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                        <title>Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>2 new polio cases confirmed in K-P as total reaches three in 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605845/2-new-polio-cases-confirmed-in-k-p-as-total-reaches-three-in-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605845/2-new-polio-cases-confirmed-in-k-p-as-total-reaches-three-in-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 12:40:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Razya Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Fresh cases reported in Bannu and North Waziristan, posing a continued risk to children’s well-being]]>
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				<![CDATA[The National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) confirmed two new cases of wild poliovirus in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.

The cases were reported&nbsp;in Bannu and North Waziristan,&nbsp;where access constraints continue to aid poliovirus transmission, posing a continued risk to children&rsquo;s well-being.

Pakistan has reported three polio cases so far in 2026. Since the launch of the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in 1994,&nbsp;Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8% &mdash; from 20,000 estimated cases in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025.

The two new cases were reported through the poliovirus surveillance network and confirmed by the WHO-accredited Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Islamabad. The affected children belonged to the Jani Khel union council of Bannu and the Garyom union council of North Waziristan districts.

Read: First wild polio case of 2026 confirmed in Sindh

While overall poliovirus transmission in the country has been declining, with cases falling from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025 and three so far in 2026, reflecting the impact of high-quality vaccination drives, virus circulation in southern K-P persists.

These detections underscore the continued need for robust and targeted efforts to interrupt transmission and the importance of consistent vaccination for children everywhere in the country. No child in Pakistan will be safe until every child is safe.

The PEI&nbsp;is already analysing the best science-based response to reach and immunise children in this region and prevent further poliovirus transmission. In addition, the PEI is implementing alternate strategies in southern K-P, including integrated service delivery of health services like nutrition, routine immunisation, maternal and child health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as a community-based polio vaccination initiative to increase vaccination rates and build immunity.

Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and, in some instances, even death. However, the disease can be prevented thanks to polio vaccines, which are safe and effective and have been used safely in 195 countries, including all Muslim countries.

Also Read: Why 40000 Karachi families refused the polio vaccine

In 2026, Pakistan has already implemented two nationwide polio campaigns that protected approximately 45 million children, while the next campaign is planned in May to immunise nearly 19m&nbsp;children.

Polio eradication is a collective responsibility. While Pakistan&rsquo;s dedicated frontline workers ensure that vaccines reach every child, parents and caregivers play a crucial role by making sure their children receive all recommended doses, including routine immunisations. The PEI urges all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are vaccinated during every campaign to protect them from lifelong disability and/or death.]]>
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			<title>3 injured in terrorist drone attack on cricket ground in K-P's Bajaur</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605869/3-injured-in-terrorist-drone-attack-on-cricket-ground-in-k-ps-bajaur</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605869/3-injured-in-terrorist-drone-attack-on-cricket-ground-in-k-ps-bajaur#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 16:51:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Attack was carried out using a quadcopter while a cricket match was in progress in Mamund tehsil]]>
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				<![CDATA[At least three people were injured in a terrorist&nbsp;drone attack&nbsp;on a cricket ground in the Mamund area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&#39;s Bajaur district on Friday, according to state media.

According to state broadcaster PTV News, the attack was carried out using a quadcopter in the Shahi Tangi area of Mamund tehsil while a cricket match was in progress. The injured were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.

Read: Five injured in Afghan cross-border shelling

It said that a press release issued by the Bajaur deputy commissioner&nbsp;said that over the past two months, mortar shells had been fired from the Afghan side into various border areas of the district, particularly Mamund and Slarzai.

It added that firing by the Afghan Taliban on the civilian population in Bajaur had resulted in the martyrdom of nine people, including three women and six children.

Local sources said quadcopters were being used to target civilians to spread fear and panic, adding that video evidence of such incidents had surfaced previously. They said the attack was deliberately timed during the cricket match.



فتنہ الخوارج کی بلا اشتعال جارحیت ،خیبرپختونخوا کی شہری آبادی پربزدلانہ حملوں کا تسلسل جاری

باجوڑ کے علاقے ماموند میں خوارج کی جانب سے کرکٹ گراؤنڈ پر کواڈ کاپٹر سے حملہ کیا گیا، جس کے نتیجے میں 3 افراد زخمی ہوئے۔
بزدلانہ حملے میں زخمی ہونے والے افراد کو فوری طور پر اسپتال&hellip; pic.twitter.com/qDWR8CC8wr
&mdash; PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 1, 2026


&ldquo;Such attacks reflect an inability to confront security forces directly, with civilians being targeted instead,&rdquo; the state broadcaster said, while adding that public anger was growing due to repeated incidents against civilian populations.

Following the incident, security in the area was placed on high alert. Security forces cordoned off the site and launched a search operation to track down those involved.

&ldquo;Security forces are conducting an effective response against such attacks, targeting militant positions and supporting infrastructure,&rdquo; PTV News reported.

Tribal elders and residents strongly condemned the attack and demanded the complete elimination of terrorists to ensure public safety.

Also Read: Pakistan Army responds to unprovoked aggression by Afghan Taliban: security sources

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned today&#39;s incident.

&quot;The inhuman violent spate of deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Afghans Taliban regime in border districts of K-P is unacceptable, insidious and reflective of their barbaric nature towards human life. Resorting to targeting civilian areas after being comprehensively beaten on ground by proud security forces of Pakistan and having no courage to face them is not only despicable but also speaks volumes of the low moral character of the regime leaders.&quot;

He said the Taliban regime&#39;s &quot;so-called representatives continue to lay frivolous false allegations of deliberate targeting of civilians by Pakistan&quot;.

Tarar said it was &quot;reported with a lot of clarity and evidence that Pakistan targets only terrorist infrastructure and information has been always promptly and transparently shared with the public, whenever Pakistan targets terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure under areas controlled by Afghan Taliban regime, while taking great care for any sort of civilian damage&quot;.



The inhuman violent spate of deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Afghans Taliban regime in border districts of KP is unacceptable, insidious and reflective of their barbaric nature towards human life. Resorting to targeting civilian areas after being comprehensively&hellip; pic.twitter.com/1cPd7c6JeI
&mdash; Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 1, 2026



Earlier this week, security forces carried out retaliatory strikes at key sites, including the Ariana Complex, Dabgai check post, police headquarters, and Zakarkhel post, which were destroyed.

Pakistan Air Force also targeted positions in Laghman province, destroying an arms depot, the ABF battalion headquarters, and the Nangarhar brigade. Sources further said a Taliban post near the Mohmand sector was also destroyed, stressing that only Afghan military targets were hit in line with international law.

On April 15, three civilians, including two children, were martyred and three others were injured when Afghan Taliban forces carried out unprovoked shelling on locals in a border area of K-P&#39;s Bajaur district, according to state media.

The incident marked a renewed episode of cross-border aggression after a gap of over a month, following Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, launched in response to earlier unprovoked hostility from the Afghan side.

Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was launched around the end of February following renewed clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation by Pakistan.

Read: 13 terrorists neutralised in two infiltration bids on K-P&#39;s Pak-Afghan border: ISPR

The neighbouring countries were engaged in escalating hostilities along the frontier since then. The clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani air strikes targeting terrorist positions and abated during a temporary ceasefire on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

The escalation in tensions between the two countries followed a series of tit-for-tat actions over the past year.

Pakistan earlier carried out air strikes targeting camps of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province inside Afghanistan after a wave of attacks, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Islamabad has long maintained that TTP leaders operate from Afghan territory, an allegation that Kabul has repeatedly denied.

Tensions also surged after a series of explosions in Kabul on October 9 last year. Taliban forces subsequently targeted areas along Pakistan&#39;s border, prompting Islamabad to respond with cross-border shelling.

The exchanges caused casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides and led to the suspension of trade after border crossings were closed on October 12, 2025.]]>
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			<title>SSP’s son held after DHA checkpoint clash in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605875/ssps-son-held-after-dha-checkpoint-clash-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605875/ssps-son-held-after-dha-checkpoint-clash-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 18:06:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Munawwar Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605875</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Conflicting accounts from sub-inspector, accused’s parents prompt an official inquiry]]>
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				<![CDATA[A late-night police check in Defence Housing Authority spiralled into a high-profile confrontation involving the son of a senior police officer and a police sub-inspector, triggering an arrest, viral videos and a formal inquiry into the incident.

The incident took place between Thursday and Friday night.

The clash occurred during snap checking in Phase VII, where police stopped a double-cabin vehicle fitted with police-style lights and an allegedly fake number plate. What followed was a heated exchange between the driver &mdash; later identified as Khubaib, son of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Naseem Ara Panhwar &mdash; and Sub-Inspector Shahzaib Shakeel, the in-charge of the Qayyumabad police post.








In videos recorded from both sides, the situation quickly escalated. Police footage shows the officer accusing the young man of hurling abuses and grabbing his collar, while repeatedly warning him to remain respectful.

A separate clip, filmed by the driver, captured the officer retorting, &ldquo;What is so special about being an SSP&rsquo;s son? I am one too,&rdquo; as tensions mount.

Police later registered a case and arrested Khubaib on charges including obstruction of duty, impersonation and use of a fake number plate, along with allegations of misconduct and physical confrontation. Authorities said the vehicle carried unauthorised police fittings, including tinted windows and official-style lights.








According to the first information report, the suspect allegedly refused to identify himself, claimed his mother was a senior officer and directed armed guards accompanying him to push the officer aside. The complainant further alleged that, during an attempt to detain him, the suspect grabbed his collar, used abusive language and fled the scene with his guards.

Read: FBR inspector critically wounded in Clifton shooting; case registered against ex-cop&#39;s son

However, the suspect&rsquo;s father, Ali Anwar, presented a sharply different account. Speaking to reporters, he claimed that after the incident, both he and his wife visited the police station, where the officer in question apologised. He said the family cooperated fully, handing over the vehicle, but alleged that the situation changed dramatically after the video went viral.

Police officials confirmed that an inquiry had been ordered by the South SSP, who appointed Clifton Superintendent of Police Khalid Javed as the investigation officer. The probe will examine the conduct of all parties, including the actions of the police personnel involved.]]>
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			<title>PMD issues alert for hailstorms, heavy rain across country from May 2</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605862/pmd-issues-alert-for-hailstorms-heavy-rain-across-country-from-may-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605862/pmd-issues-alert-for-hailstorms-heavy-rain-across-country-from-may-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 15:20:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is likely to be worst affected, severe weather may trigger landslides in northern areas]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued a weather alert warning of widespread dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and strong winds in the northwestern parts of the country from May 2.

In its advisory, the department said a fresh westerly wave is expected to enter the northwestern regions on the evening of May 2 and persist in the upper parts of the country until the morning of May 5, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa likely to be the most severely affected province.

&ldquo;Widespread dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds are expected to batter upper and central Pakistan over the coming days,&rdquo; the PMD said, urging authorities and the public to remain vigilant.

Read: April rain record broken after 41 years

According to the Met Office, dust-thunderstorms, isolated heavy falls and hailstorms were expected across multiple districts of K-P, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan from the evening of May 2 through May 4, with occasional gaps.

Punjab and&nbsp;Islamabad were also expected to be affected.

The PMD also&nbsp;forecast dust-thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal from the evening of May 2 through the night of May 4. Rain-windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, may also affect Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Multan and Khanewal on May 3 and 4.

The weather system is expected to extend to the northern regions as well. Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, is likely to experience rain-wind and thunderstorm activity from the night of May 2 until May 5.

Moreover, heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, during the same period.

Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Kohlu, Zhob, Barkhan and Loralai, may experience windstorms and thunderstorms from May 2 to May 4. Upper Sindh is also likely to witness dust-thunderstorms on May 2 and 3.

Also Read: Met Office issues flash flood warnings for K-P

Highlighting potential impacts, the Met Office warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards and solar panels.

It also cautioned about the likelihood of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper K-P, GB and Kashmir, particularly on May 3 and 4. Farmers in K-P and upper Punjab were advised to take timely measures to protect standing crops from possible hailstorm and windstorm damage.

The department said the prevailing intense heat in the plains was likely to ease during the forecast period.

Tourists and travellers were&nbsp;advised to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions, while all relevant authorities were&nbsp;directed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.]]>
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			<title>President Zardari, PM Shehbaz call for protection of workers’ dignity on Labour Day</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605822/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-call-for-protection-of-workers-dignity-on-labour-day</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605822/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-call-for-protection-of-workers-dignity-on-labour-day#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 07:19:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605822</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Leadership reaffirms commitment to fair wages and social protection]]>
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				<![CDATA[President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called upon all stakeholders, including the business community and industrialists, to uphold the dignity and protection of the country&rsquo;s labour force, Radio Pakistan reported.

In their separate messages on International Labour Day, they said that a nation that protects its workers protects its future, adding that labour empowerment is the pathway to lasting national strength.



President @AAliZardari said Pakistan remains committed to maintain international labour standards and promoting fundamental rights at work, including fair wages, social protection, the elimination of forced and child labour and non-discrimination@PresOfPakistan #LabourRights&hellip; pic.twitter.com/ptsZxWXxcw
&mdash; Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 1, 2026


President Zardari said Pakistan remains committed to maintaining international labour standards and promoting fundamental rights at work, including fair wages, social protection, the elimination of forced and child labour, and non-discrimination.



The President termed workers as the foundation of economy. ​Recalling the 1973 Constitution&rsquo;s pledge to eliminate all forms of exploitation he said that a nation that protects its workers, protects its future. Labour empowerment is the pathway to national strength &amp; prosperity. pic.twitter.com/YiYTF2T1l2
&mdash; The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 30, 2026


In his message, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan&rsquo;s labour force, both at home and abroad, reflects the country&rsquo;s national capability, industriousness, and professional excellence.

He said national institutions, including the Employees&rsquo; Old-Age Benefits Institution and the Workers Welfare Fund, continue to strive for the welfare of workers and their families by providing pensions, housing, education, and other essential services.



PM @CMShehbaz calls upon all stakeholders, including the business community and industrialists, to uphold the dignity and protection of country&#39;s labour force. In his message on Intl. Labour Day PM said Pakistan&#39;s labour force, both at home &amp; abroad, reflects our national&hellip; pic.twitter.com/Q01bUgDU3J
&mdash; Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 1, 2026


Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said workers are the nation&rsquo;s real strength and Labour Day honours their sacrifices. He stressed that a just Pakistan requires empowering workers, protecting their rights and ensuring welfare, reaffirming the PPP&rsquo;s commitment to labour rights.



یومِ مزدور پر اپنے تمام محنت کش بھائیوں اور بہنوں کو سلام پیش کرتا ہوں۔ آپ ہی پاکستان کی اصل طاقت اور ترقی و خوشحالی کے حقیقی معمار ہیں۔ آپ کی محنت، عزم اور قربانیاں ہماری قومی بنیاد کو مضبوط کرتی ہیں۔

ہم آپ کے حقوق کے تحفظ، وقارِ محنت اور مساوی مواقع کے حصول کے لیے اپنی جدوجہد&hellip; pic.twitter.com/xDr7zpi6Wh
&mdash; Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 1, 2026


PPP Women&#39;s Wing President Faryal Talpur paid tribute to workers, calling their sacrifices the foundation of national development. She said workers&rsquo; rights and dignity must be protected, adding the PPP remains committed to fair wages, social protection and empowerment under its leadership.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said the government is improving workers&rsquo; living standards through pro-labour policies and legal protections. He stressed the strict implementation of minimum wage laws and reaffirmed his commitment to workers&rsquo; welfare.

Read: Labour Day rallies push for better pay, social security

Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said workers are the backbone of development and their welfare is a top priority. He highlighted increased minimum wages, enforcement of labour laws and provision of health and financial support.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said workers are the backbone of society and deserve recognition for their sacrifices. He highlighted government measures, including higher wages, labour law enforcement and welfare initiatives for workers and farmers.



Sindh Government pays tribute to our hardworking labour force ,the backbone of any society&rsquo;s progress. We honor the sacrifices of the Chicago martyrs who paved the way for workers&rsquo; rights worldwide.

Our Government, under PPP, remains committed to workers&rsquo; welfare through higher&hellip; pic.twitter.com/bh5tSQD3k8
&mdash; Sharjeel Inam Memon (@sharjeelinam) May 1, 2026


PPP central spokesperson Shazia Marri said workers are the true drivers of progress and must be empowered for a just society. She reiterated that the PPP stands for economic justice, equal opportunities and continued support for labour rights.]]>
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			<title>Public hospitals staff to be tested across Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251863/public-hospitals-staff-tested-across-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251863/public-hospitals-staff-tested-across-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:29:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sameer.mandhro]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Health department to restart contact tracing for coronavirus]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh government issued directives on Saturday for all public hospitals to get its staff tested for Covid-19 as well as begin coronavirus contact tracing again.

In a letter issued by Sindh health director general Dr Irshad Ahmed Memon, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the heads of all public-sector hospitals have been asked to get their respective facility's staff tested for the coronavirus on priority basis. Besides, they have been instructed to continue tests for the diagnosis of other suspected Covid-19 cases.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Memon stressed the need for all hospital employees to get tested, claiming, however, that Sindh had the least number of infected health department employees among the provinces.

Another health department official, also emphasising the need for "immediate" screening of healthcare professionals, said the decision had come late.

"It is feared that most health workers do not [properly] follow standard operating procedures. This eventually leads to multiplying the number of infected persons, even in far flung areas," he explained.

This was confirmed by other officials, too, who pointed out that SOPs were particularly ignored at private clinics. They can then carry the virus to public hospitals, the officials added.

Saying that health department officials did all they could to monitor health workers and ensure they followed SOPs, they noted that it was near impossible to keep a watch over private facilities.

According to the health department, there are 1,500 rapid response teams in Sindh that collect samples for Covid-19 testing, besides serving at various healthcare facilities and helping Covid-19 patients in getting admissions to hospitals.

"But after several of them contracted the infection, the number of tests conducted daily was reduced," explained a senior health department official. He, however, added that other reasons also factored in reducing the number of tests. "[Following this], routine testing was disrupted," he explained.

Speaking on the matter, Pakistan Medical Association general secretary Dr Qaisar Sajjad also called for the immediate screening of healthcare professionals. "We had asked for it in March but orders for it have only been issued now."

He was also of the opinion that the government was giving rise to confusion by decreasing the number of tests.

"While the number of tests [conducted daily] is going down, the number of cases are shooting up," he observed, explaining that fewer cases being reported had led to people disregarding SOPs.

"Over 60 per cent citizens have stopped wearing masks," he claimed.

Contact tracing

With the health department also announcing to recommence Covid-19 contact tracing, a health department official told The Express Tribune that the exercise was stopped due to "some confusion."

"But we are starting it again so that [suspected] cases can be traced and screened," he confirmed.

The health dept's silence

Meanwhile, all senior department officials, including spokespersons, have reportedly been instructed not to talk to the media for reasons unknown. "Only a few are privy to this development," a health official, on condition of anonymity, disclosed to The Express Tribune. "We have been told not to share any information with the media." He added that none of the department's officials had access to the daily update on pandemic statistics given by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

"This is the only department for which the CM releases data," the official said. "And while we work in the health department, we don't have access to it." 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020. ]]>
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			<title>MQM-London ‘hitman’ apprehended</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252248/mqm-london-hitman-apprehended</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252248/mqm-london-hitman-apprehended#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 18:29:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252248</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police claim he was involved in over 100 murders]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) police claimed on Saturday to have arrested a notorious target killer, allegedly belonging to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L) and involved in over 100 murders, during a targeted operation in Orangi Town. The police reportedly seized arms and ammunition from his possession as well.

According to SIU SSP Irfan Bahadur, the suspect, namely Shakeel alias Haddi, was a member of MQM-L’s ‘death squad’ and had confessed to the killings of Pirabad police SI Aleem Shah and Orangi Town police constable Rana Sohail in 2011, during his initial interrogation.

Bahadur added that he was also involved in an attack on Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bashir Jan and the targeted killing of ANP’s Shah Faisal Colony in-charge, Nabi Gul, among others.

The SSP claimed Shakeel had also killed a medico-legal officer at Qatar Hospital and MQM-Haqiqi’s Asif Malang, while also setting fire to the ‘astana’ of Khalid Baba, burning three people to death.

According to the police, Shakeel admitted to involvement in over 100 murders on the basis of ethnicity, sect and politics, on the orders of the MQM-L leadership.

Cases against him and other members of the ‘death squad’, including Ajmal Pahari, Saeed alias Bharam, Danish alias Mama, Omar alias Mullah, Zeeshan alias Dada, are registered in several police stations across the city, as well as with the SIU. Further investigation is underway.]]>
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			<title>2,179 people diagnosed with coronavirus in Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252371/2179-people-diagnosed-coronavirus-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252371/2179-people-diagnosed-coronavirus-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 23:50:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252371</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Murad says province's daily testing capacity has been stretched to 12,000]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah shared on Sunday that 2,179 people were diagnosed with coronavirus overnight, of the total 9,244 samples tested on the day.

Shah added that 435,393 samples have been tested to date in Sindh, of which 80,446 have been positive, which constituted around 18.4 per cent of the total.

The CM apprised that the testing capacity in the province has been stretched to 12,000 a day, courtesy of the laboratories established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Gambat and Sehwan, which have been functional for the last month.

According to Shah, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Hyderabad could conduct 2,000 tests, Syed Abdullah Shah Institute in Sehwan 100, Gambat Institute 300 and Ghulam Mohammad Maher Medical College in Sukkur could screen 100 samples.

Moreover, the chief minister stated that 26 more people succumbed to the contagious disease overnight, taking the death toll to 1,269 in the province. He claimed that the government has curbed the mortality rate by spreading awareness among the masses.

Shah added that 34,654 people were currently infected by the virus, of whom 33,110 were in home isolation, 88 were quarantined at isolation centres and 1,456 were being treated at different hospitals. He added that 655 patients were in critical condition and 94 of them have been put on ventilators.

Meanwhile, he said that 1,079 more patients had recovered from the contagious disease, pushing the number of recovered people to 44,523 - around 55.5 per cent of all those affected.

Furthermore, the provincial capital saw 1,406 new Covid-19 cases. He presented the district-wise breakup, saying 555 were diagnosed with the virus in East, 358 in South, 171 in Korangi, 138 in Central, 109 in West and 75 in Malir district.

Separately, Sukkur had 86 new cases, Hyderabad 54, Ghotki 40, Khairpur 38, Jamshoro 26, Mirpurkhas 22, Thatta 19, Larkana 17, Sanghar 14, Naushero Feroze 12, Matiari 12, Shikarpur 12, Shaheed Benazirabad nine, Umerkot eight, Dadu seven, Kashmore and Tando Allahyar three each, and Jacobabad one.]]>
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			<title>Youngster killed while shooting TikTok video in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252250/youngster-killed-shooting-tiktok-video-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252250/youngster-killed-shooting-tiktok-video-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 18:39:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[archives]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252250</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Faraz lost control of car due to speeding, rammed into tree]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A youngster was killed and two of his friends injured in a car accident while filming a video for popular video-sharing platform TikTok in Korangi on Saturday night.

