PM Imran receives telephone call from Russian President Putin

Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call from President Vladimir Putin on today (Tuesday).

Recalling their earlier telephone conversation of 25 August 2021, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments of Afghanistan, bilateral cooperation, and collaboration in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional security and prosperity. He emphasized the urgent need for provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the imperative of averting an economic crisis.

Prime Minister Imran Khan underlined the need for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan. He stressed that the Afghan people should not be abandoned at this crucial juncture.

The Prime Minister stressed that close coordination and consultations between Pakistan and Russia on the evolving situation in Afghanistan were of crucial importance.

In the bilateral context, the Prime Minister emphasized the growing cooperation across a range of sectors and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further upgrade the overall relationship. He underscored that strengthening trade and investments and energy cooperation were the cornerstones of engagement with Russia.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s resolve for early realization of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.

The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan. President Putin renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to undertake a visit to Russia.

Relations between Pakistan and Russia have been on an upward trajectory propelled by converging views on important regional and international issues, growing trust, and increasing bilateral cooperation manifested by recent high-level interactions.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

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Pakistan will recognise Taliban govt if it upholds commitments to human rights, says envoy to US

Pakistan is monitoring the ability of the new Taliban government in Afghanistan to deliver on commitments and promises to uphold human rights that they have made to the international community before extending recognition to it, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan has said.

“Whether the Taliban actually abide by those (commitments) is their call,” the Pakistani envoy said in an interview with The Washington Diplomat.

“But we have basically laid out our expectations, which is that we want the rights of everyone to be respected,” he said when asked under what conditions Pakistan would recognise the Taliban government.

“We want that Afghan territory not be used against any other country, including Pakistan. We want human rights and women's rights to be preserved.”

At the same time, Ambassador Khan said Pakistan believed that “instead of indulging in give-and-take on these issues, right now what's really important is to avert a humanitarian crisis.”

What was really important at the moment was to “basically not let things fall apart”, he said, adding “clearly, there is a new reality, which is a government under the Taliban.”

“The international community has to make a choice: between engaging — and that doesn't necessarily mean recognition — and abandonment.”

Replying to a question about Pakistan-US ties, he said since 9/11, Pakistan has essentially been seen through the prism of Afghanistan.

“I can tell you that today, we are together on the same side in terms of our interests and expectations in Afghanistan. The US wants to see the conflict end; that's also what we want. And we would like to see that the gains Afghanistan has made over the last few decades are preserved.”

Asked about the impression in the US that Pakistan supported extremist groups, Ambassador Khan said the facts needed to be looked at more closely.

“Pakistan has been a close partner and ally in decimating Al Qaeda, and in bringing about the peace negotiations (on Afghanistan),” he said, asserting that it was unfortunate that Pakistan was associated with a lot of negative news.

About India-Pakistan ties, he said, “Unfortunately, we have a government in India which is fundamentalist and ideological, which believes in unilateralism, and which has regrettably rebuffed all our peaceful overtures.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan had publicly extended the hand of friendship to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, noting that the latter chose to indulge in military adventurism.

“The situation in [occupied] Kashmir continues to be very bad. Pakistan wants to resolve all its disputes through engagement and dialogue. Our two countries have no other options but peace.“

No unilateral recognition

Last month, Pakistan had decided that it would not recognise the Taliban government unilaterally but with the consent of regional and international powers.

“Pakistan would take a decision about recognising Taliban government in Afghanistan in consultation with regional and international powers, especially China, Turkey and the United States of America,” Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry had said after a meeting of the federal cabinet.

Pakistan remained committed to an inclusive political settlement representative of all Afghan ethnic groups, which was the way forward, he added.

In its first official comment on the government announced by the Taliban earlier this month, Pakistan had expressed the hope that the new political dispensation would work for peace and security in Afghanistan and address its people's humanitarian needs.

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Govt announces reopening schools in Punjab, KP districts from Sept 16

National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar Tuesday announced that the government is reopening schools in five districts of Punjab and one district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from September 16.

The NCOC chairman announced that the NCOC had earlier placed strict restrictions on 24 districts throughout the country. Out of these, strict restrictions will only be imposed in six districts while the rest have been allowed relaxation.

"These six districts [where strict restrictions will continue to remain] are Lahore, Faislabad, Multan, Gujrat, Sargodha and Bannu districts," he said.

The minister said that even in these districts, the government has decided to lift some restrictions. "Inter-city transport was earlier banned altogether from these districts. Now, buses can resume inter-city transport by accommodating 50% capacity of passengers," he added.

Similarly, he said schools in these six districts will resume on-campus classes from September 16, with 50% attendance in classes.

