News Archives for Latest - 2020-10-22

Hafeez Shaikh holds virtual meeting with IMF, WB

The World Bank appreciated the reform agenda of the present Government and reiterated commitment to support Pakistan through IDA 2020, during COVID-19 crisis.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:48pm

Pakistan

Number of active coronavirus cases in Punjab 2424: Usman Buzdar

He regretted the number of coronavirus patients was increased due to the negation of SOPs and death rate was also enhanced.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:46pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims one more life, detects 276 others

Syed Murad said that currently 4224 patients were under treatment, of them 3954 were in home isolation, four at centers and 266 at different hospitals.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:44pm

Pakistan

PM directs prior environmental studies, conservation for islands development

He said the revenues earned by the islands projects would be spent on other welfare projects in the respective provinces, a PM Office press release said.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:43pm

Uplift of industrial sector to accelerate economic activity, create jobs, wealth: PM

The delegation members appreciated the government’s measures and efforts to boost the exports and spoke high of the prime minister and his economic team.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:41pm

PM for introducing technology in FBR, tax system to ensure transparency

Presiding over a briefing session about reforms in FBR and tax system, he directed for introducing technology in the FBR and tax system so that transparency of the system could be ensured.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:39pm

Pakistan

Calling Capt Safdar's arrest a violation of one's privacy is an open joke: Fawad

Fawad Chaudhry said that terming the arrest of Capt Safdar against privacy, particularly by a group which was responsible for Model Town incident was an open joke.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:38pm

Pakistan

Punjab govt to observe Oct 27 as Black Day against longest lockdown in IIOJK

He said this while presiding over a review meeting of the proposed Black Day arrangements here. Information Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar gave a briefing on the arrangements.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:36pm

Pakistan

Opposition trying to divert attention from real issue of Quaid’s Mazar desecration: Shibli

Shibli Faraz said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had admitted that the sanctity of the Quaid's Mazar was violated, but the incident was being politicized instead of being condemned.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:34pm

Exchange

NATO to build 'Space Centre' in Germany

Last year NATO declared space to be a new "area of operations", the fifth such zone after land, air, sea and cyberspace, which was added in 2016.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:33pm

Pakistan

Hafeez Shaikh chairs FBR policy board meeting

Adviser Finance directed that the Policy Board may also look into important issues that need special attention of the Government regarding tax collection and trade management.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:30pm

Pakistan

Opposition parties not to be furnished NRO at any cost: Murad

He said the opposition parties even linked their support with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) related legislation for the provision of NRO.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:28pm

Pakistan

Democracy solution to all problems: Bilawal

Underlining need for universities and hospitals in GB, he said Gilgit-Baltistan was feeling pressure due to COVID-19 because it did not have a single tertiary medical facility.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:27pm

Pakistan

No plan to impose Governor Rule in Sindh: Imran Ismail

He said the matters related to arrest of Capt Safdar came under the domain and jurisdiction of Sindh government and the provincial police.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:25pm

Pakistan received $483.96mn support to fight COVID-19; Senate body told

The meeting was briefed on the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan regarding complete details of allocated funds, equipment and its utilization.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:22pm

Pakistan

Over 18,000 Kundas used to steal electricity in Charsadda, Senate told

While 6,788 new connections were given in two years and 432 reconnection orders (RCOs) were under process, he said.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:20pm

Pakistan

Pakistan Army to live up expectations of great nation in protecting motherland: COAS

Speaking with participating troops, the COAS appreciated battle worthiness and impressive training standards achieved by the formation.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:19pm

Pakistan

PML-N wants deal on corruption cases: Fawad

The PML-N leaders were trying to get their corruption cases abolished and for that purpose, they were criticizing the national institutions, he said while talking to a private news channel.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:17pm

President suggests surplus import, stocking of eatables to contain inflation

Similarly, he said, the country could have witnessed huge casualties if it had not achieved success against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:14pm