The deceased, identified as Faraz, lost control of the car he was driving due to speeding and ran into a tree. As a result, he and his friends, Ayaz and Ahsan, were injured. They were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for treatment, where Faraz succumbed to his injured.

According to the police, the car was completely wrecked in the collision. They added that the statements of the injured could not be recorded till the filing of this report.

The body was handed over to the family after the completing of medico-legal formalities.

This is not the first time that a life has been lost while filming a TikTok video. On June 21, a 17-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself while making a video. He was reportedly filming himself while holding his father’s pistol to his temple when he accidentally pulled the trigger.

Karachi teenager shooting TikTok video ‘accidentally’ kills himself

Meanwhile, in April, a 22-year-old man died after being hit by a train while shooting a video at the Jumma Goth railway station in Bhens Colony.

According to the Landhi Railway police, Kashif had been running on the railway tracks while doing a TikTok challenge when the train hit him, causing critical head injuries. His friends, who were also filming videos, took him to JPMC, where he succumbed to his wounds.]]>
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			<title>Illegal plasma sale thrives in Lahore</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251888/illegal-plasma-sale-thrives-lahore</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251888/illegal-plasma-sale-thrives-lahore#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:56:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251888</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[First Covid-19 patient recovered through trial treatment last month]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Following a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases and a significant increase in the number of patients recovering, a black market of blood plasma has emerged across the country, particularly in the provincial capital.

People are selling blood plasma of the patients who have recovered from coronavirus for tens of thousands of rupees, The Express Tribune learnt on Saturday.

The blood plasma or convalescent plasma is currently being trialled as a possible treatment for coronavirus disease in different countries, including Pakistan, as it contains antibodies developed by the immune system of people who have won the battle against the virus.

Though a large number of patients overcoming the disease are willing to donate plasma free of charge, some black sheep are using popular social media platforms to contact critically ill coronavirus patients seeking donation.

A patient who wanted to sell his blood plasma after his recent recovery said, “I don’t want to earn money but to recover my expenses incurred on the treatment since thousands of rupees were spent on medicines, consultation and food. I believe there is no harm in recovering the cost while people are selling their blood plasma for tens of thousands of rupees in the city.”



Other people involved in the unethical trade also have their own reasons. Thousands of posts are available on social media indicating that the illegal activity is happening openly without the fear of law enforcing agencies or accountability.

On June 13, a Twitter user posted her thoughts on the issue: “People are making money by selling their plasma to patients in Pakistan.

Humanity is dead.” Meanwhile, many people were of the view that there was nothing wrong with it. They commented that people also sell kidneys and blood.

Besides blood plasma, people have posted requirement for medicines such as Remdesivir, Besimivir and other drugs considered beneficial in coronavirus treatment. To save the lives of their loved ones, some people have expressed their willingness to pay any amount for these scarcely available drugs. In May, the National Institute of Blood Diseases (NIBD) confirmed that the first coronavirus patient who had been treated with plasma therapy had recovered.

The sale of oxygen cylinders is also on the rise in the online black market. A 6-litre cylinder along with regulator and stand is being offered for Rs23,000, while an 8-litre variant is being sold for Rs28,000 and 12-litre equipment is available for Rs35,000.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, an oxygen cylinder dealer, Rashid Malik, highlighted that the prices has increased three-fold owing to very high demand. “Mostly these cylinders are being imported from China, Turkey and Russia. In normal days, we were selling a 12-litre cylinder for Rs12,000 to Rs15,000 and 6-litre for Rs6,000 to Rs7,000,” he disclosed.

The Ministry of National Health Services has already announced action against illegal trading of blood plasma and black marketing of life-saving drugs used for coronavirus patients in the country. Health experts are warning citizens not to pay donors for blood plasma since it is still an experimental therapy.

As per the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2012, commercial dealing and trade of human organs and tissues is illegal in the country.

Section 11 of the law highlights that whoever makes or receives any payment for the supply of, or for an offer to supply, any human organ; seeks to find a person willing to supply for payment of any human organ; or offers to supply any human organ for payment shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and with fine of up to Rs1 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Woman commits suicide with two daughters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251906/woman-commits-suicide-two-daughters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251906/woman-commits-suicide-two-daughters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:41:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tariq Saeed Awan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251906</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim’s husband wanted to marry off girls against their wish]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A mother of seven children ended her life by consuming poisonous pills along with her two daughters over a domestic dispute in Mohalla Selwan, Kundian on Saturday.

A sense of shock and mourning spread in the neighbourhood after the incident.

As per details obtained by The Express Tribune, Muhammad Tahir Qureshi, son of Allah Din, a resident of Mohalla Selwan, and his wife had a dispute over marriage proposals for their daughters. The husband allegedly pressured his daughters to accept the marriage proposals as per his wishes, while the wife and daughters did not agree to the proposals.

As a result of the dispute, Tahir’s wife and daughters, 12-year-old Anza and 11-year-old Asma, swallowed a poisonous substance.

The mother and two daughters were shifted to a rural health centre, where doctor referred them to the Mianwali DHQ Hospital after immediate medical aid. However, the three victims could not survive.

As soon as the incident was reported, Kundian police and Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot. After postmortem was conducted and police completed the legal procedure, the bodies were handed over to the heirs.

Cases where multiple members of the same family committed suicide or were killed by their own family have been also been reported earlier in the province.

On Monday, a woman reportedly poisoned herself and four other members of her family due to financial problems in Okara.

A poor labourer of Okara, Nazar Mohammad, who failed to repay a loan, was struggling to make ends meet due to which his family often quarreled over financial issues.

Nazar’s son, 20-year-old Waqas Ahmed, married 19-year-old Naheed two months ago. The couple lived in Ghouspura neighbourhood of Basirpur Town, Okara with Nazar, his 45-year-old wife, and sons, 18-year-old Ashfaq Ahmed and 16-year-old Sattar Ahmed.

The family reportedly had a debt of Rs150,000. The whole family was worried about paying back the debt and there were often altercations in the house.

Naheed’s in-laws often pressured her to bring money from her father to settle the debt.

Reportedly, Naheed was fed up with the daily quarrels and allegedly fed her in-laws food containing poison, due to which her husband Waqas and brother-in-law Ashfaq died, while her other brother-in-law, 16-year-old Sattar Ahmed, and mother-in-law were severely affected.

In March last year, a man shot and killed his wife and three children, over a domestic dispute, before committing suicide in Rai Chand area of Chiniot.

In April 2019, a man committed suicide after killing his father and sisters over a family dispute regarding his ex-wife, whom he wished to remarry, in Shafiqabad, Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Letter to Punjab IGP seeks ban on PUBG video game</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251900/letter-punjab-igp-seeks-ban-pubg-video-game</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251900/letter-punjab-igp-seeks-ban-pubg-video-game#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:45:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251900</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Official says excessive violence in game triggers aggressive behaviour among youth]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A letter written to the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) on Saturday sought a ban on online game Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG).

The letter was penned by SSP Liaqat Ali Malik on the instructions of CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed. It mentioned that the online video game has devastating impacts on the mental health of the youth and two incidents of suicide have been reported in the city.

It stated that excessive violence triggers aggressive behaviour among the youth and they become addicted to the game. The CCPO said the game should be banned and an awareness campaign should be launched.

A matric student had committed suicide in Gulshan-e-Abbass Phase-II a few days ago. The boy was found hanging in his room. The police also spotted a smartphone beside the body with the PUBG game app running on it.

His parents also confirmed to the police that they had stopped the boy for playing the game. In another incident, a 20-year-old student of second year at the FC College University Lahore also reportedly committed suicide after being scolded by his parents for playing the PUBG. The victim identified as Jonty Joseph was living in North Cantonment. On the day of the incident, his father reportedly reprimanded him for playing the PUBG for a long period.

He took the punishment so seriously that he locked himself inside a room. The next day when he did not open the door, the family broke it and found him hanging.

The victim also worked part-time to assist the family financially and after work would remain busy in playing the game late at night.

On May 18, a man approached the Lahore High Court to ban the video game. “The game has a negative impact on children. They are becoming more ruthless and violent,” maintained the petitioner.

The PUBG, which has been developed by a South Korean company, is a 2017 survival game in which players are dropped onto an island to battle it out against others. The multiplayer game allows players from all over the world to compete against each other or in teams.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>NGO offers transgender people foreign scholarships</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251895/ngo-offers-transgender-people-foreign-scholarships</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251895/ngo-offers-transgender-people-foreign-scholarships#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:51:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251895</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Programme will allow selected persons to attend month-long training in host country]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

While educational opportunities have been few and far between for gender minorities in Pakistan, a local NGO has stepped in to create an international platform for the development of the country’s transgender persons. The Gender Guardian (TGG), a non-governmental organisation working to train and educate transgender persons in Pakistan, has partnered with various foreign NGOs to allow transgender citizens the opportunity to participate in a month-long training program in four different countries.

Transwoman Sania Abbasi, who is a makeup artist and has been associated with TGG as a teacher for the past several months, is among the many aspirants of the training scholarship. If selected for the coveted programme, Ms Abbasi says it will bring her immense pride to be one of Pakistan’s first transgender persons sent abroad for training in social work and welfare. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to represent our country on an international platform and I have been working tirelessly towards achieving my goals. I can’t wait to work alongside international NGOs. I want to learn from them and also share my personal experiences with the world.”

According to The Gender Guardian (TGG) Head Asif Shehzad, his organisation is committed to providing equal opportunities to transgender people through the provision of free vocational training and formal education. “We have taught and trained dozens of transgender people in various skills such as driving, cooking, makeup, sewing and etc over the last couple of years. However, through this scholarship the selected participants will be able to use share their skills and talent with the world and for the first time, have access to international cultural exchange and training,” said Shehzad. Speaking further about the scholarship programme, Shehzad also informed that The Gender Guardian has been working towards compiling a digital database of transgender persons registered with TGG as well as other people who donate to the organisation. “So far, we have partnered with NGOs working in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Using our database, we will select candidates every six months to be sent to these four countries for a month-long training, while people from the same four countries will also have the option to come and train in Pakistan. Our selected candidates will be working alongside their host country’s NGOs and represent Pakistan on an international level,” he explained.

Sania Abbasi, believes this scholarship will allow the people of the world to see the skills and talent of Pakistan’s transgender person, who often tend to be stereotyped as people limited to sex work. “As a gender minority, we have little no resources for pursuing higher education or going abroad, because of which we have very limited opportunities for work. However, this scholarship opportunity for transgender people to showcase their abilities and break the stereotypes associated with them,” she asserted.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>‘Pakistan’s progress linked to Balochistan peace’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251914/pakistans-progress-linked-balochistan-peace</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251914/pakistans-progress-linked-balochistan-peace#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:35:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251914</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NA speaker chairs parliamentary committee meeting to discuss issues facing province]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Saturday asked Balochistan parliamentarians and public representatives to suggest solutions to the socio-economic problems being faced by the province and its people.

Chairing the maiden meeting of the special parliamentary committee on Balochistan in the Parliament House, Qaiser said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emanated from Gilgit-Baltistan and culminated in Balochistan, which increased the significance of the province.

