whether an FIR has been registered for the negligence and inquired about the investigation into the matter.

He asked whether the ones whose negligence led to the deaths are the ones investigating the matter.

Directing his ire towards the federal government and the wildlife management board, Justice Minallah sought details of the officials and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.

Animals at the zoo are being transferred to other zoos or private sanctuaries across the country following directions from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to protect them from mismanagement at the zoo. However, the process has proved to be deadly for some wild animals.

So far, as many as 10 animals held at the zoo have died over the past month during attempts to transfer them to sanctuaries due to the alleged incompetence and negligence&nbsp;of the caretakers.

In May, the IHC had directed to shift all animals from Islamabad Zoo to sanctuaries, local or abroad, due to the poor state of the zoo.

The court had also handed over the management of the zoo to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board from Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change has set up a high-level inquiry committee to probe the deaths of animals at the Islamabad Zoo.

A statement issued by the ministry last week, stated that committee will be chaired by the Ministry of Climate Change Additional Secretary Joudat Ayaz, and it will look into the causes of the recent deaths of animals at the zoo including lions, ostrich and other animals if any.

Muhammad Saleem, the ministry&rsquo;s media focal person and deputy director, said that the IHC had tasked the board to ensure the safe and harmless transfer of animals from the zoo to wildlife sanctuaries. But, it has been brought to the notice of the ministry that deaths have occurred due to poor management and poor feeding arrangements over which the ministry was quite concerned, he said.]]>
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			<title>White House says not optimistic on near-term deal for coronavirus relief bill</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257785/white-house-says-not-optimistic-on-near-term-deal-for-coronavirus-relief-bill</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257785/white-house-says-not-optimistic-on-near-term-deal-for-coronavirus-relief-bill#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 07:42:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257785</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lawmakers and the White House have been unable to reach an accord for economic relief from a pandemic]]>
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				<![CDATA[White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said on Sunday he was not optimistic on reaching agreement soon on a deal for the next round of legislation to provide relief to Americans hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not optimistic that there will be a solution in the very near term,&rdquo; Meadows said on CBS&rsquo; &ldquo;Face the Nation&rdquo; as staff members from both sides were meeting to try to iron out differences over the bill.

Democrats were standing in the way of a separate agreement to extend some federal unemployment benefits in the short-term while negotiations continue on an overall relief package, he said.

&ldquo;We continue to see really a stonewalling of any piecemeal type of legislation that happens on Capitol Hill,&rdquo; Meadows said. &ldquo;Hopefully that will change in the coming days.&rdquo;

US election will be held on Nov 3 as planned, Trump advisers say

Lawmakers and the White House have been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression.

Both sides said on Saturday they had their most positive talks yet. But there was no sign of movement on the biggest sticking point - $600 per week in extra federal unemployment benefits for Americans that has been a lifeline for millions of jobless Americans and expired on Friday.

Asked about efforts to renew the expired emergency federal jobless benefits, Pelosi said, referring to Trump: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s the one standing in the way of that.&rdquo;

Pelosi, who also highlighted the need for assistance for state and local governments, stood firm in her demand that Congress renew the $600 per week jobless aid. She told ABC&rsquo;s &ldquo;This Week&rdquo; that when unemployment drops, the federal support could fall too.

&ldquo;As that goes down, then you can consider something less than the $600, but in this agreement it&rsquo;s $600,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s essential for America&rsquo;s working families.&rdquo;

The Trump administration and some Senate Republicans have been pushing for a reduction in those extra federal benefits, saying they should be tied to wages. Other Senate Republicans have rejected any extension.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told ABC Trump supports the enhanced benefits but does not want people to make more when they are unemployed than they would if they had a job.

&ldquo;I think on the concept, we absolutely agree on enhanced unemployment. We want to fix the issue where in some cases people are overpaid and we want to make sure there&rsquo;s the right incentives,&rdquo; Mnuchin said.

Defying all odds, Trump becomes 45th president of United States

There is a need to support workers and the economy, he said, but &ldquo;we have to be careful about not piling on enormous amount of debts for future generation.&rdquo;

The House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, proposed their version of relief legislation in May. The Republican-led US Senate did not make a counter-proposal until last week and even Republicans do not agree among themselves on what should be in the bill.

