Ministry of Narcotics to set up a Helpline for Illicit Drug Addicts
Ministry of Narcotics Control signed an MoU with Sehat Kahani (E-Health Clinic network). A Helpline will be set up under pilot project UMANG for individuals who unfortunately fall into the addiction habit and need help to connect to counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists. Federal Minister Muhammad Azam Khan Swati witnessed the ceremony. Secretary Narcotics Control Shoaib Dastgir and senior officials of the ministry were also present.
Accountability Court Adjourns LNG Reference Against Khakan Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): An Accountability Court on Thursday adjourned hearing till December 21, on liquefied natural gas (LNG) reference against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others. AC-II Judge Muhammad Azam Khan adjourned the hearing without further proceeding. The court said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation officer had not submitted the compliance report of arrest warrants for foreigner accused
Volunteers develop Facial Paralysis after COVID-19 Vaccine
According to reports, a massive concern regarding health safety has risen after the people in the United Kingdom starting vaccinating against the coronavirus pandemic. According to the US Food and Drug Administration regulators, four volunteers who’ve been given the shots during the trial stage have developed Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s palsy or Facial Paralysis is a medical condition that causes half of the face to droop.
People lash out at Johnson over India-Pakistan gaffe
According to the report of Baaghi TV, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was strongly criticised from UK MPs after he termed ongoing protests by Indian farmers as a matter between India and Pakistan. During Parliament session on Wednesday, Johnson confused two separate issues when he reiterated the UK government’s stance that any dispute between India and Pakistan was for the two countries to settle bilaterally.
Pakistan Navy Takes Command of Multinational Combined Task Force-151
Islamabad, 10 Dec 20: Pakistan Navy assumed Command of Multinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) the ninth time in a formal Change of Command ceremony held at HQ Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Bahrain. Commodore Abdul Munib took over Command from Rear Admiral (LH) Nejat Inanir of Turkish Navy. While addressing the audience, incoming Commander CTF-151, Commodore Abdul Munib said his team is fully geared up for the responsibility.
Jim Ratcliffe: Pro-Brexit British Tycoon Expanding Motor Business
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Chemicals tycoon Jim Ratcliffe, who has bought Daimler’s Smart car factory in northeast France, is a reclusive British billionaire with high-profile ventures in sports and auto manufacturing. The owner of a 60-percent stake in petrochemicals firm Ineos is bidding to enter the automotive sector with a new 4×4 model called the Ineos Grenadier, billed as a successor to the Land Rover Defender.
Muddled Open for Wall Street as Covid Vaccine Nears
New York, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): US stocks lost steam in early trading Wednesday ahead of the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines and as Congress and the White House continue negotiating over new aid package. About 50 minutes after the open, the broad-based S&P 500 was flat at 3,702.37, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was down 0.3 percent at 12,552.63.
Canada’s Central Bank Holds Key Lending Rate at 0.25 Percent
Ottawa, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The Bank of Canada on Wednesday held its key lending rate at 0.25 percent, saying world economies were sharply rebounding from a record plunge, but warned that a second wave could set back recoveries. The central bank said the rollout of vaccines — the first doses were given in Britain Tuesday — “is providing reassurance the pandemic will end and more normal activities will resume.”
Kremlin Sounds Alarm Over ‘Doomsday Plane’ Robbery
Moscow, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The Kremlin on Wednesday sounded the alarm over the theft of sensitive equipment from a secretive “doomsday plane” designed for the country’s top command in event of a nuclear attack. The interior ministry said police in the southern city of Taganrog had been alerted that 1 million rubles ($13,600) worth of equipment was stolen from an Ilyushin Il-80 plane at an airfield.
UN Appeals for Calm in DR Congo after Parliament Bust-Up
Kinshasa, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The United Nations on Wednesday hit out at violence that erupted in DR Congo’s parliament, pitting backers of President Felix Tshisekedi against supporters of his predecessor Joseph Kabila. Police were sent in to end the clashes on Tuesday, sparked by a months-long tussle over power-sharing. The UN’s representative to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Leila Zerrougui, said
Mourinho Questions Man Utd’s Drop into Europa League
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says former club Manchester United will be among the favourites to win the Europa League, but questioned the way in which sides who fail to qualify for the Champions League last 16 drop into the competition. United will enter the second-tier European competition at the last 32 after losing 3-2 at RB Leipzig in their final Champions League group game Tuesday.
