SHRC orders to reinstate employees

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), headed by Justice (Rtd) Majida Razvi, has ordered M/s Al-Ghazi Tractors Ltd to reinstate its two employees to their original cadres as their resignations were obtained illegally under duress and in violation of laws. 

The HR Commission issued the order on petitions filed by Muhammed Jahan Zaib and Ms Iffat Khan charging the company of obtaining their resignations under duress and later terminating their services during COVID-19 pandemic. 

The respondents, the Commission’s written order said, had clearly violated the law of Sindh COVID-19 Relief Ordinance 2020 and Sindh Terms of Employment (Standing Order) Act 2015 in the due course which also leads to violation of fundamental rights of the petitioners as they were not given the opportunity to be heard. 

The SHRC ordered that the two petitioners be also compensated financially for the time they stayed away from their jobs due to unlawful act of the respondent. The order further said that strict disciplinary action may be taken against the officers responsible for duress and harassment against the employees of AGTL. 

The Commission observed that the allegations leveled in the present cases clearly indicate the intention of the respondent as both the petitioners were shown two letters, one resignation and other termination and they had no choice but to choose one. 

It noted that knowing the general psyche of the employees that resignation was generally preferred over termination the respondent played with it and succeeded in obtaining the expected result. 

“Therefore it can be said that the resignations were obtained under force and as such are illegal and null and void,” it was ruled.

China’s new ambassador to present credentials next week

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The newly designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong, is scheduled to meet President Dr Arif Alvi next week to present his credentials and deliver an important message from President Xi Jinping. 

The first non-career diplomat for Pakistan for 40 years, Nong Rong assumed his assignment in Islamabad last week and had important meetings with senior top officers, including that of the Foreign Office. 

He has brought a special message of goodwill of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the government and people of Pakistan that he would deliver to the President Dr Arif Alvi. 

Ambassador Nong Rong has been dealing in foreign trade and economic affairs for the past three decades besides in various capacities. He, however, was never associated with the Chinese Foreign Office but he’s known to be having tremendous skill of negotiating and comprehending trade and economic matters. 

Nong Rong, 53, belongs to the remote southern Chinese autonomous region of Guangxi Zhuang which is located near Vietnam’s border. 

The diplomatic sources said that Nong Rong would provide much needed impetus to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship gigantic Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting China with the whole world through new highways and routes. He is regarded among close aides of current Chinese leadership.

Author Asma Hasan showered with praise in Mayar-e-Zindagi’s felicitation ceremony

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), one of the pioneering non-governmental organizations of the country engaged in the field of education and research, befittingly hosted felicitation ceremony for Jumbo Publishing’s new book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ at its record office, housed in Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on October 28. 

Having been branded as ‘Dream Book by Dream Team’ the LPB event brought to light the various aspects of the book, authored by the Lahore-based Asma Hassan, as three eminent scholars generously praised the publication for its unique content and excellent production. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, LPB, and a former chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi, described ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ as a multi-faceted book which covered the different aspects of life and it possessed all the ingredients to the keep the readers engrossed. 

“It’s really fascinating to go through the various chapters which are precise and to the point. It’s a kind of a family book which could be read by all members regardless of their age. I will strongly recommend this publication to everyone who is fond of books because there’s a lot to learn from it besides obtaining pleasure of reading,” the living legend of library science complimented. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Chief Editor, Adab Wa Kutub Khana, and also the first lady chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi, reckoned that Asma Hassan has done a service to the nation by bringing out such a wonderful book in the national language on the subject of sociology. 

“Asma Hassan represents the younger generation of writers and it’s very heartening to note that she has chosen to share her thoughts in Urdu which will allow the book to be read by the masses of the country. It’s also very encouraging to discover that she has penned her thoughts in very candid manner,” Prof Dr Nasim Fatima noted. 

Dr Amna Khatoon, Lecturer, Allama Iqbal Open University, and Editor, Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ), was equally impressed with high quality of production of book which will facilitate the readers in their quest for knowledge. 

“While Asma Hassan’s articles illustrate wisdom and motivation, another major factor in making the book handy and useful is its neat printing which will not irritate the bookworms. Another plus point is the selection of optimum font size which makes the book reader friendly,” she noted. 

