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Print - 2020-03-13
'Be transparent,' China asks US

'Be transparent,' China asks US

A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry suggested on Thursday the US military might have brought the coronavirus to the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has been hardest hit by the outbreak, doubling down on a war of words with Washington.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Trump suspends travel from Europe, except UK

Trump suspends travel from Europe, except UK

Travellers scrambled to rebook flights and markets reeled on Thursday after US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping restrictions on travel from Europe, hitting battered airlines and heightening global alarm over the coronavirus.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Punjab government declares medical emergency

Punjab government declares medical emergency

Out of 21 confirmed coronavirus patients, 14 belong to Sindh, six to Gilgit-Baltistan and one from Balochistan while not a single corona case has so far been reported from Punjab.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
NSC to take stock of situation today

NSC to take stock of situation today

In a bid to combat coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called a emergency a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday (today) as the number of confirmed cases in the country has now jumped to 21.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Educational institutions in Sindh closed till May 30

Educational institutions in Sindh closed till May 30

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah while presiding over a special cabinet meeting on Thursday decided to keep the educational institutions closed till May 30. This will be treated as summer vacations.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PM gives go-ahead for submitting STPF, textile policy to ECC

PM gives go-ahead for submitting STPF, textile policy to ECC

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday gave go-ahead for Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) and textile policy, in principle, which will be submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and then the Cabinet for approval.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
ECC fixes minimum support price for wheat at Rs1,400

ECC fixes minimum support price for wheat at Rs1,400

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday raised the minimum support price of wheat from Rs1,365 and fixed it at Rs1,400 per 40kg to ensure parity in wheat prices throughout the country.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
World stocks plunge into bear market

World stocks plunge into bear market

Panic hit world financial markets on Thursday, after stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank failed to calm investors alarmed by US moves to restrict travel from Europe over the coronavirus pandemic.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
US blacklists second unit of Rosneft over Venezuela oil

US blacklists second unit of Rosneft over Venezuela oil

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on another subsidiary of Rosneft, ramping up pressure on the Russian state oil giant that the Trump administration has said provides a financial lifeline to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SECP chief for addressing corporate sector's issues

SECP chief for addressing corporate sector's issues

Aamir Khan, chairperson the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), has said that there is a dire need for the SECP, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to jointly address key issues of the corporate sect
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Workers' payments case: Appoint new people to run PSM, remarks CJP

Workers' payments case: Appoint new people to run PSM, remarks CJP

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the federal government's response regarding non-operation of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the appeal against the Sindh High Court (S
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
GST harmonisation: NFC panel approves tax council's composition, ToRs

GST harmonisation: NFC panel approves tax council's composition, ToRs

The National Finance Commission (NFC) Monitoring Committee Thursday approved the National Tax Council's composition and its terms of references (ToRs), which would enable the federation and provinces to decide uniform rate of sales tax for both goods and
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Maryam says she remained silent due to 'personal reasons'

Maryam says she remained silent due to 'personal reasons'

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, broke her silence on Thursday, saying that she had been silent due to "personal reasons" and that her resolve "cannot be weakened through intimidation and threatening tactics".
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
US Congress votes to restrain Trump on Iran

US Congress votes to restrain Trump on Iran

The US Congress on Wednesday gave its final approval to a bid to restrain President Donald Trump from attacking Iran, a sign of lawmakers' alarm after soaring tensions.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Hajj ballot: 179,000 to perform Hajj this year: minister

Hajj ballot: 179,000 to perform Hajj this year: minister

After performing balloting under the government Hajj Scheme, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri on Thursday said that a total of 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Challenge of policy implementation
Letters

Challenge of policy implementation

Finally, Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) representatives have shared their concerns, expectations, future plans, solutions of economic and sectoral challenges with the Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
The challenge of COVID-19
Articles

The challenge of COVID-19

Vacant hotels, cancelled flights, and closed tourist sites due to spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) have adversely affected global tourism, with the estimation of US $80 billion in lost revenue for the tourism industry. On the other hand, the global automo
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Public service reforms - III
Articles

Public service reforms - III

In order to allow for the transition to a unified single public service, those who are currently working as civil servants will be automatically admitted into the fast stream. The proposed federal recruitment commission holds consultation with each civil
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Need for new income tax law - I
Articles

Need for new income tax law - I

When the government of General Pervez Musharraf decided to promulgate a new income tax law in 2000, we, amongst many others, opposed it strongly. Our main objection was that his regime had no mandate to enact any such law. The rule, "No taxation without r
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
An unnecessary controversy

An unnecessary controversy

On March 4, 2020, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, during an address at an event in Islamabad, let slip a remark that Pakistan would repay its mountain of debt through selling the gold extracted from Reko Diq in Balochistan. This has aroused a delayed irri
Updated 13 Mar, 2020 06:54am
Improvement in economic conditions

