Category: Uncategorized

  • The coronavirus test in your city

    The coronavirus test in your city

    Want to know which hospitals in your city have the Coronavirus test? Here is the list but first, if you suspect that you have symptoms, including fever, coughing, shortness of breath then call the state helpline at 1166 or your doctor.

    Private labs are charging a minimum of Rs 7,900 for each test and some public hospitals are giving the test for free. Results will be available in 48 hours.

    HOSPITALS TESTING FOR CORONA VIRUS

    KARACHI

    The helpline to call for suspected cases in Sindh is: 021-99204405, 021-99206565, 021-99203443, 021-99204405, 0316-0111712

    Public

    Civil Hospital

    Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre

    Private

    Aga Khan University Hospital

    Dow Medical College

    Hyderabad

    Liaquat Hospital

    Lahore

    Services Hospital

    Rawalpindi

    Benazir Bhutto Hospital

    Multan

    Nishtar Hospital

    Sialkot

    Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital

    Faisalabad

    Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital

    Allied Hospital

    Rahimyar Khan

    Sheikh Zayed Hospital

    Quetta

    Fatima Jinnah General and Chest Hospital

    Peshawar

    Muhammad Teaching Hospital

    Jinnah Teaching Hospital

    Prime Teaching Hospital

    Painless Hospital

    Khalil Hospital

    Zia Medical Complex

    Mercy Teaching Hospital

    Kuwait Teaching

    Naseer Teaching Hospital

    MSF Hospital

    Afridi Medical Complex

    Shahab Orthopedic Hospital

    Rehman Medical Institute

    North Western General Hospital

    Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital

    Akbar Medical Centre

    Abaseen Hospital

    Habib Medical Centre

    Ibrahimi Hospital

    Islamabad

    Pakistan Institute of Management (PIMS)

    Gilgit Baltistan

    Civil Hospital Hunza

    DHQ Gilgit

    DHQ Chilas

    DHQ Skardu

    PDSRU

    DHQ Karimabad

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir

    Abbas Institute Of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad

    Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital Muzaffarabad (CMH.)

    CMH Rawalkot

    DHQ Mirpur

    DHQ Kotli

    DHQ Neelum

    DHQ Jhelum Valley

    DHQ Bagh

    DHQ Haveli

    DHQ Bhimber

    DHQ Hospital Sudhnoti

    The helpline to call for suspected cases in Sindh is: 021-99204405, 021-99206565, 021-99203443, 021-99204405, 0316-0111712

  • First picture of Mir Shakilur Rehman in jail emerges

    First picture of Mir Shakilur Rehman in jail emerges

    The first picture of media mogul and philanthropist Mir Shakilur Rehman in jail emerged on Friday — a day after the National Accountability Bureau arrested him from Lahore in a case pertaining to the purchase of a 54-kanal piece of land.

    The picture showed the Jang/Geo Group owner behind bars at what appeared to be the Lahore office of the anti-graft watchdog.

    Rehman had on Thursday appeared before NAB for the second time to answer the bureau’s questions about the land in question. He was subsequently arrested after failing to satisfy officials with his answer.

    According to NAB, former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif had illegally leased the land to Rehman in 1986.

    NAB will produce Rehman in front of an accountability court today for his physical remand.

    According to the notice issued on February 28, Rehman had been called to appear before NAB on March 5 to record his statement regarding the land allotted to him in 1986 in Block H, Johar Town Phase 2 “by then Punjab chief minister (CM) Mian Nawaz Sharif in violation of the relevant laws and rules”.

    According to an official statement issued by the Jang Group, the property “was bought from a private party 34 years ago and all evidence of this was given to NAB”.

    The statement maintained that today’s appearance was for the verification of the complaint, yet Rehman was arrested. It also accused the anti-graft watchdog of harbouring a vendetta against the publication.

    “During the past 18 months, NAB has sent our reporters, producers, and editors […] over a dozen notices threatening to shut down our channels […] due to our reporting, and programmes about the anti-corrupton watchdog.”

    “NAB has also, through several means, tried to persuade us to go slow, to stop stories and to do others in its favor at the expense of the full truth.

    “We will not stop any reporter, producer or anchor from any story that is on merit, and at the same time will include NAB’s version,” the statement read, adding that the bureau has denied all the allegations and claimed they are independently pursuing all cases.

    On March 5, The News had reported that Rehman had appeared before the anti-corruption watchdog and had informed the bureau that he had purchased the land from a private owner and that he possessed evidence of the same.

    Rehman had said that he was hopeful that the watchdog and the courts would decide the case fairly.

    Speaking to the media outside, he had said that similar accusations had been levelled against him in the past as well but had been proven to be false.

  • Mount Everest closed for climbers amid coronavirus outbreak

    Nepal has shut down its Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, for climbers this climbing season from March to May amid coronavirus spread. 

    The country has also stopped its visa-on-arrival scheme that most climbers used while coming to Nepal. Authorities have announced that all of the Himalayan peaks will remain closed until the situation comes under control.

    More than 30,000 Australian mountaineers travel to Nepal each year during the spring season that starts in March and peaks in April and May.