Pakistan

31 Sahulat Bazaars opened in city: Yasmin Rashid

She said this during her visit to Deputy Commissioner’s Office where DC Lahore Mudassar Riaz Malik briefed her about new Sahulat Bazaar initiative.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:12pm

People to hear good news for electricity, sugar, wheat: Asad Umer

The incumbent government had to take hard decisions due to coronavirus pandemic that damaged the economy of many countries around the world, he added.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:09pm

Cotton

Govt fixes wheat production target at 26.78 million tons

The meeting was informed that sufficient amount of soil moisture was available for sowing of Rabi crops.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 09:54pm

Sports

No bowling this maiden over: Bangladesh star hits critics for six

"I shared the photos casually on Facebook and Instagram. I had no idea they would go viral," she told AFP.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 09:31pm

Pakistan

PM for introducing technology in FBR, tax system to ensure transparency

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister briefed the prime minister in detail about reforms in the FBR and tax system.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 09:24pm

Pakistan

Hafeez Shaikh chairs FBR policy board meeting

During the meeting, the chair also inquired on the progress of clearance of containers on the Torkham Borders.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 09:22pm

USA

US COVID-19 single-day deaths top 1,200 for first time since August

The number of new infections began trending higher five weeks ago.
Health experts have warned that a rise in fatalities would follow.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 09:19pm

Pakistan

Captain Safdar's arrest: Saeed Ghani to lead probing committee

Other member of the committee include Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Syed Sardar Al Shah, Syed Awais Qadir Shah and Syed Murtaza Wahab.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 09:20pm

Stocks

US stocks open up cautiously as stimulus odds worsen

The broad-based S&P 500 was up 0.3 percent at 3,445.53 while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 0.4 percent to 11,529.71.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 09:08pm

Business & Finance

Goldman Sachs to pay nearly $3bn to settle charges over 1MDB scandal role

Under the terms, Goldman has been slapped with a $2.3 billion penalty and about $600 million of disgorgement.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 08:59pm

Forex

Russian rouble firms to one-month peak vs dollar

The dollar-denominated RTS index was up 0.8% to 1,152.5 points. The rouble-based MOEX Russian index was 0.4% higher at 2,797.8 points.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 08:57pm

Pakistan

SBC terms Sindh police action over Safdar arrest ‘illegal’

“The legal fraternity has particularly noted that the Federal Government remains ever willing to let down the provincial government on one pretest or another which is disapproved.”

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 08:34pm

Pakistan

Dr. Atif’s lecture at IBA cancelled citing ‘threats from extremists’

The University also confirmed that the lecture has been cancelled via tweet and regretted on inconvenience.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 08:01pm

South Asia

China threatens retaliation over US-Taiwan arms sale

Democratic and self-ruled Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China, whose leaders view the island as part of their territory.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:47pm

BR Research

COVID-19: Eye-opener for healthcare

Pakistan has likely avoided the brute force of COVID-19 as is currently being experienced by several countries such...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:38pm

Exchange

Steel builds nations: Developing the steel value chain

Pakistan has one of the lowest consumptions of steel per capita at 35 kilograms, against 197 kilograms for Middle...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:36pm

Stocks

European stocks flat, pound down tracking stimulus, Brexit talks

The pound gave up some of the strong gains won Wednesday against the dollar.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:28pm

Middle East

Israel delegation visited Sudan in push to normalise ties

Sudan experienced a historic shift last year as Bashir was ousted in April in the face of youth-led street protests.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 06:45pm

Currency

UK-EU Brexit talks back on as clock ticks to trade deadline

We are ready to welcome the EU team to London to what we would term intensified negotiations, Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 06:25pm

Middle East

Saad Hariri named new Lebanon PM, promises reform cabinet

His nomination was backed by a majority of 65 lawmakers, while 53 abstained from naming anyone during consultations with the president.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 06:16pm

Europe

UK improves new jobs support scheme after criticism

Despite the change, the scheme remains much watered down compared with a government jobs furlough package that ends on October 31.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 06:04pm