Asad Umar said that outdoor dining in these districts was allowed to remain open till 10pm. "We have extended the time for outdoor dining till midnight. Indoor dining at restaurants, however, will remain banned," he clarified.

He said amusement parks, recreational spots and parks will remain open. Only vaccinated persons will be allowed to visit amusement parks, he clarified. The NCOC chief announced that the government was allowing outdoor activities but with a limit of 400 persons only.

"However, indoor gatherings will continue to remain banned," he said.

The minister announced that COVID-19 restrictions imposed in districts other than these six will continue to remain in force till September 30.

"We have witnessed that the fourth wave is decreasing in intensity as time passes," said Asad Umar. "It is vital that we see an increase in the vaccination process. As you know, we had set huge targets in Pakistan's large cities, to vaccinate fully 40% of Pakistan's population of 15 years and above," he said.

Umar said the only way to get rid of these restrictions is to get vaccinated. However, he ruled out the government imposing any restrictions on businesses in the near future.

"We won't be placing restrictions on businesses. However, restrictions will be imposed on the individual who does not get himself vaccinated," he added.

Schools will not be closed again, clarifies NCOC

"Education institutions in selected districts of Punjab, KP, and ICT are closed till 15th Sep," the forum, which heads the country's coronavirus battle, had said in a tweet on Monday.

The NCOC stated that the decision to review the imposed restrictions would be communicated through official channels — implying that people should not pay heed to social media reports.

Earlier this month, the NCOC had decided to extend special non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) till September 15 that were enforced till September 12 in 24 high disease-risk districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Islamabad.

The decision to continue the restrictions was taken amid significant pressure on critical care, hospital admissions, and oxygen requirements.

As per the special NPIs, there was a complete ban on all sorts of indoor and outdoor gatherings, all types of indoor gyms, intercity public transport, and the educational sector till September 15, the Forum had decided.

It added that NPIs for the remaining sectors would remain enforced as already communicated earlier.

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Govt announces reopening schools in Punjab, KP districts from Sept 16

National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar Tuesday announced that the government is reopening schools in five districts of Punjab and one district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from September 16.

The NCOC chairman announced that the NCOC had earlier placed strict restrictions on 24 districts throughout the country. Out of these, strict restrictions will only be imposed in six districts while the rest have been allowed relaxation.

"These six districts [where strict restrictions will continue to remain] are Lahore, Faislabad, Multan, Gujrat, Sargodha and Bannu districts," he said.

The minister said that even in these districts, the government has decided to lift some restrictions. "Inter-city transport was earlier banned altogether from these districts. Now, buses can resume inter-city transport by accommodating 50% capacity of passengers," he added.

Similarly, he said schools in these six districts will resume on-campus classes from September 16, with 50% attendance in classes.

Asad Umar said that outdoor dining in these districts was allowed to remain open till 10pm. "We have extended the time for outdoor dining till midnight. Indoor dining at restaurants, however, will remain banned," he clarified.

He said amusement parks, recreational spots and parks will remain open. Only vaccinated persons will be allowed to visit amusement parks, he clarified. The NCOC chief announced that the government was allowing outdoor activities but with a limit of 400 persons only.

"However, indoor gatherings will continue to remain banned," he said.

The minister announced that COVID-19 restrictions imposed in districts other than these six will continue to remain in force till September 30.

"We have witnessed that the fourth wave is decreasing in intensity as time passes," said Asad Umar. "It is vital that we see an increase in the vaccination process. As you know, we had set huge targets in Pakistan's large cities, to vaccinate fully 40% of Pakistan's population of 15 years and above," he said.

Umar said the only way to get rid of these restrictions is to get vaccinated. However, he ruled out the government imposing any restrictions on businesses in the near future.

"We won't be placing restrictions on businesses. However, restrictions will be imposed on the individual who does not get himself vaccinated," he added.

Schools will not be closed again, clarifies NCOC

"Education institutions in selected districts of Punjab, KP, and ICT are closed till 15th Sep," the forum, which heads the country's coronavirus battle, had said in a tweet on Monday.

The NCOC stated that the decision to review the imposed restrictions would be communicated through official channels — implying that people should not pay heed to social media reports.

Earlier this month, the NCOC had decided to extend special non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) till September 15 that were enforced till September 12 in 24 high disease-risk districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Islamabad.

The decision to continue the restrictions was taken amid significant pressure on critical care, hospital admissions, and oxygen requirements.

As per the special NPIs, there was a complete ban on all sorts of indoor and outdoor gatherings, all types of indoor gyms, intercity public transport, and the educational sector till September 15, the Forum had decided.

It added that NPIs for the remaining sectors would remain enforced as already communicated earlier.

