Month: September 2021
MDCAT: Medical students want PMC to reconduct the test, protest enters 4th day. Report: Asghar Ali Mubarak
MDCAT: Medical students want PMC to reconduct the test, protest enters 4th day
By: Asghar Ali Mubarak
Islamabad: Medical students from across the country are gathered near D-Chowk for protest against the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) and demanded that the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) should be held on a single day across the country. They said according to PMC Act a single test had to be held every year. However, under the interpretation of the law by the PMC each student would be allowed to sit a single test. But the students were demanding that the test should be held again on a single day. They alleged that the data of students were stolen as the website of the private company holding the MDCAT has been hacked. On the fourth consecutive day the Medical students’ demonstrators now plan to march towards the national assembly secretariat declared Red Zone Islamabad. Earlier, the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) C on Thursday September 23, 2021 called the students for negotiations after which a five-member delegation held a meeting with the PMC management. However, they could not reach any decision due to which the students staged the sit-in. On Monday in this regard a heavy police contingent has arrived at the protest site and sealed the road leading towards the Red Zone. The commission has already been under fire as it had given the contract of holding the computer-based MDCAT to a company which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) after the expiry date for submission of the applications for the contract. The PMC fixed Rs6,000 as a fee for each student to sit the test. In July this year, Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) had suggested to the PMC president and the government to take notice of the violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules in the award of the MDCAT contract. The letter addressed to PMC President Dr Arshad Taqi, available with media stated that the commission had awarded the contract worth millions of rupees to a service providing firm incorporated in SECP after the advertisement date. The request for proposals was advertised by the PMC on May 4, 2021, from the service providing firms to hold a computer-based MCQ exam on an annual basis for about 175,000 students and the first exam was to be held in August 2021.The PMC had demanded that the service provider must have installed/available a minimum of 2,500-3,000 laptop/portable computer terminals of specifications and standards capable of handling a computerized examination to be located at centres in at least 20 designated cities across Pakistan.
The advertisement stated that proposals may be submitted in seven days and not later than May 10, 2021.The contract was awarded to M/S SOAR Testing and Evaluation Platform (SMC-PVT) and then the company requested the PMC to release an advance payment of over Rs115 million without deduction of the withholding tax (WHT) to adjust from its share, it stated. The letter signed by TIP Vice Chairperson retired Justice Nasira Iqbal stated that according to PPRA rules 15 days had to be given to the companies but the PMC provided only seven days. Moreover, there were a number of other violations, it added.
According to the PMC Conduct of Examinations Regulations 2021, the syllabus for the MDCAT exam shall not be bound to any textbook or the HSSC boards and questions in each paper will be randomly selected from an examination question bank. No person shall have the right to object to the questions. The Medical students have been out on the streets since Thursday September 23, 2021. They initially protested outside the Pakistan Medical Commission but didn’t receive any response by PMC. The protesters want the Pakistan Medical Commission to conduct the Medical and Dental College Admission Test again on a single day across the province. They claimed that the data of students was stolen after the website of the private company holding the MDCAT was hacked. “We want Prime Minister Imran Khan to oversee the matter. The future of thousands of students is at stake,” one of the protesters said, adding that they won’t budge unless their demands are met. Another student Najaf Ali said that the PMC claims it’s difficult to take tests on a single day given to the COVID-19 situation. “Everything else is open. Things have gone back to normal in every other sector. Why is it just us suffering?’ he said. If neighbor country can conduct exams of over a million students in a day why can’t the Pakistan Medical Commission do so too for 200,000 students? On September 23, a large number of medical students gathered outside Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry with a similar demand.
WHO PRAISED PAKISTAN’S COVID-19 VACCINATION, NCOC PERFORMANCE
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the COVID vaccination process in Pakistan, terming it fast-paced and effective as the country is inoculating over one million people daily. WHO representative in Pakistan Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala said in a media briefing today that there are countries where not more than two percent population is vaccinated. Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala was appointed WHO Representative in Pakistan in April 2019.Dr Mahipala is a medical specialist by profession. Before joining WHO, he was working as the Director-General of Health Services, Additional Secretary of Health and Deputy Director of General Public Health Services, Government of Sri Lanka. He is qualified in the fields of public health, health sector management, business administration and economic development.He has work experience with internaional organizations like the Global Fund and Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance. He was a lecturer and examiner at the postgraduate institute of Medicine in Sri Lanka. He has published articles in many national and international journals.