Mnuchin told reporters on Saturday the talks were constructive but had reached an &ldquo;impasse&rdquo; over whether to come to a short-term agreement to extend the federal jobless benefit or a more comprehensive deal.

The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday.]]>
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			<title>NASA astronauts cap historic ‘odyssey’ aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257784/nasa-astronauts-cap-historic-odyssey-aboard-spacex-crew-dragon-capsule</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257784/nasa-astronauts-cap-historic-odyssey-aboard-spacex-crew-dragon-capsule#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 07:28:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[NASA officials says Crew Dragon, a pod with seven astronaut seats, was in a “very healthy” condition]]>
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				<![CDATA[US astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, who flew to the International Space Station in SpaceX&rsquo;s new Crew Dragon, splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday after a two-month voyage that was NASA&rsquo;s first crewed mission from home soil in nine years.

Behnken and Hurley, tallying 64 days in space, undocked from the station on Saturday and returned home to land their capsule in calm waters off Florida&rsquo;s Pensacola coast on schedule at 2:48 p.m. ET following a 21-hour overnight journey aboard Crew Dragon &ldquo;Endeavor.&rdquo;

&ldquo;This has been quite an odyssey,&rdquo; Hurley told senior NASA and SpaceX officials at a homecoming ceremony at NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. &ldquo;To be where we are now, the first crewed flight of Dragon, is just unbelievable.&rdquo;

The successful splash-down, the first of its kind by NASA in 45 years, was a final test of whether SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk&rsquo;s spacecraft can transport astronauts to and from orbit &mdash; a feat no private company has accomplished before.

&ldquo;This day heralds a new age of space exploration,&rdquo; Musk said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not very religious, but I prayed for this one.&rdquo;

NASA poised to launch first Sun-skimming spaceship

NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said the successful mission marked &ldquo;a new era of human spaceflight where NASA is no longer the purchaser, owner and operator of all the hardware&rdquo; but one of many future customers of space travel.

&ldquo;Today we really made history,&rdquo; Bridenstine told an earlier press conference.

Despite Coast Guard restrictions and safety risks, spectators in private boats surrounded the splash-down site dozens of miles from shore as SpaceX and NASA recovery teams used a crane to hoist the spacecraft out of the water and onto a boat.

The crew&rsquo;s retrieval from Crew Dragon was delayed slightly as the teams worked to flush its fuel tanks after sensing traces of nitrogen tetroxide fumes outside the capsule, a toxic gas from one the spacecraft&rsquo;s flammable fuels.

Hurley, giving a thumbs up as he was wheeled out of the spacecraft on a stretcher, a normal procedure as astronauts adjust to Earth&rsquo;s gravity, said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m just proud to be a small part of this whole effort to get a company and people to and from the space station.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Thanks for doing the most difficult parts and the most important parts of human spaceflight - getting us into orbit and bringing us home,&rdquo; Behnken told SpaceX mission control in Hawthorne, California, as the hatch door was opened.

For the return sequence, on-board thrusters and two sets of parachutes worked autonomously to slow the acorn-shaped capsule, bringing Behnken and Hurley&rsquo;s speed of 17,500 miles per hour in orbit down to 350 mph upon atmospheric re-entry, and eventually 15 mph at splash-down.

The pair were to undergo medical checks onshore in Pensacola ahead of a flight to NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

FLAG CAPTURED&nbsp;

NASA officials have said Crew Dragon, a pod with seven astronaut seats, was in a &ldquo;very healthy&rdquo; condition while docked at the space station, where astronauts conducted tests and monitored how the spacecraft performs in space.

Behnken and Hurley undocked from the orbital station late on Saturday to begin their trip home, waking at 7:40 a.m. Sunday to a recorded wakeup call from their sons.