    As per reports, the country makes more than $5 million a year just from the permit fee it charges from climbers and the country will bear a huge loss after this shutdown.

    The country has reported one case of coronavirus. It was a student from China on his way back to Nepal. The country has tested 450 people so far.

  • COAS, top army officers review coronavirus measures

    COAS, top army officers review coronavirus measures

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday directed “all concerned to gear up preparations in support of national effort” to counter coronavirus in the country, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

    The army chief chaired the 230th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ), which according to the military’s media-wing, discussed the emerging situation with regards to COVID-19 — the new coronavirus — and the preventive measures taken at army level.

    “COAS directed all concerned to gear up preparations in support of national effort to counter this pandemic in case of any eventuality,” the ISPR said in a statement issued after the meeting.

    The forum also reviewed the operational preparedness, situation along the Line of Control (LoC), geo-strategic environment and national and regional security situation with particular emphasis on the Afghanistan peace process.

    “The path to regional stability and peace passes through Afghanistan. Collaborative approach and patience can help overcome all challenges for which Pakistan is ready to play its part with utmost sincerity,” the army chief emphasised.

  • Punjab Governor House to open doors for weddings, commercial events

    Punjab Governor House to open doors for weddings, commercial events

    After allowing the general public to visit his official residence on recreational tours earlier, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has announced that the Governor House in Lahore will soon open its doors for weddings and commercial events.

    Addressing a news conference at the Governor’s House on Wednesday, Sarwar announced that the lawn of the building was available for corporate events at Rs1 million per function while any kind of function could be hosted for Rs500,000 in Darbar Hall. Wedding shoots can be arranged for Rs50,000 and commercial photo-shoots against Rs1 million, while guided tours of the Governor’s House will be organised for groups of 10 persons on Saturdays and Sundays.

    “We believe the business plan will help the Governor’s House to reduce its burden on the public kitty. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has made this business plan as its promise and all earnings of these functions will be directly deposited in the government of Pakistan’s account,” The Express Tribune quoted Sarwar as saying.

    “The estate will be rented out for commercial events only and no political party will be allowed to host its function at the Governor’s House,” he said and indicated that all events would be booked on the official website of the Governor’s House.

    “When someone will send his request to book an event at the website, the Governor’s House staff will contact the person to finalise arrangements. All the payments will be made through bank account and no Governor’s House employee will be authorised to receive payments in cash from the person or company holding the event,” he elaborated while highlighting the procedure for booking.

    The Governor’s House website shows that name, CNIC, passport number, nationality, mobile phone number and address is required for booking of events. Events can be booked for two slots from 10 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm for seven days a week. Event booking will be granted subject to approval. Prior approval is required for payment and confirmation will be made accordingly while two functions can be booked for the same date and time.

    As per booking terms mentioned on the website, the applicant has to provide a complete list of participants, staff and workers. Administration of Governor’s House will not be responsible for arrangements or installation of any temporary facility.

    A glimpse of Governor House:

  • Remaining PSL matches in Karachi to take place without any crowd

    With 22 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Pakistan, the Sindh Government has announced that the remaining matches of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to take place in Karachi will take place in empty stadiums and without any crowds.

    Advisor to the Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab made the announcement on social media.

    The National Stadium in Karachi was scheduled to host five matches, on March 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17. Today’s (March 12) clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars is also currently taking place in the National Stadium though Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has said that entry to the stadium will not be banned today.

    However, the upcoming matches will be played behind behind closed doors to empty stadiums.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a press release said, “Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media.”

    The release further stated, “The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel, as well as franchise owners, will be allowed to attend matches.”

    “In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition to this, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead.”

    As far as the matches and the final in Lahore are concerned, the board said, “With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab Government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches.”

    Earlier, netizens had urged the PCB to cancel the PSL matches.

    It is also pertinent to mention here that India on Thursday ordered upcoming international cricket matches to be played in empty stadiums in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus.

    The chief ministers of two states where India is due to play matches against South Africa this month “have been advised to avoid gathering of people,” RS Jhulaniya said. “Matches may go on without spectator crowd”.

    Furthermore, Brijesh Patel, governing council chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s premier domestic cricket tournament due to start later this month, said the organisation would meet on Saturday to discuss “all possibilities” regarding the tournament, including visas issues for overseas players and the possibility of playing matches in empty stadiums.

    Sport across the world has been badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

  • ‘Oh my God!’: Maryam reacts to Mir Shakilur Rehman’s arrest during media talk

    ‘Oh my God!’: Maryam reacts to Mir Shakilur Rehman’s arrest during media talk

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who on Thursday made her maiden media appearance since being released in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case in November 2019, was in a viral video seen expressing her shock upon hearing the news of media mogul Mir Shakilur Rehman’s arrest.

    Rehman, earlier in the day, was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore in a case pertaining to the purchase of a 54-kanal land. He is accused of leasing the said land from former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 1986, which he was not eligible for.