Having contributed foreword to the book, renowned social worker, Nasreen Masood, who was also the guest of honour in the ceremony, showered Asma Hassan with praise for starting her career as an author with a bang. 

“It’s not often that authors are able to earn this kind of reception and recognition in their first book but Asma Hassan has really done a marvelous work and she thoroughly deserves all this attention,” Nasreen Masood complimented. 

Addressing the ceremony via video link from Lahore, author Asma Hassan expressed her gratitude to the worthy speakers for lauding her book and boosting her spirits. 

 

“Although I have been passionate about writing since childhood, the publication of my first book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ was certainly the fulfillment my most cherished dream in life yet. But I had never dreamed to be praised by such learned scholars. I am simply overwhelmed by the appreciation and I don’t have adequate words to reciprocate,” she observed. 

“Inspired by the success of my first book, I will continue improving my writing skills and I will try my best to author many more books in future aimed at serving the people,” Asma Hassan added. 

In his closing remarks, Syed Khalid Mahmood, on behalf of Jumbo Publishing, congratulated Asma Hassan for writing such wonderful and inspirational articles during the ongoing pandemic which were put together in book form and titled ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ which is now being promoted as Dream Book by Dream Team. 

He also thanked Library Promotion Bureau for having organized the ceremony which was a testimonial to the book of being high in quality and value. 

Published just a month ago, ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ has been widely hailed for its catchy name, the lively painting from emerging artist Beenish Khalid on the cover page, and the absorbing content between covers. The superbly printed hardbound book is being sold at a retail price of Rs 495 in Pakistan.

LPB set to hold Mayar-e-Zindagi’s felicitation ceremony on October 28

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

All is set for Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), one of the most respected non-governmental organizations of the country, to organize felicitation ceremony for the newly published book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ at its record office, housed in Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on October 28. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, LPB, and a former chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi, will be the first speaker and he will be followed by Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Chief Editor, Adab Wa Kutub Khana, and also the first lady chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi. 

Dr Amna Khatoon, Lecturer, Allama Iqbal Open University, and Editor, Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ), will be the third and final LPB speaker to share her views about the book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ having been authored by the Lahore-based writer, Asma Hassan. 

Renowned social worker, Nasreen Masood, who has contributed foreword to the book, to be the guest of honour in the ceremony, will also speak on the occasion. Author Asma Hassan will address the ceremony via video link while the closing remarks will be delivered by Syed Khalid Mahmood on behalf of Jumbo Publishing. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ is being promoted as Dream Book by Dream Team by Jumbo Publishing and the book turned out to be one of the major attractions at the Online Book Fair organized by Paramount Books earlier this month. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ has been widely hailed for its catchy name, the lively painting from emerging artist Beenish Khalid on the cover page, and the creative contents between covers. The superbly printed hardbound book is being sold at a retail price of Rs 495 in Pakistan.

PLISJ completes 51 years of non-stop publication

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ), a quarterly publication of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), Karachi, has successfully completed 51 years of its non-stop publication by bringing out its October-December 2020 issue (Volume 51, Number 4) recently. 

It has lived to the reputation of braving all challenges as the quarterly journal has come out in time once more even though the life in general still remained disturbed by the pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) whose second wave has already caused concerns in Pakistan and many other countries. 

Besides overcoming the unforeseen obstacles, as a result of the virus from the beginning of the current year, the LPB management has had to continuously tackle the lukewarm response from the library professionals in matters relating to subscription and its timely remittances. 

The PLISJ Chief Editor, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, who is also the Founder President of the LPB, has pointed it out in nearly every issue of the journal but somehow the community of library professionals, having reaped enormous benefits from it, has remained sluggish in their response. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, an ex-chairperson of the University of Karachi’s Library and Information Science department, alnogwith his trustworthy lieutenant and former student, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, has been chiefly responsible for keeping the bureau as well as the journal afloat against the heaviest of odds.

800 Afghan students to get scholarships in Pakistan

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

As many as eight hundred Afghan students avail scholarship to get education in various universities of Pakistan. 

This was announced by the Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmed Khan, during a ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. 