Pakistan

PTA asks Twitter to take action against accounts spreading false information

PTA says that a number of accounts involved in spreading fake news are Twitter verified and are operating with immunity

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 06:01pm

Energy

Oil struggles to recover after US gasoline stocks build

WTI crude futures ticked up 44 cents to $40.47 a barrel.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:42pm

Commodities

Gold slips on US aid doubts, stronger dollar

Silver fell 0.9% to $24.84 per ounce, platinum eased 0.4% to $883.13 and palladium dropped 0.6% to $2,390.24.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:31pm

Pakistan

NAB board approves another reference against Nawaz Sharif

Nawaz’s assistants Fawad Hassan Fawad and Afaq Sultan are also named in the case, which involves the illegal use of 73 security cars. This caused a loss of Rs1.75 billion to the national exchequer.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:36pm

Pakistan

NACTA threat alert: TTP could target PDM's Quetta rally

Reportedly, the terrorist plan includes assassination of high-profile political personalities through a well-articulated bomb/blast suicide bombing in near future

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 05:37pm

USA

Afghan Taliban open to American financial investment, economic development in Afghanistan

In a tweet from Dr. Mohammad Naeem, Spokesperson for the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, it was revealed that the Political Deputy of the IEA held a meeting with Adam S. Boehler, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:17pm

Currency

Coca-Cola results beat as sales improve from pandemic lows

The company said sales of its trademark Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar were now positive.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:27pm

Business & Finance

American Airlines, Southwest post deep losses and renew calls for aid

American Airlines ended the third quarter with $13.6 billion in available liquidity, after securing a total of $7.5 billion in federal loans.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:08pm

Pakistan

Govt develops mobile app for differently-abled children

Through this app, the people of remote areas of Islamabad Capital Territory can get necessary information about online admission and other services available.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 05:11pm

Asia

India extends Internet Ban in Occupied Kashmir

In another measure to constrict the constitutionally enshrined liberties of the Kashmiri people, the government in Indian-occupied Kashmir has extended its ban on high-speed internet until November 12, across 18 of the 20 districts of the disputed territory.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 04:48pm

Business & Finance

Banks assure govt to facilitate promotion of the construction sector

Governor State Bank Dr. Reza Baqir briefed the meeting about the provision of loans to the poor and the middle class on easy installments.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 04:35pm

Pakistan

Mustansar Hussain Tarar slams PML-N for violating sanctity of Mazar-e-Quaid

“I feel too guilty for being part of the nation, which had desecrated the mausoleum of its father. Is dishonoring father forgivable?" he asked.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 04:30pm

World

US-India likely to strike military pact on satellite data

Both sides will ink the agreement during the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper to India next week

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 04:37pm

Technology

PTA launches online portal for IP Whitelisting and VPN registration

It may be further added that, previously, call centers and companies had to route their applications through relevant Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Published 22 Oct, 2020 03:51pm

Currency

Hariri named as Lebanon's new prime minister

Hariri won the backing of a majority of parliamentarians and faces major challenges to navigate Lebanon's power-sharing politics and agree a cabinet, which must then address a mounting list of woes

Published 22 Oct, 2020 03:47pm

World

Volunteer dies during COVID-19 vaccine trial in Brazil

The vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 03:32pm

Speedy justice: SC directs NAB to conduct hearing of corruption cases on daily basis

The top court instructed the NAB chairman to proceed with disciplinary action against those officials responsible for delaying the trial of the cases

Published 22 Oct, 2020 03:20pm

World

White House responsible for at least 130,000 COVID-19 deaths: study

The report has blamed the country's insufficient testing and 'woefully inadequate' contact tracing for significantly higher COVID-19 mortality rate.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:16pm

Fake news: Saudi Arabia has not voted against Pakistan at FATF

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected the story circulating on social media as false and baseless, saying Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong fraternal ties and the two countries have always cooperated with each other on all matters of bilateral, regional and international importance