“Pakistan is showing a good performance regarding vaccination as more than one million people are receiving COVID jabs daily,” he said.
He said that the country has so far fully vaccinated its over 20 percent population while more than 40 percent have received their first jab.
He also lauded the NCOC performance and said that owing to its role, Pakistan’s response to the pandemic remained coordinated. “The death ratio owing to COVID has also remained low in Pakistan,” the WHO official said.
The number of total vaccines administered across Pakistan has crossed 70 million doses, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said in a statement on September 15.
In a social media statement, the NCOC announced that in Pakistan total, 70,402,987 vaccine shots have been administered till now.
The health officials administered 890,980 vaccine jabs in the country on September 14, according to the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).
WHO welcomes the addition of another therapeutic to the world’s arsenal against Covid-19, but it urges the producing company and governments to address the high price and limited production of Regeneron’s anti-body combination and ensure safe and appropriate handling of the medicine.
“Given the high cost and low availability of the combination therapy, WHO calls on Regeneron to lower prices and distribute it equitably across all regions, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and transfer the technology to allow for the manufacturing of biosimilar versions so all patients who may need this treatment could get the drugs,” it said.More over The vaccine developed by the Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products was listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 7. It is now approved for vaccination in 45 countries. After remaining among top 30 countries having the highest number of Covid-19 cases, Pakistan’s rank has dropped to 31st slot, apparently because of better strategy and policies being followed to deal with the pandemic.According to data of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) uploaded on its website, the number of active Covid-19 cases was 61,558 on Thursday. Of these patients, it said, 4,816 were admitted to different hospitals across the country.
Out of total 485 ventilators in use across the country on Thursday, over 70pc were occupied in Multan and Sargodha. Similarly, over 50pc beds with oxygen were in use in Swabi, Multan and Faisalabad.
On the other hand, consignments of three million doses of Sinovac and seven million doses of Sinopharm vaccines arrived in the country and were handed over to the Ministry of National Health Services.
Meanwhile, after remaining among top 30 countries for having the highest number of Covid-19 cases, Pakistan’s rank has dropped to 31st slot, apparently because of better strategy and policies to deal with the pandemic.
Sajid Shah, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services, told media that Pakistan had performed much better in controlling the virus compared to other countries of the world.
“The major initiative was to establish the NCOC which increased coordination among the provinces. Besides, the policy of smart lockdowns was introduced to save the country not only from suffering economically but also bring down the number of mounting Covid-19 cases. Though we are not producer of Covid-19 vaccine, the government ensured availability of the vaccine at the earliest and today we have ample quantity of vaccine doses across the country,” he said.
