ECC approves supplementary grant to purchase COVID-19 vaccines

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a technical supplementary grant for the advance purchases of COVID-19 vaccines, citing sources.

The Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a session of ECC today to discuss a six-point agenda including the allocation of funds for purchases of COVID-19 vaccines sought by the health ministry.

The ECC members deliberated upon the six-month extension of payment of interest on loans acquired from G20 countries and the matter related to gas supply to Engro Fertilizers. The committee’s members approved gas supplies to Enro Fertilizers.

Moreover, the committee granted permission to Punjab province for importing 340,000 tonnes wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

Sources said that the committee allocated funds for the payment of salaries of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) workers; a technical supplementary grant worth Rs500 million for education ministry; approval of Rs683.3 million budget for National Information Technology Board (NITB); a technical supplementary grant worth $150 million for the purchases of COVID-19 vaccines.

The federal cabinet will give the final approval to the decisions of the ECC.

The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination sought $150 million funds from the federal government for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines, it was learnt earlier in the day.

Sources said that the health ministry sent a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in which it sought allocation of $150 million funds for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines.

It is pertinent to mention here that PM Imran Khan had approved specific funding for the advance purchase of the Covid-19 vaccine.

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/333mR51

ECC approves supplementary grant to purchase COVID-19 vaccines

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a technical supplementary grant for the advance purchases of COVID-19 vaccines, citing sources.

The Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a session of ECC today to discuss a six-point agenda including the allocation of funds for purchases of COVID-19 vaccines sought by the health ministry.

The ECC members deliberated upon the six-month extension of payment of interest on loans acquired from G20 countries and the matter related to gas supply to Engro Fertilizers. The committee’s members approved gas supplies to Enro Fertilizers.

Moreover, the committee granted permission to Punjab province for importing 340,000 tonnes wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

Sources said that the committee allocated funds for the payment of salaries of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) workers; a technical supplementary grant worth Rs500 million for education ministry; approval of Rs683.3 million budget for National Information Technology Board (NITB); a technical supplementary grant worth $150 million for the purchases of COVID-19 vaccines.

The federal cabinet will give the final approval to the decisions of the ECC.

The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination sought $150 million funds from the federal government for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines, it was learnt earlier in the day.

Sources said that the health ministry sent a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in which it sought allocation of $150 million funds for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines.

It is pertinent to mention here that PM Imran Khan had approved specific funding for the advance purchase of the Covid-19 vaccine.

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/333mR51

Ban on indoor weddings across Pakistan goes into effect today

In line with the National Command and Operations Centre's (NCOC) recommendations, the ban on indoor weddings goes into effect across Pakistan today.

After a meeting on the coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced banning indoor weddings and large public gatherings in a televised address to the nation.

The premier had said that the government was also considering early and extended winter vacations. “If corona[virus] cases are [found] on the rise because of the schools, then the government may increase the duration of winter vacations," he maintained.

The development came on the back of the NCOC's recommendations to ban public gatherings exceeding 300 people, allowing outdoor dining and takeaway till 10:00pm, closing down cinemas, theatres and shrines and closing markets early with "safe days".

The NCOC had directed public and private companies to implement a 50% “work from home” policy.

Punjab govt issues notification

The Punjab government on Friday notified a ban on indoor wedding and limited large public gatherings to 300 people.

A notification by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department said there shall be a complete ban on indoor weddings while the attendance at an outdoor ceremony has been capped at 300. Public gatherings exceeding 300 people have also been banned.

The notification also directs citizens to wear face masks when stepping outside their homes. "This order comes into force immediately and shall remain in force till January 31 2021."

 

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/334MGlc

Ban on indoor weddings across Pakistan goes into effect today

In line with the National Command and Operations Centre's (NCOC) recommendations, the ban on indoor weddings goes into effect across Pakistan today.

After a meeting on the coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced banning indoor weddings and large public gatherings in a televised address to the nation.

The premier had said that the government was also considering early and extended winter vacations. “If corona[virus] cases are [found] on the rise because of the schools, then the government may increase the duration of winter vacations," he maintained.

The development came on the back of the NCOC's recommendations to ban public gatherings exceeding 300 people, allowing outdoor dining and takeaway till 10:00pm, closing down cinemas, theatres and shrines and closing markets early with "safe days".

The NCOC had directed public and private companies to implement a 50% “work from home” policy.

Punjab govt issues notification

The Punjab government on Friday notified a ban on indoor wedding and limited large public gatherings to 300 people.

