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  • Win for embattled Pakistan as 64-year-old coronavirus patient recovers

    In what is being termed as a major win for the country amid reports that the new coronavirus can be fatal for the elderly, a 64-year-old infected man in Karachi has been discharged from the hospital following complete recovery, government officials have confirmed.

    Journalist Omar Qureshi had on Thursday tweeted that a 64-year-old suffering from coronavirus in Pakistan had recovered.

    The tweet had come after reports said that a second patient infected with the COVID-19 had been discharged from the hospital.

    Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab confirmed the development, saying that the 64-year-old had tested negative and sent back home.

    Provincial health officials had on Wednesday said the second coronavirus patient in Karachi was recovering and would be discharged soon if his condition improved further.

    The resident of the port city’s Kharadar neighbourhood was admitted to Civil Hospital on February 29. According to the hospital administration, further tests were conducted on Wednesday and were sent to the lab. “The patient would be discharged if the test results are negative,” the hospital administration had added.

    The family members of COVID-19 patient were also tested the day he contracted the virus. However, the results were negative.

    Earlier, the first coronavirus patient was discharged from the hospital after full recovery.

    The patient was in isolation and treatment for the past 10 days and was tested three times.

    The young patient, who is believed to have contracted the virus in the Iranian holy city of Qum, was diagnosed on February 26 and subsequently shifted to the isolation ward of a private hospital. He had travelled to the Islamic Republic in a group of 28 pilgrims.

  • Coronavirus: IPL likely to begin without foreign players

    Coronavirus: IPL likely to begin without foreign players

    Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kasi Vishwanathan has made it clear that the fresh visa advisory from the Indian government has made it almost impossible for foreign players to join their respective teams in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before April 15 unless the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gets special permission.

    According to Indian media reports, the CEO said that most of the foreign players were booked on business visas and in such a scenario the fresh advisory sent out by the government on Wednesday said that they won’t be allowed entry till April 15, despite the cricketing tournament beginning later this month.

    “Most of the players are travelling with business visas and that is how they come and play in the IPL. So, it will be impossible for them to join the teams unless the BCCI gets special permission. As of now, it is not possible as the diktat is pretty clear and we cannot go against the government,” he said.

    Asked what could be the best way forward, he said, “The BCCI needs to sit down with the government and I mean both the central and the state governments across the board and get to some understanding on how they need to go forward. Unless special permission is given, it will not be possible for foreign players to join the teams.”

    A second meeting of the Group of Ministers — Cabinet Committee — on Wednesday had cancelled all visas, except for a few official categories, till April 15 in the wake of the growing coronavirus scare.

  • PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed foreign players, who are currently in the country for the ongoing fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to leave if they fear the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread in Pakistan amid government’s efforts to contain it.

    Another case being reported in Karachi on Friday took the total number of infections in Pakistan to 22. The patient is a 52-year-old who returned from Islamabad two days ago. The latest case is the first in Pakistan to have no history of foreign travel.

    “PCB allows all foreign players who wish to go back to their homes to leave their contracts with #PSLV. If a significant number leave, might really dent interest in the remaining matches. But few alternative options,” journalist Hasan Zaidi tweeted.

    The news comes a day after the Sindh government said the remaining matches of the popular T20 cricket championship in Karachi will be played without spectators.

    “This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the provincial government spokesperson, Murtaza Wahab, tweeted.

    Most of Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh where authorities are taking strict measures to control the outbreak. No cases have officially been reported in Punjab, while two of the reported cases have surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

  • 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.

  • Mohammed Hanif’s controversial novel’s Urdu publisher shortlisted for the prestigious Prix Voltaire award

    Mohammed Hanif’s controversial novel’s Urdu publisher shortlisted for the prestigious Prix Voltaire award

    Pakistani publishing house Maktaba-e-Daniyal, which published a translated Urdu version of Mohammed Hanif’s controversial novel, A Case of Exploding Mangoes, has been shortlisted for the prestigious International Publishers Association’s (IPA) Prix Voltaire honour.

    The publishing house had come under fire in January 2020 for publishing the Urdu translation of the novel, which presents a satirical take on the plane crash that killed former military dictator, General Ziaul Haq. The book won the Best First Book Award in the year 2009 in the Commonwealth Book Prize.

    Hanif took to social media to share the news and express his excitement.

    The prize honours those publishers who have presented courage and have exercised their right to freedom of expression. It also carries a cash prize of $9,000.

    According to IPA, “Freedom of expression and freedom to publish are human rights under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet the freedom to publish is under continuous, sustained daily attack, with writers and publishers vilified, jailed, tortured and killed merely for doing their jobs. In 2005, the IPA created the Freedom to Publish Prize to honour a person or organisation adjudged to have made a significant contribution to the defence and promotion of freedom to publish in the world. In 2016, the prize was renamed the IPA Prix Voltaire, in tribute to the French philosopher and writer François-Marie Arouet (pen name Voltaire), who propounded a doctrine of tolerance and free expression before the terms were in general use. Moreover, between 1755 and 1759 Voltaire lived in Geneva, Switzerland, where the IPA is based, before moving to the nearby French border town of Ferney, which was renamed Ferney-Voltaire in his honour after the French Revolution.”

    Other publishing houses that have been short-listed include Turkish publishing house Avesta Yayinlari, which has faced several lawsuits, investigations and attacks; Gerakbudaya Publishing House in Malaysia which has published a number of books on controversial topics; and Liberal Publishing House in Vietnam which presented a “direct challenge” to the government which attempted to control the publishing industry in Vietnam.

    The winner of this years’ award will be announced at the 33rd International Publishers Congress in Norway scheduled to take place in May.

  • 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.”