The NCOC data showed that a total of 1,232,595 Covid-19 cases have been reported since the outbreak of the disease across the country. Out of these, 1,143,605 people have recovered and 27,432 died. The remaining are active cases.
پاکستان میں عالمی ادارہ صحت کے سربراہ پلیتھاماہی پالا نے کورونا سے نمٹنے کے لیے پاکستانی کوششوں کی تعریف
اسلام آباد: پاکستان میں عالمی ادارہ صحت کے سربراہ پلیتھاماہی پالا نے کورونا سے نمٹنے کے لیے پاکستان کی کوششوں اور ویکسی نیشن کے عمل کی تعریف کی ہے۔
اسلام آباد میں میڈیا کو بریفنگ دیتے ہوئے پلیتھا ماہی پالانے کہا کہ ایسے ممالک ہیں جہاں دو فیصد آبادی کو ویکسین نہیں لگائی جاسکی لیکن پاکستان ویکسین لگانے میں بہتر کارکردگی دکھا رہا ہے اور پاکستان ایک روز میں 10 لاکھ ویکسین لگا رہا ہے۔
انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان کی ویکسین لگانےکی مہم انتہائی تیز اور مؤثر ہے، پاکستان میں مکمل ویکسین شدہ افرادکی تعداد 20 فیصد سے زائد ہوچکی ہے جب کہ پاکستان میں جزوی ویکسی نیشن والوں کی تعداد 40 فیصد سے زائد ہوگئی ہے۔
پلیتھا ماہی پالا کا کہنا تھاکہ ایسے ممالک ہیں جہاں ویکسین زیادہ ہونے کے باوجود کورونا کیسز کی تعداد زیادہ ہے لیکن پاکستان میں احتیاطی تدابیر کے باعث ویکسین ہونے کے باوجود کیسز کم رہے جب کہ پاکستان میں این سی او سی نے بہترین کام کیا اور پاکستان میں کورونا ریسپانس میں بہترین کوآرڈینشن رہی، کورونا کے باعث اموات کی شرح کم رہی جب کہ چوتھی لہر میں ویکسین کے باعث شرح اموات کم ہوئی، گزشتہ کئی روز سے ویکسی نیشن کے باعث کسی ہیلتھ ورکر کی موت نہیں ہوئی۔
ڈبلیو ایچ او کے کنٹری سربراہ نے مزید کہا کہ پاکستان میں اسمارٹ لاک ڈاؤن کی حکمت عملی کے باعث ڈیلٹا کیسز میں کمی آئی۔نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) نے کورونا کیخلاف زبردست کام کیا جسے دنیا تسلیم کرتی ہے۔
30 ستمبر کے بعد مختلف قسم کی پابندیاں لگنے والی ہیں۔ملک میں عالمی وبا کورونا وائرس کی چوتھی لہر کے دوران یومیہ کیسز کی تعداد 4 ہزار کے آس پاس ہے اور اس میں واضح کمی آرہی ہے۔۔ پاکستان میں این سی او سی قائم کرنابڑا اقدام تھاجس نے صوبوں کے درمیان ہم آہنگی کو بڑھایا۔ اس کے علاوہ ، سمارٹ لاک ڈاؤن کی پالیسی متعارف کرائی گئی تاکہ ملک کو نہ صرف معاشی طور پر مشکلات سے بچایا جا سکے بلکہ بڑھتے ہوئے کوویڈ 19 کیسز کی تعداد کو بھی کم کیا جا سکے۔ اگرچہ ہم کوویڈ 19 ویکسین کے پروڈیوسر نہیں ہیں ، حکومت نے جلد از جلد ویکسین کی دستیابی کو یقینی بنایا اور آج ہمارے پاس ملک بھر میں ویکسین کی خوراکیں کافی مقدار میں موجود ہیں ، این سی او سی کے اعداد و شمار سے پتہ چلتا ہے کہ ملک بھر میں بیماری کے پھیلنے کے بعد سے اب تک مجموعی طور پر 1،232،595 کوویڈ 19 کیس رپورٹ ہوئے ہیں۔ ان میں سے 1،143،605 لوگ صحت یاب ہوچکے ہیں اور 27،432 مر گئے ہیں۔ باقی ایکٹو کیسز ہیں۔ پاکستان میں عالمی ادارہ صحت کے سربراہ پلیتھاماہی پالا نے کورونا سے نمٹنے کے لیے پاکستان کی کوششوں اور ویکسی نیشن کے عمل کی تعریف کی ہےاسلام آباد میں میڈیا کو بریفنگ دیتے ہوئے پلیتھا ماہی پالانے کہا کہ ایسے ممالک ہیں جہاں دو فیصد آبادی کو ویکسین نہیں لگائی جاسکی لیکن پاکستان ویکسین لگانے میں بہتر کارکردگی دکھا رہا ہے اور پاکستان ایک روز میں 10 لاکھ ویکسین لگا رہا ہے۔ ۔ڈبلیو ایچ او کی نمائندہ ڈاکٹر پالیتھا گنارتھنا مہیپالا نے پاکستان میں کوویڈ ویکسینیشن کے عمل کو سراہا ہے اور اسے تیز رفتار اور موثر قرار دیا ہے کیونکہ ملک روزانہ دس لاکھ سے زائد افراد کو ویکسین لگا رہا ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان نے دنیا کے دیگر ممالک کے مقابلے میں وائرس پر قابو پانے میں بہت بہتر کارکردگی کا مظاہرہ کیا ہے۔پاکستان ویکسینیشن کے حوالے سے اچھی کارکردگی دکھا رہا ہے کیونکہ روزانہ دس لاکھ سے زائد افراد کوویڈ جابز حاصل کر رہے ہیں۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان کی ویکسین لگانےکی مہم انتہائی تیز اور مؤثر ہے، پاکستان میں مکمل ویکسین شدہ افرادکی تعداد 20 فیصد سے زائد ہوچکی ہے جب کہ پاکستان میں جزوی ویکسی نیشن والوں کی تعداد 40 فیصد سے زائد ہوگئی ہے۔