NASA postpones for 24 hours launch of historic spaceship to Sun

&ldquo;Good morning Dragon Endeavor,&rdquo; Hurley&rsquo;s son said in a recorded message sent to the capsule. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m happy you went into space but I&rsquo;m even happier that you&rsquo;re coming back home.&rdquo;

NASA, aiming to galvanize a commercial space marketplace, awarded nearly $8 billion to SpaceX and Boeing Co collectively in 2014 to develop dueling space capsules, experimenting with a contract model that allows the space agency to buy astronaut seats from the two companies.

Billionaire entrepreneur Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX became the first private company to send humans to orbit with the launch of Behnken and Hurley.

&ldquo;Congratulations SpaceX &amp; NASA on completing first crewed Dragon flight!!,&rdquo; Musk wrote on Twitter after the splash-down, adding a U.S. flag emoji followed by &ldquo;returned&rdquo; &mdash; referring to a rivalry with Boeing Co over which company&rsquo;s astronaut crew would be the first to retrieve an American flag left on the space station in 2011, when the last crewed mission launched from US&nbsp;soil.&nbsp;

Behnken and Hurley brought the flag back to Earth, stowed as cargo in Crew Dragon.

NASA spacecraft zips by most distant world ever studied

The landmark mission, which took off from NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center on May&nbsp;31, marked the first time the&nbsp;US space agency launched humans from American soil since its shuttle program retired in 2011. Since then, the United States has relied on Russia&rsquo;s space program to launch its astronauts to the space station.

&ldquo;It was a great relief when I saw Bob and Doug come out of the capsule, smiling, thumbs up, looking very cheerful,&rdquo; SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told reporters. &ldquo;That was the good moment.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>US election will be held on Nov 3 as planned, Trump advisers say</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257780/us-election-will-be-held-on-nov-3-as-planned-trump-advisers-say</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257780/us-election-will-be-held-on-nov-3-as-planned-trump-advisers-say#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 06:51:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257780</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[State election officials are working to ensure tens of millions of ballots can reach voters in time]]>
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				<![CDATA[The White House and Donald Trump&rsquo;s campaign on Sunday sought to shut down the Republican president&rsquo;s musings on delaying the 2020 vote, saying there will be an election on Nov 3.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Trump was raising concerns about mail-in ballots when he floated the idea of delaying the US vote.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to hold an election on November 3 and the president is going to win,&rdquo; Meadows said on CBS&rsquo; &ldquo;Face the Nation.&rdquo;

Presidential campaign adviser Jason Miller echoed the sentiment on &ldquo;Fox News Sunday,&rdquo; saying, &ldquo;The election is going to be on November 3rd and President Trump wants the election to be on November 3rd.&rdquo;

Trump on Thursday suggested delaying the US elections, an idea immediately rejected by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans in Congress - the sole branch of government with the authority to make such a change.

Trump suggests delaying November US presidential election

Critics and even Trump&rsquo;s allies dismissed the notion as an unserious attempt to distract from devastating economic news, but some legal experts warned that his repeated attacks could undermine his supporters&rsquo; faith in the election process.

The Republican president has been trying to undermine confidence in mail-in balloting, claiming repeatedly and without evidence that it would lead to widespread voter fraud.

Meadows took up his boss&rsquo;s cause on Sunday, warning that mail-in ballots must be handled properly without providing evidence that they have not been in the past.

Asked if it were irresponsible for Trump to float the idea, Meadows skirted the question, saying &ldquo;It is responsible for him to say that if we try to go to 100% universal mail-in ballots, will we have an election result on November 3? Now I would suggest we wouldn&rsquo;t even have it on January 1.&rdquo;

Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson told CNN on Sunday the election should be held on time and it was up to states to ensure balloting be carried out properly.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not helpful for the president to think out loud in a public fashion and express some frustration,&rdquo; he added.

The coronavirus crisis is expected to drive a surge in mail voting in November. State election officials are working to ensure tens of millions of ballots can reach voters in time to be cast and are returned in time to be counted.

Defying all odds, Trump becomes 45th president of United States

Miller criticized efforts by states including Nevada for moving toward expanding mail-in balloting during emergencies like the coronavirus epidemic, as well as other states that will count ballots postmarked Nov. 3 that arrive after Election Day.