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:03pm

Business & Finance

CAA impose fines on Turkish Airlines for violating COVID19 SOPs

The CAA imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on Turkish Airlines for violating the COVID19 virus SOPs in accordance with aviation laws.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 02:47pm

World

Vote for COVID-19 vaccine: BJP promises free treatment if elected in Bihar

“In the fight against Corona, Bihar’s NDA government has set an example for the rest of the country,” says Nirmala Sitharaman.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 02:17pm

Life & Style

South Korea's pop culture machine boosts Netflix's international growth

Netflix’s South Korean business has played a major role in third-quarter growth.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 02:25pm

USA

Billions of dollars lost in Afghanistan reconstruction efforts due to waste, fraud and financial abuse, according to SIGAR

In a report from the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), billions of dollars worth of waste, fraud, and financial abuse was uncovered, suggesting that the United States’ war-effort in Afghanistan was consistently marred by the ineffective application of financial resources, and corruption.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 02:16pm

Exchange

Former Afghan PM Hekmatyar condemns Indian atrocities in IIOJK

He said India should learn a lesson from the defeat of the Soviet Union and NATO in Afghanistan.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 01:08pm

Europe

French President orders crackdown on Muslims following beheading incident

The French government ordered the temporary closure of the Grand Mosque of Pantin, a strategy that is part of a crackdown on Muslims.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 12:32pm

Pakistan

Sindh govt forms committee to probe Safdar's arrest

Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani, Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Sindh government spokesman Murtaza Wahab and two other ministers are part of the committee

Published 22 Oct, 2020 12:08pm

Pakistan

Arguments sought on Shehbaz Sharif's plea to unfreeze assets

PML-N president stated that NAB froze his family’s properties without taking into consideration the actual facts as assets can not be frozen at a time when the investigation process is still underway

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:45am

Reforms needed to turn Pakistan into a ‘resilient economy’: IMF’s Georgieva

Georgieva was of the view that the government’s policy response and support from the international community helped mitigate the impact of COVID19.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:26am

Business & Finance

Over 500mmcf gas shortfall expected in coming winters

Tufail said that the continuous depletion of gas reserves is a matter of great concern, while the demand for gas is increasing and production is declining, which will exacerbate the gas crisis in December-January.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 11:04am

Countries in Asia to witness sluggish economic recovery, warns IMF

The IMF made the analysis in view of the fact that many countries in the region are struggling to come out of the economic impact after the coronavirus pandemic

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 10:51am

Pakistan

National Assembly approves bill to review Kulbhushan Jadhav's conviction

During voting eight members of NA's Standing Committee on Law and Justice, voted for the bill while five were against it

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:37am

Business & Finance

FATF Plenary: What measures has Pakistan taken to be excluded from ‘grey list’?

The government of Pakistan has taken a number of measures to get the country out of the ‘grey list’.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:36am

Pakistan

Boxer Amir Khan declares Imran Khan ‘amazing PM,’ declines offer to join Pakistan politics

"I prefer continuing my charity work AKFoundation in UK, Pakistan and rest of the world to make areas better and safer," he tweeted.

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 10:28am

Business & Finance

Asian shares drop as U.S. stimulus talks drag on

It remains unclear whether stimulus negotiations would continue ahead of the U.S. presidential and congressional elections on Nov. 3.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:13am

Business & Finance

U.S. economy's rebound sets up test of Fed's new pledge

The U.S. economy probably grew by more than 30% on an annualized basis last quarter, economists say, making up most of the 31.4% drop in the second quarter.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:11am

Technology

Facebook launches dating service in Europe

Facebook Dating, a dedicated, opt-in space within the Facebook app, was launched in the United States in September last year. It is currently available in 20 other countries.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:08am

Business & Finance

Tesla sets revenue record, makes profit thanks to pollution credit sales to rivals

The electric car maker also affirmed its target to deliver half a million vehicles by the end of this year, a goal that will require it to significantly ramp up vehicle sales in the fourth quarter.