پلیتھا ماہی پالا کا کہنا تھاکہ ایسے ممالک ہیں جہاں ویکسین زیادہ ہونے کے باوجود کورونا کیسز کی تعداد زیادہ ہے لیکن پاکستان میں احتیاطی تدابیر کے باعث ویکسین ہونے کے باوجود کیسز کم رہے جب کہ پاکستان میں این سی او سی نے بہترین کام کیا اور پاکستان میں کورونا ریسپانس میں بہترین کوآرڈینشن رہی، کورونا کے باعث اموات کی شرح کم رہی جب کہ چوتھی لہر میں ویکسین کے باعث شرح اموات کم ہوئی، گزشتہ کئی روز سے ویکسی نیشن کے باعث کسی ہیلتھ ورکر کی موت نہیں ہوئی۔
ڈبلیو ایچ او کے کنٹری سربراہ نے مزید کہا کہ پاکستان میں اسمارٹ لاک ڈاؤن کی حکمت عملی کے باعث ڈیلٹا کیسز میں کمی آئی۔انہوں نے کہا کہ ملک نے اب تک اپنی 20 فیصد سے زائد آبادی کو مکمل طور پر ویکسین کیا ہے جبکہ 40 فیصد سے زائد افراد کو اپنی پہلی نوکری ملی ہے۔انہوں نے این سی او سی کی کارکردگی کو بھی سراہا اور کہا کہ اس کے کردار کی وجہ سے وبائی امراض پر پاکستان کا ردعمل مربوط رہا۔ نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) نے 15 ستمبر کو ایک بیان میں کہا ، “پاکستان میں کوویڈ کی وجہ سے اموات کا تناسب بھی کم رہا ہے۔” ایک بیان میں نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) نے اعلان کیا کہ پاکستان میں اب تک 70،402،987 ویکسین شاٹس لگائی گئی ہیں,نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) کے مطابق ملک میں 890،980 ویکسین جاب کا انتظام کیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان نے ڈبلیو ایچ او کے تعاون سے ملک کے دور دراز علاقوں تک پہنچنے کے لیے موبائل ویکسینیشن مہم کا آغاز کیا تاکہ ان لوگوں کو ویکسینیشن کی سہولیات فراہم کی جا سکیں جو شہروں کا سفر نہیں کر سکتے۔دریں اثنا ، ورلڈ ہیلتھ آرگنائزیشن (ڈبلیو ایچ او) اپنی کلینیکل کیئر گائیڈنس کو اپ ڈیٹ کرنے پر غور کر رہی ہے تاکہ کوویڈ 19 مریضوں کے علاج کے لیے ادویات کو شامل کیا جا سکے “ڈبلیو ایچ او کوویڈ 19 کے خلاف دنیا میں ایک اور علاج کے اضافے کا خیرمقدم کیا ہے ، لیکن حکومتوں پر زور دیا ہے کہ اینٹی باڈی کمبی نیشن کی اعلی قیمت اور محدود پیداوار کو حل کریں اور دوا کی محفوظ اور مناسب ہینڈلنگ کو یقینی بنائیں۔کمبینیشن تھراپی کی اعلی قیمت اور کم دستیابی کے پیش نظر ، ڈبلیو ایچ او نے مطالبہ کیا ہے کہ قیمتوں کو کم اور تمام علاقوں میں ٹیکنالوجی کو منتقل کرے تاکہ تمام مریض اس علاج کی ادویات حاصل کر سکیں۔بیجنگ بائیو انسٹی ٹیوٹ آف بیالوجیکل پروڈکٹس کی تیار کردہ ویکسین کو عالمی ادارہ صحت (ڈبلیو ایچ او) نے 7 مئی کو ہنگامی استعمال کے لیے درج کیا تھا۔ اب یہ 45 ممالک میں ویکسینیشن کے لیے منظور ہے۔بظاہر وبائی امراض سے نمٹنے کے لیے بہتر حکمت عملی اور پالیسیوں پر عمل کیا جارہا ہے۔پاکستان کا درجہ 31 ویں نمبر پر آگیا ہے فعال کوویڈ 19 کیسز کی تعداد 61،558 تھی۔ ان مریضوں میں سے 4،816 کو ملک بھر کے مختلف اسپتالوں میں داخل کیا گیا۔ملک بھر میں 485 وینٹی لیٹرز میں سے 70 فیصد سے زیادہ ملتان اور سرگودھا میں زیر استعمال تھے۔ اسی طرح صوابی ، ملتان اور فیصل آباد میں 50 فیصد سے زیادہ آکسیجن والے بستر استعمال میں تھے۔دوسری طرف ، سینوویک کی 30 لاکھ خوراکوں اور سینوفرم ویکسین کی 70 لاکھ خوراکوں کی کھیپ ملک میں پہنچی اور انہیں قومی صحت خدمات کی وزارت کے حوالے کیا گیا۔