The event was attended by the group of 800 Afghan students, leaving for Pakistan for getting education under a scholarship scheme, according to a twitter message. 

The Afghanistan Minister for Higher Education, Dr Abbas Basir, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Pakistani movie to be screened across China

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A Pakistani movie is a part of the hectic preparations having got underway to celebrate 2021 the year of Pakistan-China establishment of diplomatic relationship. 

‘Parwaaz Hai Janoon’ is a film, packed with action, romance and war, which would be screen across China from November 13. The movie was made in 2018. 

It’s going to be the first Pakistani film to be shown in China in last 45 years. It’s a contrast of action and romance being shown as part of commemorations of upcoming 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China next year. 

The relationship between Pakistan and China has been very strong over the years and it has also been referred to as iron clad brotherhood.

China-made Pakistan's Orange Line Metro Train being commissioned at Lahore on October 25

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Orange Line Metro Train, developed with financial and technical assistance of China, is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Punjab Chief Minister, Usman Buzdar, at Lahore on October 25. 

For the auspicious occasion, the new Chinese Ambassador, Rong Nong who arrived in Pakistan a couple of days ago, has also been invited. 

The metro train for the public will be available from October 26. A fare of Rupees 40 has been fixed initially and it will be reviewed after six months. The metro train will cover 27-km distance in 45 minutes.

In the first phase, the train would start operation from 7 in the morning and end operation at 8 in night. A team of Chinese experts has imparted training to Pakistani train drivers and other associated staff. 

The commissioning of metro train has fulfilled another project launched under the auspices of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Olive saplings distributed in KP

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) government has distributed over nine thousand saplings of olive free of cost to the Bajore districts in order to boost its production. 

The KP government has planned to plant olive saplings in 15,000 acre of land that would help create jobs, generate income for the local population as well as the country could save a lot of precious foreign exchange being spent on import of edible oil made of olive. 

The federal government has also been proactive in this matter and efforts are being made for boosting this particular sector.

Olive harvest reaches 11,000 tons

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The local olive harvest cultivation in the country during the current season is projected to cross 11,000 tons, showing a significant development towards reducing reliance on the imported edible oil as well as to exploit the export potential of this particular agriculture produce.

“The country is expecting to extract about 13,000 tons of extra virgin olive worth millions of dollars that would help to boost the farm income with less investment and use of inputs,” Project Director of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan, Dr Muhammad Tariq, disclosed in an interview. 

He pointed out that olive has been successfully cultivated over 27,000 hectares of land across the country and it was set to extend its cultivation to over 70,000 hectares to turn the marginal lands into productive for enhancing the income of small scale growers. 

Under the olive cultivation project the farmers were provided about 550,000 plants last year and this year over 675,000 more plants would be distributed. 

Dr Tariq added that the government intended to provide about 2.2 million plants and bring about 50,000 hectares under olive cultivation by end of 2022-23, adding that if continued with same spirit, the country would be included in the list of potential exports of extra virgin olive oil. 

Meanwhile, the provincial governments of Punjab and Balochistan have also installed three units each in different districts, whereas the private sector was also active and had installed its mobile plants in Fasilabad and Chakwal. 

In order to facilitate the local growers of Balochistan, five oil processing units have been installed there, besides the farmers were also provided training of value addition of the product and processing. 

This year, he said that the government had decided to organize two-day International Olive Conference in Khuzdar, which would be virtually participated by experts from Greece, Italy and Spain, adding that local scientists and experts would also take part in the event. 

The conference to be held from October 21 is aimed to encourage olive cultivation in the province which have a brighter scope in back drop of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

LPB to organize felicitation ceremony for Mayar-e-Zindagi on October 28

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), one of the oldest serving non-governmental organizations of the country, will be organizing felicitation ceremony for the newly published book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ at its research office, housed in Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on October 28. 

According to details, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, LPB, and a former chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Chief Editor, Adab Wa Kutub Khana, and also the first lady chairperson of the Library and Information Science department at the University of Karachi, and Dr Amna Khatoon, Lecturer, Allama Iqbal Open University, will share their views about the book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ having been authored by Asma Hassan. 