Published 22 Oct, 2020 10:05am

BR Research

LSM: growth by mathematics

All growth is mathematics; but some growth is more mathematics than others. Such seems to be the case of ...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:44am

Exchange

Telenor: some recovery

As previously analyzed in this space, Pakistan’s telecoms sector had come out largely unharmed from the first...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:43am

BR Research

Bank Al Habib: Firm and steady

Bank Al Habib Limited (BAHL) saw its after tax profits grow by a massive 87 percent year-on-year, for the nine-month...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:42am

Exchange

POL – a slow beginning

The exploration and production sectors performance in FY20 was scarred by a weak 4QFY20 where the impact of COVID-19...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:41am

Mutual Funds

Shezan International Limited

Shezan International Limited (PSX: SHEZ) was established in 1964. The company has three production plants in Lahore,...

Published 22 Oct, 2020 07:25am

Currency

China to expand several outbound investment schemes

BEIJING: China plans to expand several outbound investment schemes, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday,...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Exchange

FY2019-20: Cement sector posts Rs20.4bn operation loss

LAHORE: The cement sector posted a core cement operation loss of Rs 20.4 billion in financial year 2019-2020, ...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

‘Karachi incident’: PDM leaders criticise PM over his ‘silence’

ISLAMABAD: Terming the “Karachi incident” an “attack” by the Federation over a province, and a “serious”...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

Moeed Yusuf delivers lecture at IBA

KARACHI: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Security Division and Strategic Policy...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

COAS visits Chamb Sector

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday visited forward areas at Chamb Sector...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

Sindh Assembly passes resolution against Island Ordinance

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday condemning the Pakistan Islands Development Authority...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

JI chief urges Afghan groups to engage in dialogue process

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Senator Sirajul Haq has urged the Afghan groups to engage in dialogue process...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Pakistan

Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (Article 179): NA body decides to seek opinion of provinces

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Wednesday decided to seek the opinion of...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Exchange

Park Lane cases: AC makes all record as ‘court record’

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court (AC) hearing multi-billion rupees fake bank accounts case, on Wednesday, made ...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Pakistan

PR registers FIR against encroachers at KBX yard

KARACHI: Pakistan Railways Karachi has got registered a FIR against alleged encroachers who on Tuesday turned the...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Pakistan

NCOC considers lockdown amid resurgence of cases

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) on Wednesday said it was closely monitoring the...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Country heading in right direction: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the country's current account was in surplus of $73 million...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Life & Style

AAJ PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 22, 2020 TIMING PROGRAM TITLE 06:00 NEWS HOUR 06:25 HEADLINE NEWS 06:30 NEWS HOUR 06:55 HEADLINE...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Afghans jostling for visas sparks stampede, killing 15

JALALABAD, (Afghanistan): At least 15 people were killed in stampede among thousands of Afghans gathered near...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Currency

PSEs given additional Rs342bn sovereign guarantees in FY20

ISLAMABAD: The federal government provided additional Rs 342 billion – 0.8 percent of GDP – sovereign guarantees...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Afridi conferred Federal Minister’s status

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has conferred the status of Federal Minister on Shehryar Afridi, MNA/Chairman,...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Five killed, over 20 injured in Karachi blast

KARACHI: At least five people lost their lives and more than 20 wounded after an explosion in a four-storey building...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Exchange

First quarterly surplus in over 5 years: CA posts $792m surplus in Q1

KARACHI: The country’s current account posted a surplus of $792 million during Jul-Sep of this fiscal year (FY21),...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:17am

Currency

9 months ended Sept 2020: ABL PAT soars to Rs12.41bn

KARACHI: While remaining cognizant of the emerging challenges, Allied Bank Limited (ABL) continued to achieve ...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:16am

World

Taliban ambush kills at least 25 Afghan security personnel

KUNDUZ: At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush blamed on the Taliban, officials said...

Updated 22 Oct, 2020 03:15am

Business & Finance

UK, Norway agree on temporary post-Brexit trade deal

OSLO: Norway and Britain have agreed to reach a temporary post-Brexit free trade deal regulating their commercial...