کوویڈ 19 کے سب سے زیادہ کیسز کے لیے ٹاپ 30 ممالک میں رہنے کے بعد ، پاکستان کا درجہ 31 ویں نمبر پر آگیا ہےوزیراعظم کے معاون خصوصی برائے صحت ڈاکٹر فیصل سلطان نے کہا ہے کہ معمولات زندگی بحالی کے لیے ویکسینیشن لازمی ہے اور 30 ستمبر تک ویکسین نہ لگوانے والوں کو سخت پابندیوں کا سامنا کرنا پڑے گا۔ ، بظاہر وبائی مرض سے نمٹنے کے لیے بہتر حکمت عملی اور پالیسیوں کی وجہ سے ہے انہوں نے کہا کہ کورونا وبا کا مقابلہ کرنا کٹھن اور مشکل ہے لیکن اب ہمیں اس وبا کے ساتھ جینے کا طریقہ سیکھنا ہے۔ان کا کہنا تھا کہ معمولات زندگی بحال کرنے کے لیے ویکسینیشن کروانا لازمی ہے اور عوام پہلی ڈوز لگوانے کے 28 دن بعد بلا تاخیر دوسری ڈوز لگوائیں۔ ملک بھر میں کورونا وائرس کی وبا سے بچاؤ کی ویکسین مفت فراہم کی جا رہی ہے، اس لیے ہروہ شخص جس نے ابھی تک ویکسین نہیں لگوائی وہ اپنی ویکسینیشن مکمل کرائیں۔حاملہ خواتین کے لیے بھی یہ ویکسین انتہائی محفوظ ہے، ضرورت اس بات کی ہے کہ ہم معمول کی زندگی کی طرف واپس جائیں اور اس کے لیے ویکسی نیشن کا عمل جلد از جلد مکمل کرانا ہو گا۔کورونا وائرس کی وبا سے بچاؤ کی ویکسی نیشن کے بعد یہ ممکن ہو سکتا ہے ہم معمولات زندگی کی طرف لوٹ جائیں اور پابندیوں سے بچنے کے لیے آپ کے لازمی ویکسینیشن سرٹیفکیٹ ہونا چاہیے۔واضح رہے کہ ملک بھر میں خصوصاً کراچی میں ویکسینیشن کارڈ کے بغیر سفر کرنے والوں کے خلاف کارروائی اور مقدمات کے اندراج کا سلسلہ جاری ہے۔اب تک کراچی میں ویکسینیشن کارڈ کے بغیر سفر کرنے پر 18 مقدمات درج اور 33 افراد کو گرفتار کیا جا چکا ہے۔ہاں یہ بات قابل ذکر ہے کہ نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) نے اعلان کیا تھا کہ 15 سے 17 سال کی عمر کے افراد کی ویکسینیشن 3 ستمبر سے شروع ہوگی، انہیں صرف فائزر لگائی جائے گی اور یہ سہولت بالکل مفت ہوگی۔
این سی او سی نے نوجوانوں کو مشورہ دیا کہ وہ اپنے ‘ب’ فارم کے ساتھ ویکسینیشن سینٹرز کا دورہ کریں۔وزارت نیشنل ہیلتھ سروسز (این ایچ ایس) کے ایک سینئر عہدیدار 18 سال سے کم عمر کے بچوں کو فائزر لگائی جاری ہے لیکن چونکہ یہ ویکسین ہر شہر کے صرف منتخب مراکز میں دستیاب تھی اس لیے ردعمل حوصلہ افزا نہیں ہیں۔نیشنل کمانڈ اینڈ آپریشن سینٹر (این سی او سی) کی تشکیل کو 500 دن مکمل ہونے کے موقع پر این سی او سی کے سربراہ اور وفاقی وزیر اسد عمر نے پاک فوج کے شعبہ تعلقاتِ عامہ (آئی ایس پی آر) کی این سی او سی کے حوالے سے ویڈیو شیئر کی۔این سی او سی کی تشکیل کے 500 دن موقع پر دستاویزی فلم میں تمام پہلو جن پر کام کر کے پاکستانی قوم نے کورونا وائرس کی وباء کا مقابلہ کیا اور دنیا سے پزیرائی حاصل کی، اجاگر کیئے گئے۔
Cancellation of NZ tour outcome of Indian hybrid war against Pakistan: Minister for Information
Cancellation of NZ tour outcome of Indian hybrid war against Pakistan: Minister for Information
By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Wednesday that cancellation of New Zealand Cricket Team’s tour of Pakistan was result of fifth generation hybrid war against Pakistan as fake news was generated by India to scuttle the tour. Addressing a joint press conference along with Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed here, he said India had been hatching conspiracies against Pakistan but like the past it would fail to weaken Pakistan’s standing at international level. He said that India had done huge investment in Afghanistan to use its soil for operating terrorists in Pakistan but after fall of Kabul all its investment was wasted. The minister disclosed that the threatening email was generated from a secure service Proton mail and Pakistan has requested Interpol to assist for further probe. He said that on August 19, a Facebook post was circulated from fabricated account made in the name of Ehsan Ullah Ehsan (ex spokesman of Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan) on