Eminent social worker, Nasreen Masood, who has contributed foreword to the book, will be the guest of honour on the occasion while its author Asma Hassan will join the action from Lahore via zoom. 

Having been brought out by Jumbo Publishing last, ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ is being promoted as Dream Book by Dream Team and it has already caught the imagination of the masses as it made a worthy appearance at the recently concluded Online Book Fair organized by Paramount Books. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ has been recognized for its catchy name, the attractive painting from emerging artist Beenish Khalid on the cover page, and the high quality contents between covers. The neatly printed hardbound book has a retail price of Rs 495 in Pakistan.

KCCI chief tributes Hakim Said

 By Syed Sajid Aziz

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“The whole world knows about Hakim Muhammad Said as a legendary scholar, author, researcher and philanthropist but let’s not lose sight of the fact that he was also a visionary entrepreneur who created jobs for millions of people during his lifetime by founding an organization like Hamdard Laboratories,” Shariq Vohra, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), complimented on the occasion of the death anniversary of Hakim Muhammad Said on October 17. 

“The services of Hakim Muhammad Said the great in trade and commerce have not been particularly highlighted because of his awesome stature in the fields of tibb, medical science, literature, education and social work,” he added.

“We salute him and we remember him for his accomplishments which continue to be the source of inspiration for all of us,” the KCCI President acknowledged. Hakim Said was born at Delhi on January 9, 1920. 

He was a quick learner from the outset and he had acquired command in the languages of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and English from a young age. 

Although his family had an established herbal medical business in India, he chose to migrate to the newly founded country of Pakistan in 1948. 

Upon arrival he began his practice of tibb at Karachi before setting up Hamdard Dawakhana at a later stage from where he started manufacturing of herbal medicines. 

The establishment of Hamdard Laboratories turned out to be a masterstroke as it produced, among others, the flagship syrup of Rooh Afza which became one of the leading brands of the country. He started Hamdard Foundation to extend his philanthropic works. 

Hailed as one of the most respected personalities of the country, Hakim Said was appointed the Governor of Sindh in 1993. He was assassinated in Karachi on October 17, 1998.

Former SSUET VC passes away

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Dr Jawaid Hassan Rivzi, a former Vice Chancellor and Dean Applied Sciences of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) passed away on October 16. 

A learned mathematician and a proactive administrator, he had earned the reputation of being a thorough gentleman man and a kind human being whose forte was courteous attitude towards his associates and fellow professionals. 

He’s recognized for having played a pivotal role in the progress, success and development of the SSUET and his services will be remembered for a long time. 

Sports in general and cricket in particular were among his favourite pastimes and he followed the big events very keenly despite his preoccupations at the SSUET.

Railways to mobilize all resources to overcome train derailments: DS Karachi

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways, Karachi, Arshad Salam Khattak, has vowed that their institution will mobilize all resources to overcome train derailments and prevent accidents. 

He conducted an extensive inspection of railways infrastructure from Karachi City to Karachi Bunder, commonly called KBX yard, on October 12. 

He was accompanied by Divisional Transportation Officer (P) Ghulam Farid Asad, Divisional Engineer-1, Khadim Hussain Bhambro, Divisional Medical Officer Dr Abdul Samad, Assistant Officers and related staff. 

The pedestrian inspection, primarily focused on the track, was so holistic that it took four hours in covering almost one mile distance. 

The staff deputed enroute was inquired about the recent derailments happened in yards. 

The DS pinpointed the spots of derailments along the track and directed the concerned officers for utilizing all the available resources for concluding a smooth and steady freight train operation. 

The office record available at SS office City Station and Divisional Transportation Manager (Dry Port) office was also examined thoroughly. The DS was apprised about some major requisites by the staff working at the site. He directed the officers for providing them at the earliest.

Coronavirus Update: Relief in Karachi?

 By Mukhtar Alam

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

To the disbelief of many, Karachi, the worst affected, among big cities of Pakistan, due to COVID-19 reported its daily new cases very marginally on October 11, which was 22 during the last 24 hours, taking the tally of the infections to 140,294 for the entire province.

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his daily COVID-19 statement on October 11, shared that in all 163 new cases were detected out of 8,497 tests across the province. 