Trump early Sunday called for a lawsuit to be filed to counter Nevada&rsquo;s legislative efforts to extend mail-in balloting. &ldquo;This is outrageous. Must be met with immediate litigation!,&rdquo; he said in a Twitter post.]]>
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			<title>Vietnam virus outbreak hits factories employing thousands in Danang epicentre</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257779/vietnam-virus-outbreak-hits-factories-employing-thousands-in-danang-epicentre</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257779/vietnam-virus-outbreak-hits-factories-employing-thousands-in-danang-epicentre#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 06:42:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257779</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Authorities says the strain of virus detected in Danang is a more contagious one]]>
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				<![CDATA[The coronavirus outbreak that began in the central city of Danang more than a week ago has spread to at least four factories in the city with a combined workforce of around 3,700, state media reported on Monday.

Four cases were found at the plants located at different industrial parks in the central city which collectively employ 77,000 people, the Lao Dong newspaper said.

Vietnam, praised widely for its decisive measures to combat Covid-19 since it first arrived in late January, is battling a new wave of the virus having gone more than three months without domestic transmission.

All but one of the four cases that media reported at the factories have yet to be included in the health ministry&rsquo;s tally.

Countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus

Vietnam on Monday reported one new case linked to Danang, a tourism hotspot, bringing its tally to 621 infections, with six deaths.

The new outbreak, the source of which is unclear, was first reported on July 25, and has reached at least 10 locations in the country, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, infecting 174 people and killing six.

One of the four factories has halted operations, Lao Dong reported, citing the chairman of the trade union of Danang&rsquo;s industrial park management board.

Vietnam has carried out 52,000 tests for the coronavirus in the past seven days, according to a Reuters analysis of official data.

No lab in Pakistan can test for coronavirus

It said on Saturday it planned to test Danang&rsquo;s entire population of 1.1 million people, part of &ldquo;unprecedented measures&rdquo; to fight the outbreak. The city imposed a lockdown last week, closing entertainment venues and banning movement in and out of the city.

Authorities said on Sunday that the strain of virus detected in Danang is a more contagious one, and that each infected person can infect 5-6 others, compared to 1.8-2.2 in the previous period.]]>
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			<title>Singapore to make travellers wear electronic tags to enforce quarantine</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257778/singapore-to-make-travellers-wear-electronic-tags-to-enforce-quarantine</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257778/singapore-to-make-travellers-wear-electronic-tags-to-enforce-quarantine#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 20 06:13:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257778</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singapore has reported 52,825 coronavirus infections]]>
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				<![CDATA[Singapore will make some incoming travellers wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure that they comply with coronavirus quarantines as the city-state gradually reopens its borders, authorities said on Monday.

From August 11, the devices will be given to incoming travellers, including citizens and residents, from a select group of countries who will be allowed to isolate at home rather than at a state-appointed facility.

Similar measures using electronic wristbands to track peoples&rsquo; movements during quarantine have been used in Hong Kong and South Korea.

Travellers to Singapore are required to activate the device, which use GPS and Bluetooth signals, upon reaching their home and will receive notifications on the device which they must acknowledge.

Singapore plans a coronavirus contact tracing device for all to wear

Any attempt to leave home or tamper with the device will trigger an alert to the authorities.

Hong Kong in March introduced a scheme for incoming travellers to use a slim electronic wristband, similar to a tag worn by hospital patients, to enforce quarantines for arriving passengers. South Korea has also used such wristbands connected to smartphone apps for those who violate quarantine.

Singapore, which has not given details on what the device will look like, said in a statement that it will not store any personal data and does not have any voice or video recording function.

Those aged 12 and below will not have to wear the devices.

Singapore reports two deaths from coronavirus, first fatalities in country

The city-state, which is also planning to give all residents a wearable virus-tracing dongle, has tough punishments for breach of its quarantine and social distancing rules.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act, punishments can be fines of up to S$10,000 ($7,272) or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. It has also revoked the work passes of foreigners who flouted the rules.

Singapore has reported 52,825 coronavirus infections, mostly due to mass outbreaks in cramped migrant workers dormitories, but imported cases have been creeping up in recent days.]]>
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