Far-Right Attack Suspect Denies Holocaust in German Court
Magdeburg, Germany, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): A man accused of killing two people in an anti-Semitic attack in Germany last year was cut off during final testimony at his trial on Wednesday after he denied the Holocaust. Stephan Balliet, 28, is accused of trying to storm a synagogue filled with worshippers in Halle on October 9, 2019 during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
UK to Drop Retaliatory EU Tariffs on US Goods
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Britain said Wednesday it will drop EU tariffs on US goods adopted as part of a long-running dispute over subsidies for aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, just as London hopes to secure a post-Brexit trade agreement with Washington. President Donald Trump last year imposed 25 percent tariffs on wine, cheese, olives and other European delicacies in a battle over subsidies to planemaker Airbus.
Dozens of Countries Back World Press Freedom Call
The Hague, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Ministers from more than 50 countries will sign a declaration calling for the protection of journalists at a UN conference in the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Dutch foreign minster said. The World Press Freedom Conference in The Hague, which is being held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, will discuss how to tackle violence against media workers more effectively.
Ethiopian PM Makes First Foreign Trip Since Start of Conflict
Nairobi, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed began his first official trip since launching military operations against leaders of the dissident Tigray region. As skirmishes continued in the north and aid agencies decried lack of humanitarian access, Abiy travelled south to the border town of Moyale and with his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta, presided over the inauguration of a new border post.
PMLN Using Political Parties for Personal Gains: Shibli
ISLAMABAD, Dec 9 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz Wednesday said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was using political parties for its personal gains. All opposition parties’ leaders had suffered defeat on FATF legislation, he said while talking to a private news channel. The opposition parties proposed such amendments in the NAB act which were meant to weaken the national anti-graft watchdog, he said.
Coronavirus Lays Bare Divisions in Society: UN Rights Chief
Geneva, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that the coronavirus crisis had laid bare serious weaknesses and divisions within societies, including a destructive failure to respect basic rights. “Covid-19 has zeroed in on the fissures and fragilities in our societies, exposing all our failures to invest in building fair and equitable societies,” Michelle Bachelet said.
Court Adjourns Hearing of Ashiana Case
LAHORE, Dec 09 (APP): An accountability court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing scheme case till December 15. Accountability Court Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry conducted the case proceedings, wherein jail authorities produced accused Ahad Cheema and others. Two prosecution witnesses Muhammad Hussain and Kashif appeared before the court for recording their statements.
Court Adjourns Hearing of Ashiana Case
LAHORE, Dec 09 (APP): An accountability court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing scheme case till December 15. Accountability Court Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry conducted the case proceedings, wherein jail authorities produced accused Ahad Cheema and others. Two prosecution witnesses Muhammad Hussain and Kashif appeared before the court for recording their statements.
Shoaib Naveed Not to Seek Extension to Contract
Lahore, 9 December 2020: Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed PSL Project Executive Mr Shoaib Naveed will not be seeking an extension to his contract when it expires on 23 December. Shoaib had joined the PCB last year and was instrumental in the successful planning and delivery of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which was staged in Pakistan from start to finish.
Indian troops martyr three kashmiri youth in Pulwama
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred three Kashmiri youth in Pulwama district, today. The youth were killed during a cordon and search operation in Tiken area of the district. One person was also injured due to the firing of the troops during the CASO. The operation continued till last reports came in.
Weekly Update of Gas Position
Spokesperson for Petroleum Division says that currently, there’s no gas load shedding. However, isolated complaints of pressure drops, especially at tail ends of the lines and in the colder climates has been observed which are being attended by gas utilities actively. It is also pertinent to mention that a newly laid 17 km gas pipeline from Port Qasim to Pakland in SSGCL system is being hydro-tested.
2 Security Forces Killed & 3 Wounded in Taliban Attack in Ghazni
At least two security force members were killed and three others were wounded in a Taliban attack on a military base in Andar district of Ghazni, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Wednesday. “At the start, a Taliban suicide bomber drove toward the base but was destroyed before reaching its target,” the statement said.
Punjab Sports Minister Meets Bilal Erdoğan
LAHORE (Dec 9, 2020): Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and his delegation had a meeting with Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan in İstanbul on Wednesday. The promotion of traditional sports between the two countries was discussed at length during the meeting. Both the delegations agreed to enhance mutual efforts for the promotion of sports.