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US tells Pakistan not to recognise Taliban govt till it gives rights to women

The US has made it clear to Pakistan that it does not want Islamabad to recognise the Taliban government until it doesn't give women their due rights and allows Afghans who want to leave the country, to do so.

In the first public hearing in Congress about Afghanistan since last month's collapse of the US-backed Afghan government, US Secretary of State Blinken told the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that Pakistan has a "multiplicity of interests, some that are in conflict with ours."

"It is one that involved hedging its bets constantly about the future of Afghanistan, it's one that's involved harboring members of the Taliban ... It is one that's also involved in different points cooperation with us on counterterrorism," Blinken said.

Asked by lawmakers if it is time for Washington to reassess its relationship with Pakistan, Blinken said the administration would soon be doing that.

"This is one of the things we're going to be looking at in the days, and weeks ahead - the role that Pakistan has played over the last 20 years but also the role we would want to see it play in the coming years and what it will take for it to do that," he said.

The United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated with a hastily organised airlift that left thousands of US-allied Afghans behind and was punctuated by a suicide bombing outside Kabul's airport that killed 13 U.S. troops and scores of Afghans.

The US and Western countries are in a difficult balancing act in the aftermath of the Taliban's victory - reluctant to recognise the group while accepting the reality that they will have to engage with them to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis.

Pakistan has had deep ties with the Taliban and has been accused of supporting the group as it battled the US-backed government in Kabul for 20 years - charges denied by Islamabad.

'US was likely to suffer more losses by staying in Afghanistan'

Speaking about the US-Taliban relationship, Blinken said it was time to end a war spanning two decades in Afghanistan. "We achieved our objectives in Afghanistan," he said, adding that the Biden administration inherited the peace agreement with the Taliban from its predecessor.

He pointed out how 5,000 prisoners were released by the Taliban as part of the peace agreement, adding that had the US not honoured the pact, it could have resulted in more attacks on foreign forces.

"The US was likely to suffer more losses by staying in Afghanistan," he admitted. "There was no guarantee of the war ending anytime soon had the US decided to stay in Afghanistan for a longer duration."

Blinken said the US has activated its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, adding that Washington will keep helping US and Afghan citizens who are staying back in the country.

US to continue to play its role in region

He said the Taliban had guaranteed that they will not let Afghanistan's soil be used for terrorist activities against other countries.

"The US will continue to play its role to promote anti-terrorism in the region," he said, adding that the Taliban had also promised to not let Daesh and Al-Qaeda use the country for militant activities. He announced a $330mn aid for Afghanistan this year on humanitarian grounds.

Blinken said the US was working on evacuation efforts at the Kabul airport, adding that it was in contact with Qatar and Turkey.

"Last week, 100 US citizens sent messages, asking to vacate Afghanistan," he said. "The aircraft had room to take 60 people but only 30 showed up at the airport."

The US secretary of state said the Biden administration had told the Ashraf Ghani government to defend itself against the Taliban. He said China wanted US forces to stay stranded in Afghanistan.

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Farmers should get profit rates for crom: Shoukat Tareen

We are not passing on the interational commodity rates to consumers in Pakistan, said federal finance minister Shaukat Tarin speaking to media on Tuesday as he claimed the prices of sugar and wheat soared 41 and 32 per cent internationally but in Pakistan the effect was only 11 and 15 pc respectively.

It has been our constant slogan that farmers should get international rates for their crops, and we have as our responsibility to hike the agriculture production, Shaukat Tarin said. He added that despite being an agricultural economy we import pulses, wheat and vegetable oil.

Due to Covid outbreak in Pakistan, said Tarin, our over all production tumbled, supply chain got effected and even inflation hiked to about 17.1 pc in the July 2020 period.
But now inflation is set to stay around 8 pc only, he said.

About 40- to 45 pc population belonging in the lower income class will get the targeted subsidy, he said. We did not have the data before but we have it now thanks to Ehsas Program.

Cabinet body approves concessional tariff for power consumers in winter

Separtely for concessional measures taken yesterday, the cabinet body on energy approved a concessional power tariff for consumers during the winter season spanning over November 2021 to February 2022.

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Corona claims 78 more lives across pakistan

COVID-19 has claimed 78 more lives during the past 24 hours across Pakistan,  on Tuesday quoting National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).

The overall death toll has surged to 26,865. The daily tests conducted during the period to determine COVID-19 infections were 47,419 out of which 2,580 turned up positive.
New cases today translate into 5.44 per cent positivity rate, while the number of patients with complicated symptoms after Covid is 5,304, said NCOC.
On Monday, United States delivered a tranche of 320,580 Pfizer vaccine doses to Sindh.

 

US Consul General in Karachi Mark Stroh handed over vaccine doses batch to Sindh Minister of Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho.

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