U.N. to call for more aid for Syrians at virtual donor meeting

Governments are set to pledge billions of dollars in aid for Syrians at a virtual conference on Tuesday to help refugees enduring Syria’s ninth year of armed conflict, as COVID-19 and high food prices worsen the plight of millions.

This year, the United Nations is looking for almost $10 billion for people in Syria and surrounding countries. It hopes much of that will come from the 60 governments and non-governmental agencies gathering by video link on Tuesday from 0800 GMT. The European Union is hosting the event.

The pledging, now an annual event, breaks down into a U.N. appeal of $3.8 billion for aid inside Syria and $6.04 billion for countries hosting refugees. Only a fraction has been raised so far.

“The needs have never been greater,” said Corinne Fleischer at the World Food Programme, a U.N. agency.

In Syria, more than 11 million people need aid and protection, the U.N. says, while 6.6 million have fled to neighbouring countries in the world’s largest refugee crisis.

Many Syrians face an unprecedented hunger crisis, with over 9.3 million people lacking adequate food, while the country’s coronavirus outbreak could accelerate, the U.N. has said.

A combination of an economic slump and COVID-19 lockdown measures have pushed food prices more than 200% higher in less than a year, according to the World Food Programme.

“The COVID-19 crisis has had an immediate and devastating impact on livelihoods of millions of Syrian refugees and their hosts in the region,” U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a statement.

However, money pledged is only what European officials call a sticking plaster to meet Syrians’ immediate needs.

Rebuilding destroyed cities is likely to take billions more dollars and cannot start until powers involved in the war back a peaceful transition away from the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the European Union says.

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Federal budget 2020-21 approved from NA despite opposition's criticism

The National Assembly of Pakistan approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 on Monday, despite the opposition's vow to not let it sail through the House.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar had presented a Rs7.14 trillion budget for fiscal 2020-21 on June 12.

Today, the government benches were also successful in getting approved the Finance Bill 2020 to give effect to the financial proposals. The amendments proposed by the Opposition in the bill were rejected by the House.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also arrived at the National Assembly session, where the clause-wise amendments to the Finance Bill began in order to sail it through the House.

As the process began, the NA speaker said that any amendment to remove an entire clause will not be acceptable.

The speaker made the statement after PPP’s Shazia Mari proposed amendment to remove an entire clause.

After approval of the budget, the House adjourned the session until 11am on Tuesday.

Earlier, the opposition had agreed to build a united front against the budget and made fiery speeches on the national issues in today's session.

Apart from protesting the budget, opposition lawmakers have also decided to demand the prime minister’s resignation.

Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz had earlier said the federal budget will be approved today, adding that the PTI will put its ‘full force’ to ensure it.

He had said that the opposition will get over its misconceptions about the budget in time.

Earlier, senior opposition leaders from the PPP, PML-N and the JUI-F had described it as an "enemy of the people". Reacting to the budget, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif had predicted that inflation and unemployment would surge as a result of it.

Erstwhile government ally Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) leader Akhtar Mengal had also announced that his party was breaking its alliance with the ruling coalition, which caused a momentary hurdle for the government by depleting its numbers in the House.

Bilawal Bhutto demands PM’s resignation

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech in the NA, saying that the premier should apologise for destroying the economy.

While addressing the House, Bilawal said that the PM has two options; either he works alongside all the political parties and strive for the betterment of the country, or he resigns and goes home.

Bilawal said that due to the ruling party, the oil companies benefited from the hike in petroleum prices.

“The prime minister should apologise for destroying the country,” said the PPP chairman, adding that the ruling party has usurped the rights of the people.

“The prime minister should not take notice of anything. He took notice of medicines, they became expensive, when he (PM Imran) took notice of sugar and wheat crisis, then they also got costly,” he said.

The PPP leader said that the pilots and Civil Aviation Authority were character-assassinated at an international level.

“What sort of relief is putting people out of jobs?” he said before the House, adding that not making any addition to salaries and pensions is also an ‘injustice’.