Justice Rajesh Bindal Appointed Acting Chief Justice Of IIOJK High Court
Justice Rajesh Bindal was on Tuesday appointed as the chief justice of the common high court for Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, an Indian Law Ministry notification said.
Pak-China Joint Air Exercise ‘Shaheen-IX’ Starts At Operational Air Base
09 December, 2020: Pak-China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX” has started at an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force today. The contingent of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), comprising combat Pilots, Air Defence Controllers and technical ground crew is participating in the exercise.
PM Khan welcomes policy of the US President-elect Joe Biden?
According to a report by Baaghi TV, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he welcomes Biden’s anti-money laundering policy. In a tweet on social networking site Twitter, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “I welcome US President-elect Joe Biden’s intentions to target illicit wealth.”
Pakistan Rejects US Designation on Religious Freedom
Pakistan rejects the U.S. State Department’s arbitrary and selective assessment under a U.S. domestic legislation on religious freedom. The designation of Pakistan as a “country of particular concern” is completely against the realities on the ground and raises serious doubts about the credibility of the exercise. Such subjective designations do not contribute towards promoting the cause of religious freedom worldwide.
All Possible Measures Being Taken to Eliminate Illegal Immigration: Ejaz Shah
9th December 2020, Islamabad: Interior Minister Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with the Ambassador of Greece H.E. Mr. Andreas Papastavrou at the Ministry of Interior. The two discussed bilateral ties, economic situation and impact of pandemic on the global level. Pakistan and Greece share good relations on government level, said the Ambassador. Many Pakistanis live in Greece which plays an important role in strengthening ties.
JPMorgan Chase Urges Biden Team to Enact More Stimulus
New York, Dec 7 (AFP/APP): JPMorgan Chase is urging the incoming Biden administration to support additional aid to people left jobless by the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to address income inequality, a banking source said Monday. In a list of recommendations to the President-elect’s team, the giant US bank said the coronavirus pandemic was “straining… families’ economic mobility and restricting the US economy,”.
Ministry of Narcotics to set up a Helpline for Illicit Drug Addicts
Ministry of Narcotics Control signed an MoU with Sehat Kahani (E-Health Clinic network). A Helpline will be set up under pilot project UMANG for individuals who unfortunately fall into the addiction habit and need help to connect to counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists. Federal Minister Muhammad Azam Khan Swati witnessed the ceremony. Secretary Narcotics Control Shoaib Dastgir and senior officials of the ministry were also present.
Accountability Court Adjourns LNG Reference Against Khakan Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): An Accountability Court on Thursday adjourned hearing till December 21, on liquefied natural gas (LNG) reference against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others. AC-II Judge Muhammad Azam Khan adjourned the hearing without further proceeding. The court said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation officer had not submitted the compliance report of arrest warrants for foreigner accused
Volunteers develop Facial Paralysis after COVID-19 Vaccine
According to reports, a massive concern regarding health safety has risen after the people in the United Kingdom starting vaccinating against the coronavirus pandemic. According to the US Food and Drug Administration regulators, four volunteers who’ve been given the shots during the trial stage have developed Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s palsy or Facial Paralysis is a medical condition that causes half of the face to droop.
People lash out at Johnson over India-Pakistan gaffe
According to the report of Baaghi TV, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was strongly criticised from UK MPs after he termed ongoing protests by Indian farmers as a matter between India and Pakistan. During Parliament session on Wednesday, Johnson confused two separate issues when he reiterated the UK government’s stance that any dispute between India and Pakistan was for the two countries to settle bilaterally.
Pakistan Navy Takes Command of Multinational Combined Task Force-151
Islamabad, 10 Dec 20: Pakistan Navy assumed Command of Multinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) the ninth time in a formal Change of Command ceremony held at HQ Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Bahrain. Commodore Abdul Munib took over Command from Rear Admiral (LH) Nejat Inanir of Turkish Navy. While addressing the audience, incoming Commander CTF-151, Commodore Abdul Munib said his team is fully geared up for the responsibility.