“Balochistan and its issues are always a priority of the incumbent government,” he said. “Parliament and public representatives are the best option to put forth solutions to the socio-economic issues faced by Balochistan and its people,” he said.

“Pakistan’s progress is linked to peace and progress in Balochistan,” Qaiser said, stressing the need for the committee to look into the matters related to ensuring transfer of the real benefits of CPEC to the local people.

Committees in the parliamentary system across the world, Qaiser said, played a recommendatory role, therefore, this committee would make all-out efforts to recommend the best possible solutions to the issues faced by Balochistan.

The speaker mentioned that the issuance of an executive order, regarding immediate implementation of 6% employment quota in all federal departments, underscored the seriousness of Prime Minister Imran Khan towards addressing the issues of Balochistan.

On the occasion, the speaker formed a four-member sub-committee, headed by Dr Fehmida Mirza, to develop comprehensive terms of reference (ToRs) encompassing all the issues related to Balochistan. It was also decided that a representative from the Balochistan National Party and Defence Minister Prevaiz Khattak would be invited to assist the sub-committee in developing the ToRs.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri appreciated the initiative of the speaker to constitute the special committee.

He noted that the government was seriously looking into the resolution of the issues confronting peace and development in the province.

Mirza, the inter-provincial coordination minster, told the committee that Balochistan’s issues had always been the top priority of the parliamentarians.

She pointed out that comprehensive ToRs were essential to make the committee more effective. Khattak said that the government had taken various steps to mitigate the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

Representing Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, National Assembly lawmaker Agha Hassan Baloch contended that the issues of Balochistan were getting intense since 2006 and needed to be redressed forthwith.

He called for examining the recommendations, proposed after a meeting between previous parliamentary committee, headed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Balochistan collects Rs2.5b from mineral sector</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251919/balochistan-collects-rs2-5b-mineral-sector</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251919/balochistan-collects-rs2-5b-mineral-sector#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:38:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251919</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Computerised weighing scales have been installed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Balochistan government has collected Rs2.5 billion from the minerals sector during the current financial year, despite coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown that was imposed to curb virus spread.

The government has collected the huge amount from mining sector and deposited in the provincial treasury, an official of the Balochistan government said. Computerised weighing scales have been installed besides increasing mining check posts in the province, he added.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>First phase of HingIaj road construction completed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251913/first-phase-hingiaj-road-construction-completed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251913/first-phase-hingiaj-road-construction-completed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:35:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[mohammad.zafar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251913</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Project was approved at a cost of Rs120 million]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The first construction phase of Hinglaj Mandir Link Road project has been successfully completed with the special funds from Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal.

The Hindu community of Lasbela has expressed gratitude to the government of Balochistan, according to official sources, as 90% of technical work of the temple stands completed.

The project was approved at a cost of Rs120 million to construct a 13km road to the temple which is adjacent to the Gwadar Coastal Highway.

The first phase of the 4.7 km Link Road project has been completed this week while phase two of the project will be completed in the next financial year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal, Mengal agree on joint strategy for budget</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251810/bilawal-mengal-agree-joint-strategy-budget</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251810/bilawal-mengal-agree-joint-strategy-budget#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 00:50:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251810</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Both leaders express concern over spread of coronavirus in country]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto telephoned Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal on Saturday and discussed the current political situation in the country.

According to details, both the leaders agreed on a joint strategy for the next year’s fiscal budget.

They also exchanged views on the 18th Constitutional Amendment and government’s measures on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

“By criticising the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Imran Khan is attacking the constitution,” Bilawal said.

They expressed concern over the growing number of Covid-19 patients in the country and deliberated the holding of all parties’ conference next week.

Bilawal, Shehbaz reject federal budget

“PTI-IMF budget is anti-people. We cannot accept it,” the PPP chairman said.

“Due to the incompetence of the government, coronavirus has spread everywhere,” he added.

Both the leaders also rejected the increase in the petroleum price and noted that this was the time to provide maximum relief to the people.

A few days back, Mengal announced his party's withdrawal from its alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government over its failure to implement accords with the party.

Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, he said: "I am officially announcing that our party is ending its alliance with the PTI. We will stay in Parliament and will keep talking about issues."

Mengal added that the PTI had signed two agreements with the party at the time of government formation after the 2018 elections and later during the presidential elections, but not a single point of the accord was implemented.]]>
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			<title>K-P wants revival of tourism hit hard by Covid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251918/k-p-wants-revival-tourism-hit-hard-covid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251918/k-p-wants-revival-tourism-hit-hard-covid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:37:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251918</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Mahmood Khan orders early opening of provincial tourism authority]]>
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				<![CDATA[In an effort to boost the tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the provincial chief executive has directed for expediting efforts for opening the newly established provincial tourism authority.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan issued these orders while presiding over the 22nd board meeting of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Corporation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (TCK-P).

CM Mahmood directed to finalise formalities for opening the newly established K-P Cultural Tourism Authority immediately.

The chief minister also ordered to take steps for liquidation of TCK-P and handing over its assets and liabilities to the culture and tourism authority. The TCK-P employees would be absorbed in the authority, he added.

The chief minister termed tourism as a major economic sector and said its promotion is a top priority of his government.

The meeting was briefed on the progress so far made on the liquidation of the TCK-P after the establishment of the Culture and Tourism Authority as provided in the K-P Culture and Tourism Act, 2019.

The meeting decided to constitute a committee headed by K-P Additional Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir to streamline and expedite all the legal, administrative and financial matters with regard to the liquidation of the TCK-P in a prescribed manner.

The committee would draft and present its recommendations to the competent forum within a week. Other members of the committee would finance secretary, law secretary, tourism secretary and establishment secretary.

K-P Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz, Additional Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir, Finance Secretary Atif Rehman, Tourism Secretary Khushal Khan and TCK-P Managing Director Junaid Khan, private sector members of the board and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Poor internet access for students echoes in K-P assembly</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251303/poor-internet-access-students-echoes-assembly</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251303/poor-internet-access-students-echoes-assembly#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:14:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shahid.hamid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251303</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Debate on Rs55.42b supplementary budget completed]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lawmakers on Friday took up the issue of poor internet connection for students in the remote areas of the province, noting that the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic means that online classes are the only means for obtaining education for students now.

This was discussed as the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly resumed on Friday to debate the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2020-21.

MPAs raised questions on online classes in the province. They urged the provincial government to ensure students have access to 3G and 4G networks, especially in the merged districts, so that they can access classes.

Moreover, they lamented that a girls college built in the Mohmand tribal district has yet to start functioning even though its structure was completed years ago.

During the discussion on the supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 worth Rs55.42 billion, the issue of a laptop scheme was raised.

Opposition lawmakers including Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Nighat Orakzai, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Inyatullah Khan, Mir Kalam Wazir, Shafiq Afridi, Baseerat Bibi, Khushdil Khan, Shagufta Malik and others said that a handsome amount had been allocated for the information technology sector in the supplementary budget to provide laptops to teachers.

They noted that if teachers can be provided laptops, then what about the students and called for greater transparency in the programme.

The opposition benches also raised concerns over the plight of the inmates in prisons across the province during the pandemic. They slammed the government for losing control of the bureaucracy.

Police reforms

On the directions of Deputy Speaker Mahmood Khan for a senior police officer attend the assembly proceedings, an SP level officer arrived at the assembly on Friday.

However, the deputy speaker did not allow him to enter the session as he expressed his anger over the absence of senior officers.

He then directed a DIG level officer to attend the session.

Later, Peshawar CCPO Ali Gandapur visited the assembly lobby and marked his presence.

Lawmakers from across the aisle pointed to the need for police reforms. They also asked the CCPO to explain reports of extrajudicial killings and the harassment of citizens at checkpoints set up across the province.

Members of the opposition expressed their reservations over the dormant status of the public safety commission. With no check and balance on the department, they claimed that the police was doing what it wants.

The secretary of the home department was also accused of deliberately delaying the process of activating the commission. Opposition lawmakers also pointed to the incident in the Zangi area where a motorcyclist was killed when he failed to stop at a checkpoint.

Discriminatory allocations

Shafiq Afridi from the Khyber Tribal District accused the government of dividing development funds based on the personal likes and dislikes of the finance and chief ministers. Moreover, he said that lawmaker of the merged districts has been completely ignored. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>K-P up in arms against custodial torture</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251292/k-p-arms-custodial-torture</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251292/k-p-arms-custodial-torture#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:19:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251292</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt asks PHC to probe yet another instance of police high-handedness]]>
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				<![CDATA[Scores were left injured on Friday as police and protesters clashed in the Tehkal area of the provincial capital as the latter demonstrated against the excesses of the former.

The clashes came even as the government wrote to the provincial judiciary, asking it to probe reports of police detaining an Afghan national, stripping and parading him naked and then torturing him for abusing officers in a video.

Several protests and rallies were held across the province on Friday to protest the torture of Rafiullah alias Amir of Tehkal.

The largest protests were staged in the Tehkal area, outside the Peshawar Press Club and in front of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly building. Protesters filled the road from Saddar to the press club, blocking it for all sorts of traffic. Former Awami National Party (ANP) provincial assembly member Alamgir Khan Khalil and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Youth Wing also participated in the protest.

They held aloft banners condemning the police brutality and of filming a detainee in a compromised position and then leaking the videos. Chanting anti-police slogans, they demanded a judicial inquiry into the case and kept the road closed for nearly two hours.

As the protesters neared the provincial assembly, they were charged by police in riot gear. At this, the protesters started pelting police officers with stones.

To disperse the crowd, the police resorted to firing tear gas canisters.

The clashes left scores of protesters and police officers injured.

Meanwhile, protests against police excesses were also held in Mardan, Swabi, Bajaur, Charsadda, Nowshera, Malakand, Lower and Upper Dir, Swat and other southern districts. Lawyers, social workers, students and local political leaders participated in those protests.

Judicial inquiry

In a media briefing at the Information Cell in the Civil Secretariat on Friday, Adviser to the K-P Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir said that the provincial government has written to the Peshawar High Court’s registrar to nominate a judge who will lead a judicial commission to probe the Tehkal incident under the K-P Tribunal of Inquiry Ordinance.

Wazir said that soon after the video went viral on social media, the provincial government had taken immediate action by suspending and booking the four police personnel involved, including an SHO. Moreover, the SSP Operation was removed from his post.

On the judicial commission, he confirmed that the PHC had been requested to form the probe body. He added that the body will be tasked with identifying those responsible for the incident and that later they will be tried as per the law.

Noting that the commission has been directed to complete its inquiry within 15 days, Wazir said that the government will make the inquiry public.

The adviser, however, urged the public not to malign the entire police department due to the actions of a few

“The misconduct and wrongdoings of a few personnel should not be blamed on the entire police department,” he said, reiterating the immense sacrifices rendered by the provincial police force in the war against terror apart from serving on the frontlines against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Another case of police excesses surfaces</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251290/another-case-police-excesses-surfaces</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251290/another-case-police-excesses-surfaces#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:19:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251290</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The report further showed that the additional SHO had been previously found guilty of framing a man in a fake case]]>
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				<![CDATA[After Peshawar, a case of police excesses has emerged from Haripur where a senior police officer allegedly beat up a clerk at a filling station for refusing service to his son.