Khawaja Asif, Fawad Chaudhry exchange heated words in NA

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also addressed the House, where he had a verbal spat with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry.

In his fiery speech, Asif criticised the prime minister for calling Osama Bin Laden a martyr. “May Allah save us from terrorists and their supporters.”

Chaudhry, however, interrupted the former defence minister’s speech by asking him to cut it short.

“I will say such a thing about you that you will find it difficult to remain seated in this House,” said the PML-N lawmaker.

Following the debacle, Chaudhry asked the NA speaker to make Asif rescind his statement and apologise.

During his speech, Asif remarked on today’s terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, saying the country is united against terrorism.

He added the prime minister’s statement on OBL damaged the measures Pakistan has undertaken against terrorism over the years.

Opposition walks out of session during Murad Saeed’s speech

The disgruntled opposition members walked out of the NA in protest during the speech of federal minister Murad Saeed.

After which, the NA speaker tasked Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to conciliate with the opposition members.

“When I end my speech, opposition will return by itself,” remarked Saeed on the opposition members, who were earlier chanting slogans against the budget.

FM Qureshi then took the floor to address the House, where he said that he wants to ask something from the opposition.

“Whenever Murad Saeed stands up to make a speech, why does the opposition run away?” said Qureshi, adding that the opposition had warned that it will not let the budget get approved.

During the address of the foreign minister, the opposition members came back to the session over which Qureshi sarcastically attributed their return to Saeed’s 'psychic' abilities.

The foreign minister, while denying the demand of the opposition, said that the prime minister will not resign as he has the mandate of the public.

 

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COVID-19 pandemic ‘is not even close to being over: WHO chief

The COVID-19 pandemic is not even close to being over, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Monday.

Tedros noted that, six months after China first alerted the WHO to a novel respiratory infection, the grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached.

“Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move,” he said.

“We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up.”

The head of the WHO’s emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, told the briefing that tremendous progress had been made towards finding a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection, but there was still no guarantee the effort would succeed.

In the meantime, countries could fight the spread of the disease by testing, isolating confirmed cases and tracking their contacts, he said. He singled out Japan, South Korea and Germany for their “comprehensive, sustained strategy” against the virus.

The WHO plans to convene a meeting this week to assess progress in research towards fighting the disease, Tedros said.

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PM Imran and COAS condemn PSX attack, pay tribute to martyrs

Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday, saying the whole nation was proud of the jawans who bravely fought militants off to avert massive casualties.

“Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan condemns the terrorist attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange. The security forces bravely fought the enemy and thwarted the attack,” PTI’s Shahbaz Gill said in a tweet.

Gill added the whole nation was proud of its brave jawans. “I have extended my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the recovery of the injured.”

Four terrorists were killed by the police around 10am today after they opened fire and killed four security guards and a police sub-inspector.

Armed militants stormed the PSX compound in a sedan and attempted to enter it from the parking ground side, according to initial reports and eyewitness statements. They were seen shouldering backpacks and carrying automatic weaponry in an amateur video captured by an eyewitness. The equipment, arms, and ammunition recovered from them indicated that they had come prepared for a long siege.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar javed Bajwa paid tribute to the security guards of the Pakistan Security Exchange, who laid down their lives trying to thwart the terrorist attack.

The DG ISPR said that the army chief appreciated the LEAs, including Rangers and Sindh Police, for their operational readiness and prompt response.

“With support of our resilient nation, we will foil all efforts of enemies aimed at destabilizing hard earned peace achieved through sacrifices of our martyrs,” the COAS was quoted as saying by the DG ISPR on Twitter.

It was a terrorist attack, there's no doubt about it," said DIG South. Since security was beefed up, all four terrorists were not able to enter the building, they were stopped outside," he added.

The DIG South said that the blood being shown on media, inside the PSX building, was of a security guard and not the militants who had attempted to enter the building.

Kharal thanked security agencies for sharing intelligence about a probable attack which helped thwart massive casualties. He said that if it were not for the security guards who laid down their lives in the attack and the police as well as rangers personnel who acted swiftly, the situation could have gotten out of hand.