Improvement in economic conditions

The PTI government is bent upon to tell all and sundry that the economy of the country has improved a lot since its assumption of power. According to its latest statement, the Finance Ministry has rejected the assertions that the unemployment rate is as h
Updated 13 Mar, 2020 06:55am
PFA wastes 1,500 litres of adulterated milk

PFA wastes 1,500 litres of adulterated milk

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Thursday wasted 1,500 litres of adulterated milk being transported from Phool Nagar to different local shops in the provincial metropolis.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
ANF not charge for checking containers: DG

ANF not charge for checking containers: DG

Director General Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Brigadier Mansoor Ahmed Janjua said, "ANF does not take any charges for checking containers while whenever a container is opened for examination by ANF, we make sure it is closed on same day without any unnecess
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Single bench's verdict: IHC hears govt's ICA in PMDC case

Single bench's verdict: IHC hears govt's ICA in PMDC case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday heard the federal government's Intra-Court Appeal (ICA) challenging a single bench's verdict to restore the dissolved Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Maleeha questions 'inexplicable halt' in Kashmir strategy

Maleeha questions 'inexplicable halt' in Kashmir strategy

Pakistan's former permanent representative to the United Nations, Dr Maleeha Lodhi Thursday called for clarity in the country's Kashmir policy and questioned the "inexplicable halt" in the Kashmir strategy.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
31 bills adopted during Senate's parliamentary year 2019-20

31 bills adopted during Senate's parliamentary year 2019-20

The Senate passed a total of 31 bills, met for a total duration of 127 hours and 58 minutes in the 10 sessions including three joint sessions and three requisition sessions, while the average attendance of the senators in the Senate sessions remained less
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
14 coronavirus cases identified so far: minister

14 coronavirus cases identified so far: minister

Sindh Minister for Information, Local Government, Housing & Town Planning, Religious Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that so far, 198 people had been tested for the Coronavirus, out of which 14 people were found affected by t
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Gold falls by Rs 500 per tola

Gold falls by Rs 500 per tola

Gold prices Thursday fell by Rs500 per tola to Rs94,500 on the local market, traders said. The precious metal was selling for Rs81,018 per 10 grams, down by Rs428, and $1,639 an ounce, down by Rs428 on the world market. Silver was available for Rs1,000 pe
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Mobile app for tax, excise payments in the offing
Taxes

Mobile app for tax, excise payments in the offing

The Director-General of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Muhammad Shoaib Siddiqui, has said that a mobile app for tax, excise and other payments would be made available in the near future.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Coronavirus: Habib varsity moving its courses to online platforms

Coronavirus: Habib varsity moving its courses to online platforms

In the face of an extraordinary coronavirus health challenge, Habib University (HU) will now move its courses to online platforms from March 16th as the university campus will remain closed for students from March 16th till March 23rd.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Experts see women's potential for rural economy's growth

Experts see women's potential for rural economy's growth

There was a consensus among researchers and experts in agriculture, water and livestock management that rural women's participation in decision making at all levels - ranging from production to marketing - may contribute to increasing family income.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Expats advised to follow advisories of their host countries' governments

Expats advised to follow advisories of their host countries' governments

The Foreign Office on Thursday advised overseas Pakistanis to follow advisories issued by the governments in their host countries, as many Middle Eastern countries asked foreign nationals to leave their host countries in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PMIC holds Women's Day event
Business & Economy

PMIC holds Women's Day event

Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company has reiterated its commitment to enhance access to finance for women and improve their socioeconomic standing in the society.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Mehmood Moulvi made SVP PTI Sindh region

Mehmood Moulvi made SVP PTI Sindh region

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced appointment of renowned businessman Mehmood Moulvi as Senior Vice President Western Sindh Region Executive Committee.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Coronavirus situation under control: Ghani

Coronavirus situation under control: Ghani

Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani has said that the situation is under control regarding coronavirus and according to experts educational institutions could be opened but implementation on health advisory is necessary
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Baloch meets Punjab election commissioner

Baloch meets Punjab election commissioner

Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Chief Liaqat Baloch has demanded the Punjab election commissioner to hold free and fair local government elections in Punjab.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Share of coal in power mix reaches 32 percent
Commodities

Share of coal in power mix reaches 32 percent

Share of coal in power mix has reached 32 percent, as the coal based power generation went up by 72 percent YoY during January 2020 and the coal based generation was witnessed at 2,501 GWh during Jan '20, said sources.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Punjab cabinet approves wheat procurement drive 2020-21

Punjab cabinet approves wheat procurement drive 2020-21

The Punjab Cabinet, which met here Thursday, with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair, accorded approval to wheat procurement campaign 2020-21, fixed the wheat price at Rs1400 per maund, while the wheat procurement target was set at 4.5 millio
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
APNS AGC to meet on 14th

APNS AGC to meet on 14th

"The Annual General Council (AGC) of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society will meet on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at APNS House, Karachi," stated a press release of the APNS.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Wing Commander Nauman Akram laid to rest