A notification by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department said there shall be a complete ban on indoor weddings while the attendance at an outdoor ceremony has been capped at 300. Public gatherings exceeding 300 people have also been banned.

The notification also directs citizens to wear face masks when stepping outside their homes. "This order comes into force immediately and shall remain in force till January 31 2021."

 

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/334MGlc

Smart and micro lockdowns to be imposed in all districts of Karachi

Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani announced on Thursday that smart and micro lockdowns will be imposed in all districts of the city as cases of the novel coronavirus surge.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Shallwani which was attended by deputy commissioners and the district health officers. Secretary health Kazim Jatoi was also part of the meeting.

Smart lockdowns will be imposed in four districts of the city whereas micro lockdowns will be imposed in two districts of Karachi.

"Micro lockdowns will be imposed in districts Malir and Korangi," said Shallwani. "All deputy commissioners should consult their respective health officers [on the lockdowns]. The notification announcing the lockdown will be released by today or tomorrow," he added.

In areas where the smart lockdowns will be imposed, no more than four persons will be allowed to gather at one place and wearing masks will be made compulsory. Only one person will be allowed to leave his/her house and will have to explain the reason for venturing out to law enforcement personnel.

People will not be allowed to hold events or social gatherings in areas where the smart lockdowns will be imposed.

A total of 2,738 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 368,665 . With 36 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 7,561. So far, a total of 327,542 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 33,562.

With 42,909 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 6.3%.

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/36RPh37

Team is well-prepared for New Zealand tour: Babar Azam

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam on Friday said that the team is very excited to go on its New Zealand tour, adding that it will perform to the best of its abilities.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Azam said that players are well-prepared to take on the challenge.

"We are playing back to back and are confident about our performance," Babar Azam said. "Our record in New Zealand has been good. We will play good cricket."

Pakistan announced its tour to New Zealand in September this year. The two teams will play three T20Is and two Tests from December 18 to January 7. The team will depart in the last week of November after which they will enter a two-week quarantine period in Lincoln following New Zealand government's COVID-19 protocols.

The skipper maintained that the team is taking the tour as a challenge as well as a responsibility, but it is not under any kind of pressure.

"We will enjoy the tour and make efforts to present a good game. I have tried to learn a lot from my experience."

Thanking his teammates Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azhar Ali, Babar Azam said that he has not only learned from them but will also consult them whenever needed.

"I am the one responsible for making decisions but I will consult them too," Babar Azam maintained. "I try to take responsibility and play with the same responsibility."

Answering a question, he said that there is no concept of grouping among the players, stressing that the team sees itself as a single unit.

"All the players are very good and try to play well. We always face challenges and playing abroad is a difficult task, but we have been playing well when abroad. For example, we showed a good performance in England," Azam said.

The captain also praised the team's young fast bowlers, adding that they must be supported by everyone.

Azam also expressed his gratitude to the former head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team Mickey Arthur, saying that his guidance has given him the confidence to perform better.

"I am aiming to score a century in the upcoming New Zealand, Australia, and England tours," he said.

Babar Azam reiterated that the Pakistan Cricket Board has given him the freedom and confidence to continue a long-term captaincy, therefore, he is not under any kind of performance pressure.

Even though Babar demonstrated confidence in his team, he did not rule out the unpredictable nature of cricket.

"Players need confidence and hard work on every tour. However, the result is not in our hands," he concluded.

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/2UGRh8G

Smart and micro lockdowns to be imposed in all districts of Karachi

Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani announced on Thursday that smart and micro lockdowns will be imposed in all districts of the city as cases of the novel coronavirus surge.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Shallwani which was attended by deputy commissioners and the district health officers. Secretary health Kazim Jatoi was also part of the meeting.

Smart lockdowns will be imposed in four districts of the city whereas micro lockdowns will be imposed in two districts of Karachi.

"Micro lockdowns will be imposed in districts Malir and Korangi," said Shallwani. "All deputy commissioners should consult their respective health officers [on the lockdowns]. The notification announcing the lockdown will be released by today or tomorrow," he added.

In areas where the smart lockdowns will be imposed, no more than four persons will be allowed to gather at one place and wearing masks will be made compulsory. Only one person will be allowed to leave his/her house and will have to explain the reason for venturing out to law enforcement personnel.

People will not be allowed to hold events or social gatherings in areas where the smart lockdowns will be imposed.

A total of 2,738 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 368,665 . With 36 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 7,561. So far, a total of 327,542 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 33,562.

With 42,909 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 6.3%.

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/36RPh37