A report submitted to the district police officer's (DPO0 office stated that additional SHO SI Muhammad Nawaz's son had gone to a filling station in the Batrassi area of Haripur to get fuel for his motorbike. Because he was not wearing a face mask nor a helmet, the clerk on duty refused to provide him with service as per a campaign being run by the district police.

At this, additional SHO Nawaz and his driver arrived at the fuel station where they beat up the workers. Nawaz’s driver also allegedly snatched cash from the cashier's pocket and then fled.

The owner of the filling station and workers subsequently approached the DPO and urged him to intervene. The DPO took notice of the incident and suspended Nawaz and launched an inquiry.

The report further showed that the additional SHO had been previously found guilty of framing a man in a fake case and allegedly took a bribe to set the case aside.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Virus cases in Indian Occupied Kashmir top 7,000</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252336/virus-cases-indian-occupied-kashmir-top-7000</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252336/virus-cases-indian-occupied-kashmir-top-7000#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 23:11:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252336</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[2,700 infections, including 41 virus-linked deaths, confirmed in last 2 weeks]]>
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				<![CDATA[Coronavirus cases in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&amp;K) region crossed the 7,000-mark including 94 deaths, officials said on Sunday.

As many as 127 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 7,093, according to the latest data by the government.

Since June 13, the data revealed, about 2,700 cases have been registered while 41 people, including a 15-day-old baby, have died.

The Doctors Association of Kashmir has warned of community transmission, saying that more than 90% of the region's population is susceptible to the infection.

AJK president lauds Joe Biden for urging India to restore people’s rights in IOJ&amp;K

Dr Suhail Naik, who heads the association, told Anadolu Agency the recent numbers indicate that the virus has arrived in the community, and is going to spread amid an ease in restrictions.

“We cannot bear the excess load of cases in our underdeveloped healthcare systems... the only remedy available is social distancing, hygiene and prevention,” he said.

While educational institutions remain closed, and public transport is still suspended in the region, some businesses have reopened.

As the pandemic crisis is looming, Indian forces continued their human rights violation in the valley, killing over 130 freedom fighters in over 40 gunfights in 2020 so far.]]>
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			<title>AJK president lauds Joe Biden for urging India to restore people’s rights in IOJ&amp;K</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252239/ajk-president-lauds-joe-biden-urging-india-restore-peoples-rights-iojk</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252239/ajk-president-lauds-joe-biden-urging-india-restore-peoples-rights-iojk#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 22:27:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252239</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[US former vice president has said restrictions on dissent, such as preventing peaceful protests, weaken democracy.]]>
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				<![CDATA[While welcoming US Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president Joe Biden’s statements over the restoration of rights of Kashmiris, Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan has said that Biden’s remarks are a proof that the world community has refused to buy the Indian narrative on Occupied Kashmir.

Biden has asked New Delhi to take all necessary steps to restore rights of all the people of Kashmir and asserted that restrictions on dissent, such as preventing peaceful protests or shutting or slowing down internet, weakens democracy.

The US ex-vice president also expressed disappointment over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in different states of India.

“We welcome the US Democratic Party leader’s remarks and urge Indian-Americans and Muslim-Americans to applaud Joe Biden’s policy statement together because nobody wants India to be ruled by theocratic fascists. Kashmiris’ liberties and fundamental rights, especially their right to self-determination, should be restored. It’s a just demand,” President Masood said in Muzaffarabad on Sunday.

Earlier addressing a function held in connection with the disbursement of cash grant among the affectees of Indian shelling living along the Line of Control (LoC), the AJK president said that relief being provided by the federal government to 610,000 members of 80,000 families is the recognition of their sacrifices as well as acknowledgement of the responsibilities being shouldered by the state government.

"Azad Kashmir is not only a strong defence line of Pakistan, but the people living close to the LoC and facing India's direct aggression are the defenders of the motherland," he added.

While commenting on Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to include more than 100,000 people affected by the Indian firing at the LoC in the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme and to issue health cards to 1.2 million people of Azad Kashmir, he said that the people of occupied and the liberated territory want to become part of Pakistan not because of geographical location but on the basis of their faith and ideology.

Joe Biden seeks restoration of peoples’ rights in Occupied Kashmir

The AJK president said that India's ruling party BJP and the RSS have planned to eliminate the Kashmiri people, occupy their lands, reduce the number of Muslims in the assembly of Occupied Kashmir, and to turn the whole state into a colony of India, but the people of both the liberated and occupied parts of Kashmir would offer stiff resistance.

He went on to say that it is high time that the government and the people of Pakistan as well as the valiant people of Azad Kashmir adopt an aggressive policy to counter India because "India is constantly threatening to attack Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan".

"Instead of saying that we will defend Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, we should also talk about the liberation of Khalistan, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram, and tell the world that India is no longer a secular state but it has emerged as a fascist state," he added.

President Masood also said that India's anti-Muslim moves have awakened the Muslims across the world, and a wave for the renaissance of Islam has risen in the whole Muslim world. "It is now clear that whether it is Kashmir or Palestine, the Muslims are prepared to safeguard their interest."

Referring to Azad Kashmir, he said that the liberated territory can emerge as an economic engine for Pakistan. At present, he maintained, that 2,000 megawatts of electricity is being generated in Azad Kashmir while the territory has a potential of producing another 8,000 megawatts of electricity "though our own demand is between 300 and 400 megawatts, and the surplus electricity is injected into the national grid".

On completion of Kohala, Gulpur, Azad Pattan, Dudhnial and many other projects in the coming decade, Azad Kashmir will become the biggest electricity generating region of Pakistan.

President Masood said that Azad Kashmir is not only strategically important for Pakistan's defence but it can also play an important role in the economic uplift of the country. "That is why, we say that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and Kashmir has no identity without Pakistan."]]>
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			<title>Hinduism being masqueraded as secularism in India, says AJK president</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251761/hinduism-masqueraded-secularism-india-says-ajk-president</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251761/hinduism-masqueraded-secularism-india-says-ajk-president#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 00:33:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251761</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Masood says 13,000 Kashmiri boys have been abducted and kept in prison houses where they're being subjected to torture]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sardar Masood Khan, the president Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has said that after grudgingly accepting the independence of Pakistan, India adopted a secular doctrine, an insincere attempt to hide prevalent Hindu nationalism under the guise of secularism.

He made these remarks while addressing two separate web-conferences organised by the Institute of Policy Studies on the topic of “India: Past, Present &amp; Future: Perceptions of the Muslim World”; and by the Pakistan High Commission UK on the topic “Seeking Justice for Kashmiri Victims of Sexual Violence and Physical Torture, and Widows”.

Speaking at the IPS session – which was attended by leading international experts from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nigeria – the president said Hindu fascists romanticise an imaginary state of "Akhand Baharat" that they claim to have existed before the arrival of Muslim rulers in the sub-continent. This notion, he said, is not only unsubstantiated by history, it is also counterintuitive.

Referring to the faux secularism adopted by India, the AJK president said that over the decades, this glue of secularism had has come off and the real face of India’s political masters has been exposed. "Not long after independence, on 27 October 1947, India began working on its imperialistic agenda, and invaded the Jammu and Kashmir State. Driven by its Hindu-extremist policy, India has carried on with this agenda over the years," he said.

Masood Khan said that lawmakers and the leadership of BJP, the RSS and their affiliates have publicly declared that they would do away with Muslims from within India. This, he said, has caught the attention of Hindu zealots from across India which has consequently impacted the larger political landscape of the neighbouring country.

This BJP-RSS nexus has waged three wars in the region; one against its minorities inside its own borders, the second one against Kashmiris in the occupied territory of Kashmir and the third one against all its neighbouring countries. "Considering Pakistan as enemy number one, they have threatened to wipe off Pakistan from the face of the earth by the use of nuclear weapons," he informed.

The AJK president said that India’s ambition of becoming a colonial and imperial power in the region has led it to using the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh for sabotaging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It has also formed a four-member alliance QUAD – comprising of India, USA, Japan and Australia – to oppose the BRI and, especially, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“India is the biggest barrier for progress in the region. SAARC has been struggling for decades and that too because India has been standing in the way of economic integration as it wants to establish its hegemony in South Asia,” said the president.

'Existing tensions surfacing in new China-India row'

Speaking about the situation in IOJ&amp;K, he said that India is practicing the policy of lebensraum by reoccupying the State of Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating it and now bringing it under the direct rule of Delhi. He compared the new domicile rules introduced in the occupied valley, to the policy followed by Nazi Germany against the Jews, based initially on economic strangulation, followed by demonisation and marginalisation and finally physical extermination.

The president apprised that in IOJ&amp;K political leaders have been incarcerated, the youth are being killed and tortured in jails all over Occupied Kashmir and northern India. He added that 13,000 Kashmiri boys have been abducted and kept in prison houses where they are being subjected to torture and brainwashing. Bipin Rawat, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, has said that these boys (some as young as 10 years old) are more dangerous than a pellet-firing shotgun because they raise the slogan of Azadi (freedom) and self-determination, he said.

The AJK president said that members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should start a boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against India, while the corporate sector of these countries should be discouraged to invest in India as they are committing human rights violations against Kashmiris and Muslims of India.

"Start by banning the import of non-halal meat into OIC countries and the formation of a Kashmir Humanitarian Fund with the help of the Islamic Development Bank and Islamic Solidarity Fund.”

He also suggested an international civil society movement be mobilised to delegitimise Hindutva and campaign to declare RSS a terrorist organisation. “The biggest and the most trained terrorist organisation in the world is the RSS. They have openly declared to target Muslims not only in South Asia but all over the world”, he added.

Appreciating the supportive role of the OIC, Masood Khan appealed to the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council to raise their voice against Kashmir and call out the egregious human rights violations taking place in IOJ&amp;K.

Speaking at the web-conference hosted by Pakistan High Commission, the president appealed to powerful nations to make moral and legal choices for bringing India to justice and helping dismantle this machine of torture in IOJ&amp;K. “Silence is a crime when such torture is openly taking place in any part of the world”, he said.

He added that 25,000 Hindus from all over India have been given domiciles of IOJ&amp;K; and in the same manner, in which Muslim Indians have become second class citizens, Kashmiris have to run from pillar to post just to prove that they are state subjects. “If we don’t stop this now, IOJ&amp;K won’t be a recognisable entity like it is today. Two million Hindus will be brought in over the coming years” he said.

The AJK president said that India’s non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council will lead to three setbacks in the Council. Firstly, it will try to delete the agenda from the UNSC calendar; secondly, they would make efforts to stop us from holding informal meetings on Kashmir; and thirdly, they will imperil funding of the mandate of the UNMOGIP. “As a permanent member of the UNSC, the United Kingdom can stop this and create a balance in the UNSC,” said the president while speaking to his audience.

He urged the British citizenry and its civil society to lead the campaign of letter writing and awareness-raising on Kashmir in the international realm.

He also thanked MP Steve Baker for his active and vocal role in raising his voice for the Kashmir people by authoring a letter. He urged him to use his clout with 10 Downing Street and the FCO to mobilise the UK towards Kashmir advocacy in both the British Parliament and the UNSC.