social media asking New Zealand Cricket Board and government not to send the team to Pakistan, as plan had been made to target the New Zealand team but the post was not found on Facebook. He said that after two days, Indian newspaper Sunday Guardian, Bureau Chief Abhinandan Mishra wrote an article claiming that the New Zealand cricket team may face a terrorist attack in Pakistan. The article was based on the fake post of Ehsan Ullah Ehsan.Mishra was also found in contact with former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh, he said.
He said that projection of threat by publication of an article by the Bureau Chief of a reputed Indian paper based on a fake social media post suggested an orchestrated campaign to scuttle the tour. Fawad said that on August 24, Martin Guptill’s wife received a threat email from email ID : tehreekelabaik@protonmail.com, threatening to kill Martin Guptill while on tour. The email ID was not associated with any SMN.Interestingly the said email account was generated at 01:05 am, on Aug 24 and emailed on the same day at 11:59 am, he pointed out. It was obvious that the email was generated purposefully as no other activity was found from the same email.
He said that despite all these tactics, New Zealand tour was not cancelled and its team arrived in Pakistan on September 11 and 12 in two chartered flights. The team attended practice sessions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on September 13 and 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm and no threat alert was reported. Both the teams again carried out practice in the evening on September 16.
He said on September 17, NZ team/ government expressed concern over the reported credible threat and cancelled the tour unilaterally without sharing the details of the threat.
He said that on September 18, 2021, Interpol Wellington informed Interpol Islamabad about receipt of a threat email to New Zealand Police from hamzaafridi7899@gmail.com at 06:25 am (NZ time), requesting further probe.He said that New Zealand police received a threat email at 06:25 am on Sep 18, according to Pakistan Standard Time 23:25 (11:25 pm on Sep 17).
Fawad said Email hamzaafridi7899@gmail.com was generated at 18:10 hrs, Sep 17 (UTC); 2310 hrs/ 11:10 PM (PST). Fawad said that email was sent 15 minutes after the ID was created and it was generated for a specific purpose. The minister said email was sent from an associated device in India using VPN showing IP address/ location of Singapore. The device RMX 1971 (Realme) used thirteen email IDs; except Hamza Afridi all other 12 email IDs have Indian/ Hindi names. Apparently, Hamza Afridi was purposefully used to malign Pakistan which hints at involvement of Indian agencies. He said that the subject mobile phone was launched in August 2019 in India and Reliance Jio mobile SIM was registered on this mobile phone on September 25, 2019 indicating single user.
He said that social media co-relation and exploitation revealed that the possible user of this email ID is an Indian Omparkash Mishra from Mumbai. He said that timing and text of the threat email suggest that this threat was not the reason for cancellation of the tour but was issued just after the cancellation to malign Pakistan and substantiate the security concerns of New Zealand and other touring countries.