Jim Ratcliffe: Pro-Brexit British Tycoon Expanding Motor Business
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Chemicals tycoon Jim Ratcliffe, who has bought Daimler’s Smart car factory in northeast France, is a reclusive British billionaire with high-profile ventures in sports and auto manufacturing. The owner of a 60-percent stake in petrochemicals firm Ineos is bidding to enter the automotive sector with a new 4×4 model called the Ineos Grenadier, billed as a successor to the Land Rover Defender.
Muddled Open for Wall Street as Covid Vaccine Nears
New York, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): US stocks lost steam in early trading Wednesday ahead of the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines and as Congress and the White House continue negotiating over new aid package. About 50 minutes after the open, the broad-based S&P 500 was flat at 3,702.37, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was down 0.3 percent at 12,552.63.
Canada’s Central Bank Holds Key Lending Rate at 0.25 Percent
Ottawa, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The Bank of Canada on Wednesday held its key lending rate at 0.25 percent, saying world economies were sharply rebounding from a record plunge, but warned that a second wave could set back recoveries. The central bank said the rollout of vaccines — the first doses were given in Britain Tuesday — “is providing reassurance the pandemic will end and more normal activities will resume.”
Kremlin Sounds Alarm Over ‘Doomsday Plane’ Robbery
Moscow, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The Kremlin on Wednesday sounded the alarm over the theft of sensitive equipment from a secretive “doomsday plane” designed for the country’s top command in event of a nuclear attack. The interior ministry said police in the southern city of Taganrog had been alerted that 1 million rubles ($13,600) worth of equipment was stolen from an Ilyushin Il-80 plane at an airfield.
UN Appeals for Calm in DR Congo after Parliament Bust-Up
Kinshasa, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The United Nations on Wednesday hit out at violence that erupted in DR Congo’s parliament, pitting backers of President Felix Tshisekedi against supporters of his predecessor Joseph Kabila. Police were sent in to end the clashes on Tuesday, sparked by a months-long tussle over power-sharing. The UN’s representative to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Leila Zerrougui, said
Mourinho Questions Man Utd’s Drop into Europa League
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says former club Manchester United will be among the favourites to win the Europa League, but questioned the way in which sides who fail to qualify for the Champions League last 16 drop into the competition. United will enter the second-tier European competition at the last 32 after losing 3-2 at RB Leipzig in their final Champions League group game Tuesday.
Far-Right Attack Suspect Denies Holocaust in German Court
Magdeburg, Germany, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): A man accused of killing two people in an anti-Semitic attack in Germany last year was cut off during final testimony at his trial on Wednesday after he denied the Holocaust. Stephan Balliet, 28, is accused of trying to storm a synagogue filled with worshippers in Halle on October 9, 2019 during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
UK to Drop Retaliatory EU Tariffs on US Goods
London, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Britain said Wednesday it will drop EU tariffs on US goods adopted as part of a long-running dispute over subsidies for aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, just as London hopes to secure a post-Brexit trade agreement with Washington. President Donald Trump last year imposed 25 percent tariffs on wine, cheese, olives and other European delicacies in a battle over subsidies to planemaker Airbus.
Dozens of Countries Back World Press Freedom Call
The Hague, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Ministers from more than 50 countries will sign a declaration calling for the protection of journalists at a UN conference in the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Dutch foreign minster said. The World Press Freedom Conference in The Hague, which is being held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, will discuss how to tackle violence against media workers more effectively.
Ethiopian PM Makes First Foreign Trip Since Start of Conflict
Nairobi, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed began his first official trip since launching military operations against leaders of the dissident Tigray region. As skirmishes continued in the north and aid agencies decried lack of humanitarian access, Abiy travelled south to the border town of Moyale and with his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta, presided over the inauguration of a new border post.
PMLN Using Political Parties for Personal Gains: Shibli
ISLAMABAD, Dec 9 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz Wednesday said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was using political parties for its personal gains. All opposition parties’ leaders had suffered defeat on FATF legislation, he said while talking to a private news channel. The opposition parties proposed such amendments in the NAB act which were meant to weaken the national anti-graft watchdog, he said.
Coronavirus Lays Bare Divisions in Society: UN Rights Chief
Geneva, Dec 9 (AFP/APP): The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that the coronavirus crisis had laid bare serious weaknesses and divisions within societies, including a destructive failure to respect basic rights. “Covid-19 has zeroed in on the fissures and fragilities in our societies, exposing all our failures to invest in building fair and equitable societies,” Michelle Bachelet said.