According to him, Karachi division’s four districts registered a total 22 new cases, while two others, South and Korangi, did not report any cases during the last 24 hours ending October 11 morning. 

Karachi was the city which reported the first COVID-19 case of the country on February 26 and since then there had been no letup in term of the infection here. Since the outbreak the city reported on an average 400 new cases daily until October 10. 

Keen observers were of the view that the October 11 figure was not any true reflection of the disease’s prevalence in Karachi. 

According to official data, there were 4,810 active patients of COVID-19 in the province by October 11, including 4,506 receiving the treatment at homes, six in the isolation centres and 298 in hospitals, including 148 critically ill and 22 put on ventilators. 

In the meantime, six more expired in the province during the last 24 hours, taking the total of COVID-19 fatalities to 2,555. 

The breakdown of the new cases remained as Karachi (22), Hyderabad (9), Dadu (8), Jamshoro (6), Sanghar (4), Ghotki (3), Larkana (3), Matiari (2), Mirpurkhas (2), Sujawal (2), Tando Allahyar (2), Shaheed Benazirabad (1), Shikarpur (1), Tando Mohammad Khan (1), Umerkot (1) and Badin (1). On the other hand, 137 patients recovered from the diseases, taking the tally of cured people to 132,933.

China joins global effort to ensure COVID vaccine access for all

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

China has placed itself among three additional countries to have signed on to a global initiative aimed at ensuring fair and equitable access to a coronavirus vaccine once developed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a UN specialized agency. 

Together with South Korea and the tiny Pacific island of Nauru, China joined the COVAX Facility this week, bringing the total number of participating nations and economies to 171, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced during his regular media briefing in Geneva on the pandemic. 

“The world is eagerly anticipating the results of trials of vaccines against COVID-19, which are needed for WHO authorization. Once we have an effective vaccine, we must also use it effectively, and the best way to do that is by making sure it’s available to all countries equitably through the COVAX Facility,” Tedros said. 

The global mechanism will work to deliver two billion doses by the end of next year. It currently has the largest portfolio of potential vaccines, with several in advanced human trials. 

“The more countries that participate in the COVAX Facility, the greater opportunity of being able to roll out vaccines as rapidly as possible, as fairly as possible, to reduce the risk of severe COVID disease globally,” Dr. Bruce Aylward, Senior WHO Advisor, added.

Coronavirus Update: Spike halted?

 By Mukhtar Alam

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Though there was an impression that cases of COVID-19 were on increase again in Sindh, the authorities on October 10. confirmed an almost 50% decrease in number of samples tested for the virus across the province during the last 24 hours.

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his COVID-19 status statement, revealed that as many as 7,515 suspected samples were examined at different laboratories by October 10 morning, against the collective daily maximum capacity of 14,940 tests. 

No reason was given for the reduced testing activities, while the daily new infection rate remained static around 3%. 

The designated COVID-19 testing services had handled 11,138 samples during the 24 hours ending on October 9 morning, out of which 376 (3.37%) were found positive for the lethal virus. 

According to the chief minister’s statement, as many as six new relevant fatalities were registered on October 10, while the number of patients actively suffering from the virus stood at 4,787, out of which 4,491 were in home-isolation, six in the isolation centre, while only 289 were hospitalized, including 187 those undergoing the critical phase of their health and 32 put on ventilators. 

As far as the breakdown of 221new cases were concerned, Karachi headed the table once with 59 cases (27%) followed by Hyderabad (11), Jamshoro (8), Larkana (5), Sukkur (5), Ghotki (3), Mirpurkhas (3), Shaheed Benazirabad (2), Tando Mohammad Khan (2), Jacobabad (2), Dadu (1), Umerkot (1) and others. 

Of the laboratories designated for the coronavirus detection at Karachi, five each from the private and public sector facilities conducted 3,075 tests during the last 24 hours, against 4,440 samples examined by two public sector laboratories at Hyderabad and Larkana. 

According to official reports, six deaths registered by Sindh on October 10 included five from Karachi and one from Shaheed Benazirabad. It was learnt that the two persons who lost their lives due to the virus infection on October 9 belonged to Karachi while two of the eight people, who expired on October 8, were reported receiving treatment at homes.