The web-conference hosted by the Pakistan High Commission London was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Nafees Zakaria, MP Afzal Khan, MP Naz Shah, MP Steve Baker, MP Tony Lloyd, MP, Imran Hussain, MP Khalid Mahmood, Lord Qurban Hussain, Councillor Aasim Rashid, Mr Muzammil  Ayub Thakur, Chairman JKSDMI Raja Najabat Hussain, President Tahreek-e-Kashmir UK Fahim Kiyani, Dr Nazir GIllani, Syed Ali Raza, Shaista Safi and other leading members of the civil society.]]>
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			<title>World leaders urged to help end Indian atrocities against Kashmiris</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2250999/world-leaders-urged-help-end-indian-atrocities-kashmiris</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2250999/world-leaders-urged-help-end-indian-atrocities-kashmiris#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 20 21:06:07 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[On International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, AJK president condemns BJP-RSS regime]]>
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				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has urged the international community and United Nations to help end the most "cruel, inhumane and degrading" treatment of the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&amp;K) by occupation forces,

“We fully agree with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s statement that torturers must never be allowed to get away with their crimes, and systems that enable torture should be dismantled or transformed,” he said in a video message released on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture observed across the globe on Friday.

The AJK president said that torture is a crime against humanity and it is prohibited by international law and all religions. "Yet, this crime is committed everyday by the Indian forces and authorities in the occupied territory, most brutally and systematically."

He appealed to the United Nations not to generalise and blur the focus on torture where it is pervasive. In Occupied Kashmir, he said, torture is most rampant and most egregious.

“Torture has been committed by the BJP-RSS regime by reoccupying and colonising Jammu and Kahsmir against the will of its 14 million people, dividing their state into two parts, and enforcing decrees whereby the entire territory is now ruled by a foreign capital, Delhi."

While lambasting the Modi-led government, President Masood said: “As we mark this day today, Kashmiri young men are hunted down and killed in cold blood in fake encounters, demonstrators are blinded and sexual molestation is used as a weapon of war.”

Kashmiris, he went on to say, are being deprived of their homeland by bringing Hindus from all over India and settling them in the occupied territory through new domicile rules.

“Stripped of their permanent residence rights, Kashmiris are being robbed of their jobs, livelihoods, businesses and land. Systematically, the demography of the disputed valley is being altered permanently."

PM urges int'l community to hold India accountable for atrocities in IOJ&amp;K

The AJK president said what India is doing in occupied region is a war crime according to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the ICC Statute and international humanitarian law.

Referring to arbitrary arrest of political leaders and political activists, he said thousands of political detainees  – illegally incarcerated – are being subjected to the vicious torture leading in many instances to death and disability.

President Masood demanded that political prisoners in the Tihar jail in India - Yasin Malik, Asiya Indrabi, Shabbir Shah - should be released forthwith and Syed Ali Geelani and other Hurriyet leaders - hundreds of them holed up in cramped prisons - should be set free.

Some 13,000 boys and children, as young as 10, are caged in concentration camps where they are being tortured and brainwashed, he said while calling for the international community led by the United Nations to play ts role for their release.

He also made a demand that India should be asked to repeal all draconian laws that empower occupation forces to commit crimes with impunity.

“Kashmiris are citizens of planet Earth. Listen to their screams of SOS. Save their bodies; save their souls. Silence too is a crime while such massive torture is taking place right before our eyes.”]]>
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			<title>FM Dar confirms release of ex-senator Mushtaq Ahmad after Israeli forces intercept flotilla</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605876/fm-confirms-release-of-ex-senator-mushtaq-after-israeli-forces-intercept-flotilla</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605876/fm-confirms-release-of-ex-senator-mushtaq-after-israeli-forces-intercept-flotilla#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 19:06:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605876</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mushtaq says he was 'kidnapped' from international waters, calling it a violation of international law]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces along with other humanitarian workers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Friday.

Mushtaq was part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla when 22 vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces near the Greek island of Crete, with 211 activists, including a Paris city councillor, taken into custody on Thursday.

According to organisers and Reuters footage, 168 members of the flotilla crew were transferred from an Israeli naval vessel to Greek boats on Friday and brought ashore, where buses and an ambulance were waiting.

&ldquo;Alhamdolillah, I am pleased to share that former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was unlawfully detained by Israeli occupying forces along with other humanitarian workers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released,&rdquo; Dar said in a post on X.

He thanked the Hellenic authorities for facilitating Mushtaq&rsquo;s release at Crete and expressed gratitude to the leadership and government of Turkiye for assisting in his return to Istanbul for onward travel to Pakistan.

&ldquo;My appreciation for effective response by Foreign Office and our Embassy in Athens,&rdquo; he said, while reiterating his condemnation of the detention of humanitarian workers aboard the flotilla as well as obstruction of humanitarian aid destined for the people of Gaza.

&ldquo;Pakistan has been and will continue to extend unequivocal support for our Palestinian brothers and sisters,&rdquo; the minister added.



Alhamdolillah, I am pleased to share that former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was unlawfully detained by Israeli occupying forces along with other humanitarian workers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released.

I thank the Hellenic authorities for facilitating&hellip;
&mdash; Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 1, 2026


Confirming his release, Mushtaq said that they were &ldquo;kidnapped&rdquo; by Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;terrorist and Zionist&rdquo; army from international waters, terming the incident a grave violation of international law.



Important message by Senator (r) Mushtaq Ahmad khan after his release.@gbsumudflotilla @thiagoavilabr @SABU_BCN@Pak_PalForum #releasethiago#releasesaif pic.twitter.com/AfIk8a11Se
&mdash; Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan | سینیٹر مشتاق احمد خان (@SenatorMushtaq) May 1, 2026


&ldquo;The Israeli army kidnapped us from international waters. The entire world should take notice of this. It is a terrorist army, and we demand that international bodies and governments take notice of the kidnapping and torture of a humanitarian aid mission in international waters,&rdquo; he said.

He added that while he and others had been released and were now in Greece, two members of their group &mdash; Thiago and Saif &mdash; remained in custody.

&ldquo;We are in Greece, but two of our members, Thiago and Saif, are still in detention and being kept as hostages,&rdquo; he said, calling for their immediate release.

The former senator said the movement would continue despite the incident.

&ldquo;We will continue this flotilla as long as there is a blockade and siege, as long as there is genocide. Until Palestine is free, until the right to self-determination is granted, and until Al-Aqsa, Gaza and Palestine are liberated, we will continue this struggle,&rdquo; he added.

In a post on their Telegram channel, organisers of the flotilla alleged that activists had been denied adequate food and ​water and &quot;forced to sleep on floors that were deliberately and repeatedly flooded&quot; aboard an Israeli naval vessel, describing their treatment as &quot;40 hours of calculated ​cruelty&quot;.

A source who asked not to be identified said that while 22 boats had been intercepted by Israel, 47 others were still sailing off southern Crete and planned to anchor there at some point before continuing ​onwards to Gaza. Each ship is ​carrying about a tonne of food, ⁠medical and other equipment, the source said.

The 22 vessels were seized by Israel late on Wednesday in international waters off Greece&#39;s Peloponnese peninsula, which is hundreds of miles from Gaza, the flotilla&#39;s organisers said. In a statement ​on Thursday, the US State Department threatened &quot;to impose consequences&quot; against those who support the flotilla, which it cast ​as pro-Hamas.

Pro-Palestinian activists say ⁠Israel and the US wrongly conflate their advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for Hamas.]]>
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			<title>Punjab announces new kite flying rules for Basant 2027, sets strict safety rules</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605874/punjab-announces-new-kite-flying-rules-for-basant-2027-sets-strict-safety-rules</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605874/punjab-announces-new-kite-flying-rules-for-basant-2027-sets-strict-safety-rules#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 17:51:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[December 30 deadline set for implementation, violations to be treated as punishable offences]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab government on Friday&nbsp;announced new rules and regulations for kite flying for next year&rsquo;s Basant festival, setting December 30 as the deadline for their full implementation.

Under the new rules, kite flying will only be permitted on structurally strong and secure rooftops. The boundary walls of rooftops must be at least three and a half feet high. Overcrowding on rooftops will not be allowed.

Parents and guardians have been directed to ensure continuous supervision of children, who will not be allowed near rooftop edges without adult supervision.

Read: 17 lives lost during Basant festival in Lahore, Punjab govt informs LHC

According to a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that children&rsquo;s safety remains the top priority, adding that running, jumping, hanging from edges, and aggressively retrieving kites have been strictly prohibited.

The use of loud music, DJ systems, and noise-generating devices during kite flying has also been banned.

Any activity causing disturbance to neighbours will be treated as a punishable offence under the law.

The availability of first aid kits at all locations has been made mandatory, with easy access ensured. In case of any accident or emergency, citizens have been advised to immediately contact Rescue 1122.

In the event of any accident or violation of the law, building owners and event organisers will be held personally and jointly responsible. The chief minister reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against violators, adding that no one would be allowed to endanger lives under the guise of kite flying.

She directed all deputy commissioners and district police officers to ensure complete implementation of the regulations.

Also Read: Kites in the sky, stories on screen: Basant in Punjabi cinema and music

She also appreciated citizens for adhering to safety measures during Basant 2026 and expressed confidence that similar compliance would be observed in 2027.

She urged citizens to follow all safety precautions, assuring them that the government stands with them in safely celebrating Basant.]]>
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			<title>Four in 10 children in high-risk areas found with lead in blood: study</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605844/four-in-10-children-in-high-risk-areas-found-with-lead-in-blood-study</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605844/four-in-10-children-in-high-risk-areas-found-with-lead-in-blood-study#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 12:25:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605844</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Experts warn early childhood lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage affecting learning and behaviour]]>
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				<![CDATA[Four in every ten children aged between 12 and 36 months living in high-risk areas across seven cities in Pakistan were found to have lead in their blood, according to a study released by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in collaboration with UNICEF.

The findings highlight a serious public health concern, as lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anaemia, weaken the immune system, and adversely affect cognitive development. It is also associated with lower IQ, reduced attention span, impaired memory, and an increased risk of learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

The study sampled more than 2,100 children residing in high-risk industrial areas of Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, revealing significant variation in exposure levels.

Read: PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to child health, polio eradication in meeting with UNICEF delegation

Children in Hattar, Haripur, were found to be the most affected, with 88% showing elevated blood lead levels, compared to just 1% in Islamabad.

&ldquo;Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. The evidence highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across health, environment, and regulatory systems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening surveillance, improving enforcement of standards, and integrating prevention into child health programmes nationwide,&rdquo; said Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.

According to the study, potential sources of lead exposure include industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paints, contaminated food and spices, and traditional cosmetics.

It noted that risks persist due to gaps in regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and public awareness. Global estimates suggest that the burden may be significantly higher, with up to eight in ten children in Pakistan potentially affected &mdash; among the highest rates globally.

Lead exposure has also been linked to long-term economic losses, estimated at 6&ndash;8 per cent of the country&rsquo;s gross domestic product annually.

&ldquo;Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them especially vulnerable. Lead affects every system in the body, but its impact on developing brains can be devastating and lifelong. There is no safe level of exposure to lead for children, and its harmful effects are irreversible,&rdquo; said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside.

Also Read: Illegal levels of lead in locally-sold paint: study

The findings were shared at a high-level meeting attended by key stakeholders, where priority actions were discussed. These include the development of a national action plan to eliminate lead from high-risk products, the establishment of a blood lead surveillance system within child health programmes, enhanced public awareness, the creation of a government-led multi-sectoral task force, and improved data collection.

&ldquo;Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to child health and development. The evidence is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement, and sustained investment in prevention and child protection systems,&rdquo; said Abdullah Fadil.