Once again commending the efforts put in by the law enforcement agencies, Kharal said that trading had not stopped for even a second whilst the attack took place.

 

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Younis singles out Archer as main threat for Pakistan

Pakistan batting coach and former great Younis Khan singled out fast-rising paceman Jofra Archer as a ‘major threat’ in his team’s forthcoming matches against England.

The Pakistan squad left from Lahore on Sunday for England, where they will play three Tests and as many Twenty20 Internationals, starting in the first week of August.

Younis said 25-year-old Archer has made a reputation for himself since qualifying to play for England and going on to play a key role in last year’s Ashes and triumphant World Cup campaign.

“He [Archer] is a real match winner and a threat,” Younis said before the team’s departure from Allama Iqbal International Airport.

“Archer has strong nerves which he proved while bowling a crucial super over in the World Cup final,” said Younis of England’s nail-biting win over New Zealand at Lord’s last year. “He has bite in his bowling and his high arm action is very good and gives him nip in his bowling.”

But Younis — who himself played a key role in Pakistan’s 2-2 series draw in England in 2016 with a brilliant double hundred in the last Test at The Oval — said Barbados-born Archer can be countered.

“There is hype around him so that can be an added pressure on him. I have told the batsmen to play close to the body and play on the back foot because his in-swinger can be very dangerous.” Younis, who remembered playing Archer in Pakistan’s practice game against Sussex in 2016.

“I remember playing him in the side game,” said Younis of Archer’s debut first-class match. “He got five wickets in the match but was not on top of his bowling at the time like he is now.”

Pakistan’s highest Test run scorer with 10,099, Younis said Pakistan should also be cautious of England’s most experienced bowlers — James Anderson and Stuart Broad. “Anderson and Broad have a wealth of experience. They are always a great pair. Whenever England have won they have the major share, but in August the weather will be dry and not very overcast so they can be handled properly.

“Pakistan need to score 300-350 in the first innings, in order to challenge England in bowling,” the batting coach said.

The squad has a new pace battery with lanky Shaheen Shah Afridi as spearhead supported by 17-year-old Naseem Shah and seamer Mohammad Abbas, who also played a key role on 2018 tour.

“You face challenges in England as your technique as well as nerves are put to test. I am sure our team will be up to that task,” said Younis.

The squad left without 10 players who had tested positive for novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Test skipper Azhar Ali said the tourists were looking forward to playing in what will be some of the first Test matches since the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a global lockdown.

“All the players are excited after a tough period,” said Azhar on the eve of departure. “Though a tour to England has always been challenging, our performances there on the last two tours [in 2016 and 2018] are encouraging and we will try to repeat those.”

Pakistan also drew a two-match series 1-1 two years in 2018.

A chartered plane carried 20 squad members including two reserves, who were seen wearing masks and observing social distancing at Lahore airport in pictures released by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The squad will face a two-week isolation period on arrival before continuing their preparations ahead of the first Test with two four-day warm-up matches.

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Federal budget 2020-21 approved from NA despite opposition's criticism

The National Assembly of Pakistan approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 on Monday, despite the opposition's vow to not let it sail through the House.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar had presented a Rs7.14 trillion budget for fiscal 2020-21 on June 12.

Today, the government benches were also successful in getting approved the Finance Bill 2020 to give effect to the financial proposals. The amendments proposed by the Opposition in the bill were rejected by the House.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also arrived at the National Assembly session, where the clause-wise amendments to the Finance Bill began in order to sail it through the House.

As the process began, the NA speaker said that any amendment to remove an entire clause will not be acceptable.

The speaker made the statement after PPP’s Shazia Mari proposed amendment to remove an entire clause.

After approval of the budget, the House adjourned the session until 11am on Tuesday.

Earlier, the opposition had agreed to build a united front against the budget and made fiery speeches on the national issues in today's session.

Apart from protesting the budget, opposition lawmakers have also decided to demand the prime minister’s resignation.

Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz had earlier said the federal budget will be approved today, adding that the PTI will put its ‘full force’ to ensure it.

He had said that the opposition will get over its misconceptions about the budget in time.

Earlier, senior opposition leaders from the PPP, PML-N and the JUI-F had described it as an "enemy of the people". Reacting to the budget, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif had predicted that inflation and unemployment would surge as a result of it.

Erstwhile government ally Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) leader Akhtar Mengal had also announced that his party was breaking its alliance with the ruling coalition, which caused a momentary hurdle for the government by depleting its numbers in the House.

Bilawal Bhutto demands PM’s resignation

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech in the NA, saying that the premier should apologise for destroying the economy.

While addressing the House, Bilawal said that the PM has two options; either he works alongside all the political parties and strive for the betterment of the country, or he resigns and goes home.

Bilawal said that due to the ruling party, the oil companies benefited from the hike in petroleum prices.

“The prime minister should apologise for destroying the country,” said the PPP chairman, adding that the ruling party has usurped the rights of the people.

“The prime minister should not take notice of anything. He took notice of medicines, they became expensive, when he (PM Imran) took notice of sugar and wheat crisis, then they also got costly,” he said.

The PPP leader said that the pilots and Civil Aviation Authority were character-assassinated at an international level.

“What sort of relief is putting people out of jobs?” he said before the House, adding that not making any addition to salaries and pensions is also an ‘injustice’.

Khawaja Asif, Fawad Chaudhry exchange heated words in NA

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also addressed the House, where he had a verbal spat with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry.

In his fiery speech, Asif criticised the prime minister for calling Osama Bin Laden a martyr. “May Allah save us from terrorists and their supporters.”

Chaudhry, however, interrupted the former defence minister’s speech by asking him to cut it short.

“I will say such a thing about you that you will find it difficult to remain seated in this House,” said the PML-N lawmaker.

Following the debacle, Chaudhry asked the NA speaker to make Asif rescind his statement and apologise.

During his speech, Asif remarked on today’s terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, saying the country is united against terrorism.

He added the prime minister’s statement on OBL damaged the measures Pakistan has undertaken against terrorism over the years.

Opposition walks out of session during Murad Saeed’s speech

The disgruntled opposition members walked out of the NA in protest during the speech of federal minister Murad Saeed.

After which, the NA speaker tasked Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to conciliate with the opposition members.

“When I end my speech, opposition will return by itself,” remarked Saeed on the opposition members, who were earlier chanting slogans against the budget.

FM Qureshi then took the floor to address the House, where he said that he wants to ask something from the opposition.

“Whenever Murad Saeed stands up to make a speech, why does the opposition run away?” said Qureshi, adding that the opposition had warned that it will not let the budget get approved.

During the address of the foreign minister, the opposition members came back to the session over which Qureshi sarcastically attributed their return to Saeed’s 'psychic' abilities.

The foreign minister, while denying the demand of the opposition, said that the prime minister will not resign as he has the mandate of the public.

 

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Gold price rises to Rs104,400 per tola in Pakistan

Gold rates in Pakistan increased Wednesday to Rs104,400 a tola as the world economy headed towards a recession due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to rates issued by the All Sindh Sarafa and Jewellers Association (ASSJA), prices moved up Rs1,600 per tola on Monday. It further noted that the price of 10 grammes of gold bumped up Rs1,372 to Rs89,506.

On the other hand, the international gold rate has gone up $10 an ounce to almost $1,772.

The upward price fluctuation, however, was still considerably less than the surge that came last week when gold rates went up Rs2,000 a tola.

On June 24, the ASSJA said that the gold rates had shot up Rs2,000 per tola as prices around the world surged to their highest in nearly eight years as signs of an acceleration in the coronavirus cases kept investors on edge.

With the increase in gold rates, the price was at that time ascertained to be at Rs105,100 per tola, whereas the price of 10 grammes of gold bumped up Rs1,715 to Rs90,106 last week.

 

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