Dream book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ brightens Paramount’s Online Book Fair

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s recently published dream book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ happens to be a star attraction in the Online Book Fair 2020 being organized by Paramount Books, the market leaders in bookselling industry of Pakistan. 

The ongoing event, having started on October 9, will continue until October 18. ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ is a compilation of articles and write-ups authored by the Lahore-based Asma Hassan, who has been launched as an author by Jumbo Publishing, having the reputation of promoting and supporting budding intellectuals besides working with the literary bigwigs. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ is a kind of book which will captivate the readers with its subjects which they come across in day to day life routinely.

It’s quite refreshing to go through the observations of a young writer who has also offered possible solutions for the problems which keep confronting people of all ages. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ has been very rightly classified in the sociology section by Paramount Books and, as it could be seen on the website, it’s probably the only such book in its category available in Urdu at the moment. 

‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ has already been acclaimed for its name, the eye-catching painting from promising artist Beenish Khalid on the cover page, and the contents. 

The hardbound book, having a retail price of Rs 495 in Pakistan, is available for Rs 446 during the ongoing Paramount’s Online Book Fair which can be accessed by clicking www.paramountbooks.com.pk 

Once reaching the website of Paramount Books, one can find a huge number of titles, besides Asma Hassan’s Mayar-e-Zindagi, on every conceivable subject and the attraction of generous discounts during the Online Book Fair should make it one of the most visited portals during the next one week or so.

PM urges people to wear face masks

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged people to wear face masks in public to avoid spreading of second wave of COVID-19 as winter was approaching. 

“Compared to some other states, Allah has been kind to us in Pak & spared us worst effects of COVID-19. There is a fear onset of winter could result in 2nd wave. I urge everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike. All offices & ed institutions must ensure masks are worn,” he tweeted on October 4. 

Earlier, the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC), leading the country’s coronavirus response, had also asked all provinces and federating units to launch a crackdown on restaurants and wedding halls violating standard operative procedures (SOPs) framed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the wake of a fresh surge in infections, particularly in Karachi. 

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has also issued a fresh warning over the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country, fearing that the country could be headed for a second wave of the disease.

Helipad service restored at JPMC

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The helipad built at the country's largest Jinnah Post Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, which remained dormant for a very long time has now been restored with the landing of a chopper of Sindh government. 

It was disclosed by Dr Seemi Jamali, Executive Director, JPMC, while talking on media on October 5. 

She informed that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has allowed the restoration of air ambulance landing operations at the JPMC helipad. 

It may be noted that the founder of Edhi Foundation, the late Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi, had launched the Edhi Air Ambulance service. 

The restoration of air ambulance service will greatly help patients needing immediate medical assistance, particularly those suffering from heart strokes.

Coronavirus Update: 267 new cases in Sindh

 By Mukhtar Alam

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sindh registered another 267 new COVID cases, out of 9,918 suspected samples on October 3, against Pakistan’s 632 new infections during the last 24 hours, taking the tally of infection to 138,050 for the province.

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his daily COVID-19 status statement, informed that there were 4,719 infected people receiving treatment at Homes (4,440), isolation centres (7) and hospitals (272). 

He further stated that of the patients admitted at hospitals, 201 were undergoing the critical phase, while another 39 were put on ventilators, as of morning of October 3. 

In all, 1, out of 28 designated COVID-19 testing laboratories, handled the suspected samples during the last 24 hours. 

These laboratories included LUMHS (5,188), Chughtai Lab (1,071), Indus Hospital (1,056), PMCD KU (894), AKUH (888) and others. 

The district-wise breakdown of new cases came as: Karachi (195), Hyderabad (10), Dadu (6), Badin (5), Larnkana (3), Shaheed Benazirabad (3), Sanghar (2), Sukkur (2), Ghotki (2), Mirpurkhas (2), Khairpur (2), Jamshoro (1) and others. 

In the meantime, three more patients died of COVID-19 on October 3, taking the total of relevant fatalities to 2,520 for Sindh and 6,513 for Pakistan. 

The three fatalities occurred in Karachi East, taking its own tally of patients who lost their lives to the lethal virus to 708, out of 25,348 infections. 