A nationally representative survey is planned later this year to assess lead exposure among children and pregnant women.]]>
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			<title>Punjab government’s austerity drive falls under scrutiny</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605863/punjab-governments-austerity-drive-falls-under-scrutiny</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605863/punjab-governments-austerity-drive-falls-under-scrutiny#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 26 15:20:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Ilyas]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Rs20–30 billion are spent annually on government vehicles despite 50 per cent austerity cuts]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite repeated austerity announcements by the Punjab government, including a 50%&nbsp;cut in fuel expenses and parking of unnecessary official vehicles, public doubts persist.

Citizens question why large numbers of green number plate vehicles are still seen on highways, outside offices, and across cities if spending is truly being reduced.

Estimates from official and financial sources suggest that thousands of government vehicles are still in operation across Punjab. These are used by district administrations, police, health, education, the provincial secretariat, development authorities, and autonomous institutions. Maintaining this fleet costs billions annually, including fuel, maintenance, drivers, tyres, and overall upkeep.

Official estimates put annual spending on fuel and maintenance at Rs20&ndash;30 billion, though some reports suggest Rs50 million, showing data inconsistencies. Under the austerity policy, the government announced a 50%&nbsp;cut in fuel allowances, limits on non-essential vehicle use, and a halt on new purchases, claiming potential savings of Rs5&ndash;10 billion annually, though results are not yet visible on the ground.

Public opinion reflects a gap between policy and practice. A retired senior bureaucrat, speaking anonymously, opined that the system reflects a long-standing culture of privilege, with some officials using multiple vehicles.

&ldquo;Real reform needs GPS tracking, digital logbooks, fuel audits, and strict accountability since policy notifications alone are not enough without monitoring. In many countries, senior officials have limited transport, unlike Pakistan, where multiple vehicles are often assigned to a single post,&rdquo; shared the citizen.

Financial expert Dr Qais Aslam felt that significant savings could be achieved through centralised vehicle use, shared transport pools, fewer official visits, and increased use of virtual meetings. &ldquo;Such measures could save billions annually rather than just millions,&rdquo; noted Dr Aslam.

Read More: Police ordered to cut fuel use by 33% under austerity drive

Public circles are demanding transparency, including disclosure of the total number of official vehicles, how many have been parked, departmental fuel savings, and which institutions continue to spend high amounts. Currently, no single document provides consolidated figures, as vehicles are registered separately across departments.

The government has directed that 50%&nbsp;of vehicles be pooled and has halted the purchase of around 300 to 400 new vehicles. However, details of implementation have not been made public. While some reductions occurred in secretariat offices and during work-from-home periods, vehicles in operational departments such as police, health, engineering, and district administration have largely remained active.

The Punjab cabinet also approved only 10 new vehicles instead of the proposed 108, presenting this as an austerity measure. However, the continued visibility of official vehicles has raised doubts about the actual scale of reductions.

Under the Motor Transport Policy 2026, vehicle and fuel entitlements for senior officials have been defined. The chief secretary and inspector general of police are allowed three vehicles, while grade 21 and 22 officers may use two vehicles with fuel allowances for personal and official use. Grade 19 and 20 officers are entitled to 1600cc vehicles with 250 litres of fuel, and grade 17 officers to 1500cc vehicles with 175 litres per month.

Since departments operate separate budgets, a unified spending figure is rarely issued. However, with thousands of vehicles in use, the cumulative cost of fuel, maintenance, staffing, insurance, and replacement remains substantial.

Observers say there is a clear gap between official directives and ground reality. If austerity measures are not applied equally, particularly to senior officials and ministers, public trust will continue to decline. Effective reform will require strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Assembly has reported savings of over Rs770 million under its austerity measures, though broader provincial outcomes remain unclear.]]>
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			<title>'Inflation to rise to 8-9%'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605788/inflation-to-rise-to-89</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605788/inflation-to-rise-to-89#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Irshad Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Report pointed to continued resilience in key economic indicators]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s inflation is expected to edge higher in April as the Ministry of Finance projects it in the range of 8-9%, as supply chain disruptions and global uncertainty continue to exert pressure on prices despite signs of macroeconomic stability.

In its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for April 2026, the ministry warned that inflationary pressures were being driven largely by supply-side constraints, even as the broader economy remained on a stable footing.

The report noted that geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, had heightened uncertainty around the macroeconomic outlook.

The ministry said inflation, measured by the consumer price index, was expected to rise from 7.3% in March to 89% in April. &quot;External demand may remain supportive in some markets, but the balance of risk becomes less favourable than in a pre-war setting,&quot; the report stated.

At the same time, the report pointed to continued resilience in key economic indicators. The overall primary surplus during the first eight months of the current fiscal year stood at 3.3% of GDP (Rs4.319 trillion), compared to 3% (Rs3.452 trillion) in the same period last year.]]>
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			<title>FO in touch with Somalia over hijack standoff</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605782/fo-in-touch-with-somalia-over-hijack-standoff</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605782/fo-in-touch-with-somalia-over-hijack-standoff#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Families of the crew members expressed deep concern over the safety of their loved ones]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Foreign Office on Thursday said that it was in contact with the Somali government over the hostage crisis involving Pakistani sailors aboard a hijacked oil tanker, adding that it believed the crew members were safe.

During his weekly briefing, Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the oil tanker &quot;Honor 25&quot; was hijacked by pirates near the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21 while carrying oil to the Puntland region. The vessel had 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.

He said Pakistan&#39;s embassy in Djibouti had approached Somali authorities, including their foreign ministry, and was informed that the vessel was anchored off the coast of Eyl in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia.

&quot;We have fair reason to believe that our crew members are safe and secure,&quot; the FO said, adding that the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been &quot;very cooperative&quot; and was closely monitoring the situation.

According to the statement, Somali authorities had assured Pakistan that any updates regarding the vessel and the safety of the crew would be shared promptly. &quot;They are trying their best to ensure that the safety and well-being of our detained Pakistanis and all crew members are taken care of,&quot; it said, noting that local authorities and the ship&#39;s owner were in contact with the pirates.

Meanwhile, families of the crew members expressed deep concern over the safety of their loved ones, saying 10 days have passed since the hijacking of the vessel and no tangible progress has been made for their recovery.

Addressing a news conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday, the relatives said the lives of the kidnapped crew members remain at serious risk amid reported shortages of food and water on board the vessel.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan, US reaffirm commitment to 'constructive engagement'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605808/pakistan-us-reaffirm-commitment-to-constructive-engagement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605808/pakistan-us-reaffirm-commitment-to-constructive-engagement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:46:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Discussions included prospects for strengthening the historically significant Pakistan-US partnership]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has expressed Islamabad&#39;s steadfast commitment to promoting conflict resolution through dialogue and constructive engagement following a meeting with US Congressman Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee&#39;s Republican caucus.

Sheikh described the interaction as &quot;broad-based and productive,&quot; noting that both sides exchanged views on evolving regional and global developments. He also thanked the Congressman for recognising Pakistan&#39;s role in facilitating peace efforts in the Middle East and beyond.

The discussions included prospects for strengthening the historically significant Pakistan-US partnership, particularly in the context of an increasingly complex global landscape, according to a statement shared on social media.]]>
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			<title>Government moves to rein in expenditures</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605798/government-moves-to-rein-in-expenditures</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605798/government-moves-to-rein-in-expenditures#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:40:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605798</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bodies told to curb spending; funds shift aims to sustain relief projects]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has directed all public-sector bodies to eliminate non-essential expenditure and transfer surplus financial deposits to the provincial exchequer, citing rising welfare spending, public relief measures, and a shortfall in revenue targets.

Under the directive, development authorities, Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), waste management companies and other public entities across the province have been instructed to retain funds only for salaries, pensions, utility services and critical emergency operations, and to remit remaining balances to the government.

Authorities have also been asked to submit schedules for the repayment of outstanding liabilities.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar, attended by heads and representatives of development authorities and public companies from across the province.

Participants presented their financial positions, including essential expenditures, ongoing and future development projects, and details of funds held in bank accounts.]]>
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			<title>Airlines reel as jet fuel prices take off</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605785/airlines-reel-as-jet-fuel-prices-take-off</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605785/airlines-reel-as-jet-fuel-prices-take-off#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 26 21:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605785</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Passenger numbers shrink despite fare cuts, reduced flights]]>
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				<![CDATA[Passenger traffic has sharply declined at airports across Pakistan amid rising IranUS tensions and surging jet fuel prices, with aviation activity at Allama Iqbal International Airport reduced to a trickle, limited largely to Hajj pilgrims and a small number of essential travellers.

Despite a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East, the fallout has continued to disrupt aviation operations.

Passenger numbers for both domestic and international travel have fallen from the hundreds of thousands to just a few thousand, while airlines, both local and foreign, have slashed flight operations by 40 to 50 per cent.

Moreover, fare reductions have failed to revive demand, as escalating jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices beyond the reach of many. Industry sources say airlines are increasingly cancelling flights due to insufficient passenger loads.

&quot;If operational costs cannot be met, how can flights continue?&quot; an airline source remarked, pointing to declining purchasing power among consumers. &quot;People can barely afford daily necessities. How can they afford air travel?&quot;

As a result, only those compelled by necessity are opting to fly, a stark contrast to earlier periods when flights would sell out quickly.

According to Khawaja Ayub Naseem of the Travel Agents Association, while higher fuel costs have contributed to the downturn, broader economic pressures have significantly weakened demand.

He said domestic fares have dropped from Rs50,00070,000 for routes such as LahoreKarachi return tickets to around Rs30,00040,000, yet passenger numbers remain low.

He added that instability in Gulf countries and tighter visa policies, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, have further reduced outbound travel, with visas now being issued in limited numbers.

The combined impact of geopolitical tensions, economic strain, and restricted mobility has pushed Pakistan&#39;s aviation sector to what industry insiders describe as the brink of collapse.]]>
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			<title>Over 300,000 put under 1,291 smart lockdowns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242020/smart-lockdown-imposed-1292-areas-across-pakistan-ncoc-told</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242020/smart-lockdown-imposed-1292-areas-across-pakistan-ncoc-told#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 20 15:20:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Razya Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2242020</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Punjab, Sindh cross grim mark of 50,000 cases]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was informed on Saturday that smart lockdowns had been enforced in 1,292 localities across the country during the last 24 hours to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

The forum, which serves as the nerve centre of the country’s unified efforts to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, heard that a total of 308,600 people now remain under the restrictions in various parts of the country.

A total of 10 localities in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), having a population of 60,000, were put under smart lockdown, the forum was told. The smart lockdowns had been enforced in 844 localities of Punjab, confining 15,200 people.

Similarly, the lockdown had been imposed in 414 localities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with a population of 11,000, seven localities in Sindh with a population of 7,000, 12 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and five areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

It was also informed that the federal and provincial authorities were ensuring compliance with the health guidelines and instructions, particularly regarding workplaces, industrial sector, transport, markets and shops, besides pursuing the track, trace and quarantine (TTQ) strategy.

The NCOC meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar, was also informed that over 13,116 violations of health guidelines were observed across the country in the last 24 hours and punitive actions were taken against 1,541 markets and shops, 33 industrial units and 1,429 vehicles.

Later, the NCOC released details of ventilators and beds’ availability for Covid-19 patients across the country. According to a statement, 379 beds, 68 oxygenated beds and 43 ventilators were available in AJK. Though there was no patient on the ventilator there.

In Balochistan, 2,148 beds, 262 oxygenated beds and 36 ventilators were available for the virus patients. It said that no Covid-19 patient in the province was on ventilator. There were 151 beds, 43 oxygenated beds, 28 ventilators available in Gilgit, where one patient was on ventilator.