    “Oh my God!” Maryam was seen exclaiming during the media talk as a reporter informed her of Jang/Geo Group owner’s arrest by NAB.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    The anti-graft watchdog will produce Rehman in front of an accountability court on Friday for his physical remand, NAB spokesperson Nawazish Ali has said.

    Earlier, daughter of former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said she could not be threatened or intimidated in backing off from her narrative.

    “I remained silent due to some personal reasons and my resolve against this [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] government has further strengthened and I cannot be threatened,” she said while speaking to journalists in Islamabad, flanked by senior party leaders including PML-N senior vice president Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

    Maryam’s four-month silence had intensified the speculation that it was part of a “deal” that the main opposition party had reached with the “power that be”. Subsequently, her father was also allowed to travel to London for the treatment under the same understanding.

    “I was silent and there could be too many reasons,” she told reporters. “But will you show me if I speak today,” she asked.

    The PML-N leader said that media was under restrictions and there was a ban on her appearance. “Media is in chains and I have sympathy for you,” she said, adding that she was bound to follow the party discipline. “However, I will play my role in politics whenever my party asks me to do so.”

  • Suhail Warraich says PM Imran has ‘invited wrath of God’ by arresting Jang/Geo owner

    Suhail Warraich says PM Imran has ‘invited wrath of God’ by arresting Jang/Geo owner

    Moments after Jang/Geo Group owner Mir Shakilur Rehman was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), a senior journalist affiliated with the media house, Suhail Warraich, has called out Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for “crossing all limits and inviting the wrath of God”.

    “Imran Khan [has] crossed all limits by arresting MSR [Mir Shakilur Rehman] thus inviting wrath of God Almighty,” Warraich said in a tweet.

    Earlier in the day, media mogul, philanthropist and Jang/Geo Group owner Mir Shakilur Rehman was arrested by NAB Lahore in what sources said was a case pertaining to the purchase of a 54-kanal land.

    Rehman is accused of leasing the said land from former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 1986, which he was not eligible for.

    The anti-graft watchdog will produce Rehman in front of an accountability court on Friday for his physical remand, NAB spokesperson Nawazish Ali has said.

  • Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    After Gilgit-Baltistan reported its third patient, the number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus ‘COVID-19’ infections in Pakistan rose to 21 on Wednesday. Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 15 of the total confirmed cases. Of the remaining, three cases have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan and one case has been reported each in Islamabad, Hyderabad and Quetta.

    In the wake of these developments, the Sindh Health Department has said that any student or employee, who returned to the country within the last fifteen days from abroad will not be allowed to attend school, college or university till they complete their 14-day quarantine at home.

    Here is the Health Department’s advisory:

    1. Any student or employee of all public and private school, college or university who has arrived in Pakistan from abroad or has a family member who has arrived from abroad within last fifteen days, he/she shall not be allowed to send their children to schools, colleges and universities till they complete 14 days stay in their home after coming to Pakistan as a measure of quarantine. All parents must inform the concerned institutes if there is a history of travel of a family member.

    2. Any student, family or employee of all public and private schools, colleges and universities of Sindh province having cough or body ache or fever or shortness of breath or flu shall not be allowed to enter school premises. Moreover, any employee of public and private schools, colleges and universities having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma must avoid attending school, college or university. They should remain at their home.

    3. All students and employees of public and private schools. colleges and universities must avoid gatherings and crowded spaces. There should be minimum space of 1 metre (about 3 feet) between seating at all the institutes.

    4. All must perform hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer.

    5. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing with your flexed elbow or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use. Please avoid spitting and avoid touching your face.

    6. There should be a health desk for health education, screening and awareness regarding COVID-19 to be set by students and employees of public and private schools, colleges and universities.

    7. The Deputy Commissioner concerned, as per provisions under Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act 2014, may exercise his authority to ensure all these preventive measures for prevention of COVID-19 spread.

    A COVID-19 Control Room has also been established at the Commissioner Office Karachi.

    This 24/7 operational facility can be reached at 021-99204452, 021-99206565 and 0316-0111712. 

  • NAB arrests Jang/Geo Group owner Mir Shakilur Rehman

    NAB arrests Jang/Geo Group owner Mir Shakilur Rehman

    Pakistani media mogul, philanthropist and Jang/Geo Group owner Mir Shakilur Rehman on Thursday was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore in what sources said was a case pertaining to the purchase of a 54-kanal land.

    Rehman is accused of leasing the said land from former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 1986, which he was not eligible for.

    The anti-graft watchdog will produce Rehman in front of an accountability court on Friday for his physical remand, NAB spokesperson Nawazish Ali has said.

    The arrest comes a week after the Jang Group of Newspapers editor-in-chief appeared before NAB Lahore and informed anti-graft officials that he had purchased the 54 kanals from a private owner and possessed evidence of the same.

    He also asked the anti-graft watchdog to let him know in writing the information they required of him.

    “The NAB has honest officers as well,” Rehman had said while speaking to journalists outside the NAB office. The media mogul had added he was hopeful that the watchdog and the courts would decide the case fairly.

    In response to a question, he had said everyone was fully aware of the curbs on Pakistani media, and noted that similar accusations were levelled against him in the past as well but were proven to be false.