On October 2, as per official data, four patients were reported dead due to the diseases from Karachi, while one died at Noushero Feroze. Earlier, 17 patients were registered dead at Karachi and one at Sujawal on October 1.

Electric buses planned in Karachi

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhary, has disclosed that the government planned to ply electric buses in Karachi.

"I have submitted my plan in this regard to the Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail" the federal minister informed the media persons in Karachi on October 3. 

The Governor, the minister continued, would discuss the plan with the Sindh Chief' Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah. 

Fawad Chaudhry further stated that he too would meet the Sindh Chief Minister in this regard during his next visit.

Coronavirus Update: Apprehension of momentum gain in Karachi

 By Mukhtar Alam

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Amidst apprehension that COVID-19 was gaining momentum again in Sindh, Karachi’s daily infection rate remained almost static, though on the higher side, on October 2 when the authorities confirmed another 316 cases, with five related deaths, during the last 24 hours.

The health authorities at Karachi registered 70.5% new cases out of Sindh’s daily tally of October 2. Earlier the megapolis reported 249 (69%) new cases on October 1, 221 (71%) on September 30, 297 (74%0 on September 29 and 185 (73.7% on September 27. 

With five new relevant deaths the fatality tally for the province was pushed to 2,517 on October 2. However, no data and information related to deaths or cases specific status of districts were available on the Sindh health department’s website. 

The only source of information relevant to COVID-19 was the Sindh Chief Minister’s statement which, according to an observer, was too little in this direction. 

He suggested to the government to ensure a timely and fair dissemination of updates on the diseases and improve its monitoring system at the airports and other entry points and gathering spots, to avert any massive second spell of COVID-19 in the province. 

Meanwhile in his daily COVID-19 statement, Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah on October 2, shared that there were 4,536 active patients of the infection across Sindh, including 4250 in home isolation, seven in designated isolation centres and 270 at hospitals, adding thath ealth condition of 200 patients was critical while 37 were put on ventilators. 

In all 12,990 samples were tested during the 24 hours ending 8 am on October 2, while the district wise breakdown of new positive cases came as: Karachi (223), Hyderabad (9), Badin (8), Dadu (5), Kambar Shahdadkot (5), Jamshoro (4), Larkana (3), Ghotki (2), Matiari (2), Tando Mohammad Khan (2), Mirpurkhas (1), Naushero Feroze (1), Sukkur (1), Tando Allahyar (1), Thatta (1), and others. 

Sindh registered 57% of the new cases recorded in the country on October 2, while 62% of the deaths. In the meantime, the national COVID-19 dashboard's graphics showed Sindh’s new cases as 677 new fatalities as 18 for October 1, which, according to a keen observer, needed to be rechecked.

Oil prices dip after Trump gets coronavirus, economies wobble

 By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Oil prices fell five percent on October 2 after the US President, Donald Trump, tested positive for COVID-19 and negotiators failed to agree a US stimulus package just as rising global oil output threatened to overwhelm a weak price recovery. 

Brent crude was reported to have slipped on the Trump news and was down $2.05, or 5.01 percent, at $38.88 a barrel by 1324 GMT. US oil was down $2.01, or 5.19 percent, at $36.71. 

According to reports, the US and Brent crude were heading for drops of around nine percent and seven percent respectively this week for a second consecutive week of declines.

“US unemployment data was a little bit below expectations but the oil price fall is part of the broader correction we’ve seen over the last few days driven by bearish macro sentimentand technical trading,” Harry Tchilinguirian, head of commodity research at BNP Paribas, was quoted as saying. 

“We’ve moved below several short-term moving averages, 30, 50 and 100-days, so the market is looking for the next support level, which could be around $37 a barrel,” he added.

Pakistani female student excels in agro-ecosystems

 By Masood Sattar Khan

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The insect-pest has long been a problem for Pakistani farmers, and the aim to ease the burden of farmers and improve yield has sparked Hafiza Javeria Ashraf, a Pakistani student, in learning agri-entomology and pest control in China. 

"I hope I can play a role in integrated pest management (IPM) that emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control,” Javeria Ashraf, a female PhD scholar at the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) in China, remarked. 