Islamabad had 514 beds, 262 oxygenated beds, 90 ventilators, while 18 patients were on ventilators, the NCOC said, adding that 4,856 beds, 1,081 oxygenated beds and 340 ventilators were available in K-P, where 85 patients were on ventilators.

In the most-affected provinces, 9,276 beds, 3,500 oxygen beds and 387 ventilators were available in Punjab, where 233 patients were on ventilators, while 8,274 beds, 739 oxygenated beds and 368 ventilators were available in Sindh, where 83 patients were on ventilators.

50,000 cases

Punjab and Sindh, two of the most populous provinces of the country, each crossed the grim mark of 50,000 coronavirus cases on Saturday, as the country endured another day of over 6,000 new infections amid a record-breaking surge in the pandemic.

In the last 24 hours, each of the two provinces recorded more than 2,000 new cases. According to the official data released on Saturday morning, the number of recoveries also crossed 50,000. However, as the day progressed, more Covid-19 positive cases were confirmed.

By midnight, the nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stood at 135,943 with 50,087 cases in Punjab, 51,518 in Sindh, 17,450 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 8,028 in Balochistan, 1,093 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 7,163 in Islamabad and 604 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The virus has so far, claimed at least 2,597 lives.

The NCOC said that some 839,019 people had so far been tested, with nearly 30,000 tests conducted over the past 24 hours. The data showed that death ratio in confirmed cases also rose to 2%, from 1.7% earlier, while recoveries also climbed from 20% to 32%.

Spread among medical staff

According to the data, 3,858 health workers, treating the virus coronavirus patients, have also fallen victims to this pandemic. The disease has so far, claimed the lives of 36 health workers – 14 in Sindh, 7 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 5 in Balochistan, 6 in Punjab, 2 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 2 in Islamabad.

According to the report, the health workers affected by coronavirus included 2,327 doctors, 476 nurses and 1,055 other staff. Among them, 266 health workers are being treated in various hospitals, including 3 on ventilators due to their critical condition. Over 1,450 have recovered so far.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)]]>
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			<title>Tales of survivors: ‘Isolation, not coronavirus, was my worst nightmare’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188962/tales-survivors-isolation-not-coronavirus-worst-nightmare</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188962/tales-survivors-isolation-not-coronavirus-worst-nightmare#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 20 17:32:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sher Wali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2188962</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[I was convinced that if my time is not up, this virus can never kill me]]>
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				<![CDATA[I’ve lived my worst nightmare. It wasn’t the coronavirus, but the prolonged treatment [read: observation] in isolation that made it a hellish experience. Imagine being confined to a tiny room with no social interaction whatsoever for almost a month. Doctors and nurses were the only visitors, who, too, would check on me once or twice a day.

If you’re sick, you need your loved-ones around you. The sense of having someone who cares about you gives you strength to fight illness. Conversely, social isolation makes you more vulnerable to sickness. Your immune system doesn’t respond properly in isolation and it takes you longer to heal.

In my case, it wasn’t me alone; my wife also shared the isolation ordeal at Mohammadabad Hospital, in Danyore, Gilgit-Baltistan. Interestingly, she didn’t have any symptoms, but tested positive for the virus. We both were in the isolation ward, while our five kids were at home – alone and worried.

The ordeal started after a trip to Iran. My wife and I went in a group of 22 pilgrims to visit the holy shrines in Iran. We mostly stayed in Qom, though our pilgrimage also took us to Mashhad, and to neighbouring Iraq.

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

On Feb 22, we were preparing to return to Pakistan when we heard about the outbreak of some contagious disease in Qom. Until then, I didn’t know much about the coronavirus.

On Feb 25, we took a flight for Lahore. At Tehran airport, they didn’t allow anyone to board the flight without screening. Neither of us was sick. At Lahore airport, we were screened again. We drove to Rawalpindi where we stayed for two days. While fellow pilgrims dispersed, we took a bus for Gilgit on Feb 28 and reached our village Nomal, some 15km from Gilgit city, in the evening.

In the night I felt feverish. I took it for travel fatigue, took over-the-counter fever reducers from my neighbour and tried to sleep. It didn’t help. I started having chills.

Next morning, I called up the District Headquarters Hospital Gilgit and told medics about my travel and fever. A team of doctors immediately came to see me and my wife. We were then driven to the DHQ hospital in an ambulance. They took samples to test us for the novel coronavirus, while we were shifted to the Civil Hospital Basin. The samples were sent to National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad for PCR test because the facility wasn’t available in Gilgit-Baltistan. I lost my appetite but I tried to force-feed myself so that I could gather some energy to fight off my illness. After a couple of days, our test reports were received from NIH: both of us were positive for COVID-19.

After the diagnosis, they shifted us to the Mohammadabad Hospital, where we were to stay for the next 25 days. Interestingly, by now my fever was gone, while I had no cough, no muscle soreness, no sore throat, and no shortness of breath. My appetite returned to normal [I started eating more than I normally do]. My wife remained asymptomatic throughout all this time.

Tales of survivors: How I became Pakistan's first COVID-19 patient

I’m a 51-year-old ex-serviceman and my wife is 45. I had heard that the coronavirus could be fatal for people of my age and older. Doctors sought to reassure me. But honestly, I wasn’t scared one bit. It is part of our faith that every living being has to die one day. I knew if I was destined to die, I’d die no matter what. But if my time is not up, this virus can never kill me.

We were tested several times during our 25-day nightmarish sojourn. We had no symptoms, but would still test positive. I’ve heard that my wife’s reports were mixed up with another patient’s at the NIH.

Luckily, the PCR testing facility was made available in Gilgit in the meantime and we were tested locally for the first time. The results were negative and a repeat test a day later confirmed the virus was out of our bodies. It was a huge relief.

We were discharged from the hospital on March 28, but doctors said we should avoid socialising for 14 days. We’ve rented a house in Gilgit city to spend these two weeks here. It’s been five days now and we are counting the days till we are completely in the clear.

My advice to the sick: Don’t dread this virus. Keep your faith in God and power up your will, Inshallah you will defeat it. To everyone else, I say take all precautions possible. If not out of concern for the virus, then think of the ordeal isolation can create.

 (Narrated to Naveed Hussain)]]>
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			<title>'We honour his sacrifice': Dr Usama's fight against COVID-19</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2182160/honour-sacrifice-dr-usamas-fight-covid-19</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2182160/honour-sacrifice-dr-usamas-fight-covid-19#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 20 06:55:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2182160</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It is a national tragedy and we will award him the status of national hero, says G-B CM]]>
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				<![CDATA[“We will again see what the issue is, and if they [quarantined pilgrims] need further treatment, they will be shifted to DHQ or city hospital, but if they can be treated here, we will provide treatment to them here.”

These were the last words of young doctor Usama Riaz, heard in a video recorded at a quarantine centre at Sakwar, Gilgit – where he ultimately ended up contracting the novel coronavirus while checking pilgrims returning from Iran and Iraq.

“Usama was continuously on duty and unfortunately was without proper protective gear necessary to handle coronavirus patient,” said a doctor referring to his video in which Riaz is seen wearing an ordinary mask. The video went viral on social media attracting sympathies for the young doctor.

Pakistani volunteers 3D-print ventilators, join war against COVID-19

According to relatives, Riaz returned home on Friday night from duty and went to bed. “But he couldn’t wake up next morning,” said the relative, adding he was rushed to combined military hospital (CMH) and then the district headquarter (DHQ) hospital where a CT scan machine was found to be out of order. The relatives appealed for airlifting him to Islamabad for treatment but that did not materialize either.

The 26-years-old Riaz, who was a resident of Chilas town, was then put on a ventilator at DHQ Gilgit, where he remained for the next three days before passing away on Sunday.

“It’s a national tragedy and we will award him the status of national hero,” Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman told The Express Tribune.

“He was our frontline defence and we honour his sacrifice.”

Riaz’s death brings the tally of fatalities to five in Pakistan. The country has so far above 800 known cases of the virus. Sindh has reported the highest number of cases.

Mehtabur Rehman, a local journalist, who visited the quarantine centre said, “I visited the centre where Usama was deputed and found the situation deplorable”.

“As far as protective gear, there was no such thing on the ground,” said the journalist who was later put on quarantine on ‘suspicion’ of visiting the centre without following the standard operating procedures. Rehman termed the quarantine as a vendetta for exposing the government’s false claims.

Young doctor screening coronavirus patients dies of COVID-19 in Gilgit

The Pakistan Medical Association of Gilgit-Baltistan (PMA G-B) reacted to Riaz’s death and accused the government of showing negligence towards genuine issues of the doctors.

“Dr Riaz had contracted COVID-19 due to the negligence of government and its health department,” said President PMA G-B Dr Zulfiqar Ali while addressing a press conference in Gilgit.]]>
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			<title>New coronavirus case emerges in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan's tally rises to 20</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2173948/new-coronavirus-case-emerges-gilgit-baltistan-pakistans-tally-rises-20</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2173948/new-coronavirus-case-emerges-gilgit-baltistan-pakistans-tally-rises-20#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 20 09:27:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2173948</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The 14-year-old boy, a resident of Skardu, was held at an isolation centre where he tested positive for COVID-19]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The second coronavirus case of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on Wednesday, raising Pakistan’s tally of total confirmed cases to 20.

The 14-year-old boy, a resident of Skardu, was held at an isolation centre where he tested positive for the mysterious viral pneumonia-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

So far 20 Pakistanis have been tested positive for COVID-19 with 15 of them belonging to Sindh, four in Gilgit-Baltistan now and one in Balochistan.

First coronavirus case surfaces in Quetta, raising Pakistan’s tally to 19

On Tuesday, the first coronavirus case emerged in the Balochistan capital. The 12-year-old patient had arrived in Quetta along with his parents from Iran via Taftan border, head of a government hospital said.

The family belongs to Dadu district in Sindh, said the medical superintendent (MS) of Fatima Jinnah Hospital, adding that parents, three siblings and paternal aunt of the child are tested negative.

One patient has already fully recovered and was discharged from the hospital in Karachi last week.

Meanwhile, Dr Zafar Mirza, the de facto health minister, has said the federal government is looking closely at the changing situation and new cases are being provided with the best medical care.

“No need to worry… the situation is completely under control. The federal and provincial governments are jointly making all-out efforts to protect the masses from coronavirus on war footing,” he wrote using his official Twitter handle.

Dr Mirza admitted that the coronavirus cases in Pakistan had doubled in the last 24 hours.

“This is not surprising. Disease has spread in 106 countries. All 19 cases have brought this from abroad. All are stable. There is no evidence of local spread as yet. If we act responsibly we can avoid spread,” he wrote.

He also advised the public to observe hygiene by washing hands properly, avoid touching face and keeping distance with sick people.

“The government is working hard to contain the spread, but we all need to take our part in this fight,” he added.

All educational institutions in Sindh and Balochistan have been closed till March 13 over fear of the contagious disease’s outbreak.

The mysterious COVID-19 virus, which originated in a vet market of the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, has since then spread to more than 110 countries of the world, killing over 4,000 and infecting over 115,000 people, mostly in China thus far.

But new outbreaks in Europe, the Middle East and in Asia have fanned fears of the contagion taking hold in poor nations that lack the healthcare infrastructure to cope.

There are growing fears in Pakistan — sandwiched between China and Iran, both hotspots for the disease — over how the country would deal with the outbreak.]]>
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