Wing Commander Nauman Akram laid to rest

Wing Commander Nauman Akram, who embraced martyrdom in a fighter jet crash in Islamabad during rehearsal for Pakistan Day parade, was laid to rest at Shuhada Graveyard, RA Bazaar Cantt, here Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
NAB rejects Jang Group's allegations

NAB rejects Jang Group's allegations

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday rejected the allegations leveled by Jang Group and urged the media to avoid broadcasting and publishing news items without getting the version of its spokesman in light of the verdict of Supreme Court in th
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
NAB arrests Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in land transaction case

NAB arrests Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in land transaction case

In a major development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore on Thursday arrested editor-in-chief of Jang Group Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in a case pertaining to the alleged purchase of a 54-kanal piece of land "from the then chief minister of Punja
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Two new polio cases surface in KP

Two new polio cases surface in KP

Two new polio cases have been reported from Tehsil Bhitani of Lakki Marwat and Tehsil Shakai of South Waziristan on Thursday as the total provincial case count mounts to 15 in the current year so far.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
foodpanda makes its entry into Sahiwal
Business & Economy

foodpanda makes its entry into Sahiwal

The famous online food delivery hub, foodpanda, has made its way to many smartphones across the nation for its unmatchable deals and discounts. foodpanda aims to broaden its chain of cities for every Pakistani to make the most of its services hence, the f
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Central Africa militia fighting kills 13

Central Africa militia fighting kills 13

At least 13 people were killed in fighting in the Central African Republic where rival armed factions are battling after a seven-year civil war, UN officials said on Thursday. Fighting erupted a week ago in the northern province of Bamingui-Bangoran betwe
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Liberian journalists protest alleged police brutality

Liberian journalists protest alleged police brutality

Liberian journalists rallied in the capital Monrovia on Thursday, and some newspapers darkened their front pages, in protest at alleged harassment they face from security forces. The protest follows the death last month of Liberian broadcaster Zenu Koboi
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Canada PM working from home as wife tested for COVID-19

Canada PM working from home as wife tested for COVID-19

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife announced they were self-isolating Thursday as she undergoes tests for the new coronavirus after returning from a speaking engagement with "mild flu-like symptoms."
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Brazilian who met Trump tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian who met Trump tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's communications chief, who met Donald Trump last weekend at his Florida resort, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
No need for Trump virus test: White House

No need for Trump virus test: White House

President Donald Trump does not need testing for coronavirus despite having met with an aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was found afterwards to test positive, the White House said Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Astronauts grounded in Russia's Star City over virus

Astronauts grounded in Russia's Star City over virus

Astronauts awaiting a space mission are banned from leaving Star City training centre outside Moscow due to the novel coronavirus and will skip traditional pre-launch rituals, the centre's head said Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
13 injured as trains collide in Cairo

13 injured as trains collide in Cairo

Thirteen people were injured when two passenger trains collided Thursday in the Egyptian capital, the health ministry said, triggering a suspension in nationwide rail services. It said the casualties of the crash involving passengers from Upper Egypt were
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
EU says will offer migrants money to go home

EU says will offer migrants money to go home

EU and Greek officials on Thursday said 5,000 asylum seekers on Greek islands would be given financial incentives to return home to relieve pressure on overwhelmed camps.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PECA 2016: IHC issues notice to PTA over failure to notify rules

PECA 2016: IHC issues notice to PTA over failure to notify rules

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday issued a notice to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) over its failure to notify rules under sub-section (2) of Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SCCI, Rly agree to reconstitute railway advisory body
Business & Economy

SCCI, Rly agree to reconstitute railway advisory body

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Pakistan Railways have agreed to reconstitute railways advisory body for prompt resolution of business community issues. A senior official of Pakistan Railways has assured to launch special freight train from Karachi to
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Senate body members' visit cancelled

Senate body members' visit cancelled

The visit of members of the Senate Standing Committee on State and Frontier Regions (Safron) to Torkham border was cancelled because of heavy flood at Pak-Afghan highway that suspended all kind of traffic for five hours on Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
CBOT wheat declines on weakness in global equities
Commodities

CBOT wheat declines on weakness in global equities

Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures closed lower on Wednesday on technical selling and spillover weakness from global equity markets tied to fears that the coronavirus could trigger a global recession, traders said.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Euronext wheat futures fall to six-month low
Commodities

Euronext wheat futures fall to six-month low

Euronext wheat futures fell to a six-month low on Wednesday as worries about the coronavirus outbreak fuelled fresh losses in financial markets, outweighing support from brisk exports for European wheat.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Activities of Karachi Port and Port Qasim
Business & Economy

Activities of Karachi Port and Port Qasim

The Karachi Port handled 103,630 tonnes of cargo comprising 62,829 tonnes of import cargo and 40,801 tonnes of export cargo including 3,711 loaded and empty containers during the last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Thursday.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Wait-and-see mood witnessed on cotton market
Cotton & Textile

Wait-and-see mood witnessed on cotton market

The mills kept on the sidelines on the cotton market on Thursday despite the emergence of some positive signs on the economic front, dealers said.
Published 13 Mar, 2020 12:00am