Javeria had graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural entomology. She proceeded to China for higher studies and received master’s degree at the FAFU in 2018. 

As one of the top 10 students, she was rewarded by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) and the FAFU where she continued her PhD study in plant protection. The scholarship was established for excellent scientists in the agricultural field based on an agreement signed between FAFU and UAF in 2017.

“Being a girl, I’m the first one among the whole family to come overseas for studies. My parents supported me upon this decision and encouraged me to acquire a doctorate from China,” Javeria said. 

“The facilities provided by the State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, FAFU, and my respectable adviser, Prof. Liande Wang, is the major reasons I was able to pursue my research dreams,” she acknowledged. 

“As I have a keen interest in and a grip on basic knowledge in plant protection, I deliberately chose the research subject of pests control, under which I study the insects that impair the growth of orange orchards,” Javeria stated. 

“Being a patriotic person, I prefer to go back to serve my country and contribute my knowledge and skills to my motherland as it is flourishing and the agriculture sector needs experts like me to realize higher production,” she concluded.

Coronavirus Update: Sindh reports 311 new cases

 By Mukhtar Alam

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sindh, with two related fatalities, reported over a half of the new COVID-19 cases detected in the country during the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally of the infected people to 312,806 for the country.

As many as 10,940 suspected samples were tested across the Sindh confirming 311 new cases with a positivity rate of 2.8% during the last 24 hours ending September 30 morning against a total 34,239 samples tested in the country. Pakistan’s overall new infection rate stood at 1.6% same day.

The details related to two new deaths in Sindh were not available as the Sindh health department’s officers remained silent about it. The daily situation report was updated for the last time on the department’s website on September 29. 

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a COVID-19 related statement, disclosed that there were 4,255 active patients across the province on September 30, out of which 3978 (94%) were in home-isolation, while six were in isolation centres against 271 receiving treatment at various hospitals adding that health condition of 181 hospitalized patients was stated critical, while 38 were put on ventilators. 

He revealed that Karachi’s six districts collectively reported 221 (71%) of the new cases, while Hyderabad (14), followed by Jamshoro (6), Badin (4), Dadu (4), Sujawal (3), Ghotki (2), Khairpur (1), Naushero Feroze (1), Shaheed Benazirabad (1), Sukkur (1), Thatta (1) and others. 

Another 215 patients were reported having recovered from the diseases, taking the number of cured patients to 130,352 for Sindh on September 30.

Rotary Darakhshan, LPB call to develop reading culture in Pakistan

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top functionaries of Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), who jointly organized a seminar on the subject of COVID-19’s impact on libraries at the bureau’s record office, housed in Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on September 30, have called for developing reading culture in the country in order to keep pace with the times. 

“Whatever the circumstances or no matter how long this pandemic stays, we have to devise a strategy whereas people have the tools to access information so that they are not left behind in competing with those living in other parts of the world,” Jahangir Moghul, a former District Governor of Rotary International besides being Charter President of RCKD, reckoned. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President of LPB, did not mince words in stating that the government should do much more in engaging the masses into reading, suggesting that the improvement of public libraries and school libraries was the best way to do it. 

Asim Murtaza Khan, President, RCKD, pointed out that COVID-19 crisis has acted as a point of inflection for the shift from conventional libraries to e-libraries during lockdown as people had surplus time at their disposal and quest for knowledge increased during this period. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a stalwart in the profession of library and information science, regretted the closing of e-libraries in Punjab at a time when rest of the world was busy in creating more digital facilities for its people. She urged for the development of libraries, also providing books at doorstep to the readers. 

Syed Khalid Mahmood, Vice President, RCKD, spoke about the multiple social problems having been caused by the closure of public libraries in the developed countries during the lockdown period. He stressed for better coordination and networking between the various stakeholders for developing library culture in Pakistan.

Syed Ahmed Naqvi of LPB, in his introductory remarks, spoke about the need to develop software for online content to be made available in Urdu and other regional languages for the benefit of the masses while Waqas Moghul, Secretary, RCKD, in his closing comments, described books as the best companion for mankind. 

The programme was organized by RCKD, Rotary International had designated the month of September for basic education and literacy.