Court Adjourns Hearing of Ashiana Case
LAHORE, Dec 09 (APP): An accountability court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing scheme case till December 15. Accountability Court Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry conducted the case proceedings, wherein jail authorities produced accused Ahad Cheema and others. Two prosecution witnesses Muhammad Hussain and Kashif appeared before the court for recording their statements.
Court Adjourns Hearing of Ashiana Case
LAHORE, Dec 09 (APP): An accountability court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing scheme case till December 15. Accountability Court Judge Amjad Nazir Chaudhry conducted the case proceedings, wherein jail authorities produced accused Ahad Cheema and others. Two prosecution witnesses Muhammad Hussain and Kashif appeared before the court for recording their statements.
Shoaib Naveed Not to Seek Extension to Contract
Lahore, 9 December 2020: Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed PSL Project Executive Mr Shoaib Naveed will not be seeking an extension to his contract when it expires on 23 December. Shoaib had joined the PCB last year and was instrumental in the successful planning and delivery of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which was staged in Pakistan from start to finish.
Indian troops martyr three kashmiri youth in Pulwama
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred three Kashmiri youth in Pulwama district, today. The youth were killed during a cordon and search operation in Tiken area of the district. One person was also injured due to the firing of the troops during the CASO. The operation continued till last reports came in.
Weekly Update of Gas Position
Spokesperson for Petroleum Division says that currently, there’s no gas load shedding. However, isolated complaints of pressure drops, especially at tail ends of the lines and in the colder climates has been observed which are being attended by gas utilities actively. It is also pertinent to mention that a newly laid 17 km gas pipeline from Port Qasim to Pakland in SSGCL system is being hydro-tested.
2 Security Forces Killed & 3 Wounded in Taliban Attack in Ghazni
At least two security force members were killed and three others were wounded in a Taliban attack on a military base in Andar district of Ghazni, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Wednesday. “At the start, a Taliban suicide bomber drove toward the base but was destroyed before reaching its target,” the statement said.
Punjab Sports Minister Meets Bilal Erdoğan
LAHORE (Dec 9, 2020): Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and his delegation had a meeting with Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan in İstanbul on Wednesday. The promotion of traditional sports between the two countries was discussed at length during the meeting. Both the delegations agreed to enhance mutual efforts for the promotion of sports.
Justice Rajesh Bindal Appointed Acting Chief Justice Of IIOJK High Court
Justice Rajesh Bindal was on Tuesday appointed as the chief justice of the common high court for Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, an Indian Law Ministry notification said.
Pak-China Joint Air Exercise ‘Shaheen-IX’ Starts At Operational Air Base
09 December, 2020: Pak-China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX” has started at an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force today. The contingent of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), comprising combat Pilots, Air Defence Controllers and technical ground crew is participating in the exercise.
PM Khan welcomes policy of the US President-elect Joe Biden?
According to a report by Baaghi TV, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he welcomes Biden’s anti-money laundering policy. In a tweet on social networking site Twitter, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “I welcome US President-elect Joe Biden’s intentions to target illicit wealth.”
Pakistan Rejects US Designation on Religious Freedom
Pakistan rejects the U.S. State Department’s arbitrary and selective assessment under a U.S. domestic legislation on religious freedom. The designation of Pakistan as a “country of particular concern” is completely against the realities on the ground and raises serious doubts about the credibility of the exercise. Such subjective designations do not contribute towards promoting the cause of religious freedom worldwide.
All Possible Measures Being Taken to Eliminate Illegal Immigration: Ejaz Shah
9th December 2020, Islamabad: Interior Minister Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with the Ambassador of Greece H.E. Mr. Andreas Papastavrou at the Ministry of Interior. The two discussed bilateral ties, economic situation and impact of pandemic on the global level. Pakistan and Greece share good relations on government level, said the Ambassador. Many Pakistanis live in Greece which plays an important role in strengthening ties.
JPMorgan Chase Urges Biden Team to Enact More Stimulus
New York, Dec 7 (AFP/APP): JPMorgan Chase is urging the incoming Biden administration to support additional aid to people left jobless by the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to address income inequality, a banking source said Monday. In a list of recommendations to the President-elect’s team, the giant US bank said the coronavirus pandemic was “straining… families’ economic mobility and restricting the US economy,”.