He said that Abhinandan Mishra wrote another column on Sept 18 titled “Threat of Kabul Airport-like attack led NZ to cancel Pak tour”. Fawad said that involvement of Indian media and Intelligence Agencies in a systematic campaign to malign Pakistan based on a concocted/ orchestrated social media campaign indicate mala fide intent. He said that FIA would contact Interpol/ Proton mail for provision of detail out tehreekelabaik@protonmail.com. He said Pakistan was sure that the same agencies were behind this email ID which had sent the threat mail form Hamza Afridi account. He said that FIA was in contact with Interpol to provide further details of email IDs and Pakistan would also request other cricket teams to share security related concerns, if any.He said that the Indian Disinformation campaign based on false threat alert led to unilateral cancelation of tour by New Zealand.
This, he said, was a very serious trend and ICC must take notice of these nefarious and malicious acts of Indian nationals, otherwise it will adversely impact the “Gentleman’s Game” for many years to come. He said that Pakistan has learnt that a similar threat has been sent to West Indies cricket board from another concocted email ID ehshanullahehshan@protonmail.com. We are in the process of investigating; however, it is interesting to note that nobody in knowledge of Urdu can spell “ehsan” as “ehshan”. This spelling mistake in the ID reflected concocted involvement of Indian hands.He said that during Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit the information reached there at a time when PM Imran Khan was to make his speech.He said that after the speech, the prime minister was informed about the New Zealand’s decision to abandon the tour. He was requested by Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Rameez Raja to call his New Zealand counterpart to assure her about security of its players. Prime Minister told the New Zealand’s Prime Minister that cancellation of the tour would result in people’s frustration and anger. But she insisted that she had critical information about the plot to attack New Zealand cricketers. He said that British High Commissioner has categorically stated that no change in green advisory for Pakistan has been made. Fawad said that if the government had no objection, the England Cricket Board had no right to cancel the tour. Reference to fatigue factor was a frivolous plea by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).He said that PCB chairman Rameez Raja, foreign ministry and Interior ministry would take up the issue at all concerned forums. The minister thanked Cricket fraternity including international players and cricket lovers from all over the world for supporting Pakistan
پاکستان کو خطرے کی تفصیل نہ بتائی اور نہ بتائیں گے، ڈیوڈ وائٹ .چیف ایگزیکٹیو نیوزی لینڈ کرکٹ
نیوزی لینڈ کرکٹ کے چیف ایگزیکٹیو ڈیوڈ وائٹ نے کہا ہے کہ کرکٹ ٹیم کولاحق خطرے کی تفصیلات نہ پاکستان کو تو بتائی گئیں اور نہ ہی بتائی جائیں گی۔نیوزی لینڈ کرکٹ کی جانب سے جاری اعلامیے میں کیوی بورڈ کے چیف ایگزیکٹیو ڈیوڈ وائٹ نے کہا ہے کہ نیوزی لینڈ کرکٹ ٹیم پاکستان کے خلاف سیریز کھیلنے کے لیے پرعزم تھی کیونکہ اس سے قبل پاکستان کی سیکیورٹی صورتحال کا تفصیلی جائزہ اور خطرات سے نمٹنے کے لیے کیے گئے انتظامات کا جائزہ لیا گیا تھا لیکن جمعے کے روز ہر چیز بدل گئی، اس حوالے سے دی گئی ہدایات اور ممکنہ خطرے کے پیش نظر حالات بھی بدل گئے،
ڈیوڈ وائٹ نے کہا کہ نیوزی لینڈ کرکٹ ٹیم کے دورے کی منسوخی کی مختصر وجوہات پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ کو بتائی گئی ہیں تاہم تفصیلی انداز میں نہ تو انہیں بتایا گیا ہے اور نہ ہی بتایا جائے گا۔ ہمیں معلوم ہے کہ یہ پی سی بی کے لیے انتہائی مشکل وقت ہے لیکن ہمارے پاس دورہ منسوخ کرنے کے علاوہ کوئی راستہ نہیں تھا۔ وہ اس کے علاوہ کیا کہہ سکتے ہیں کہ ہمیں جو ہدایات ملیں وہ ٹیم کو درپیش ممکنہ خطرے سے متعلق ایک ذمہ دار اور انتہائی محتاط ذریعے سے ملنے والی رپورٹس کا نتیجہ تھیں۔
ڈیوڈ وائٹ نے کہا کہ نیوزی لینڈ حکومت کی جانب سے ملنے والی ہدایات کی روشنی میں ہم نے انتہائی ذمہ دارانہ قدم اٹھایا۔ ہم نے فیصلہ کرنے سے پہلے نیوزی لینڈ کے حکومتی عہدیداروں کے ساتھ کافی بات چیت کی اور پی سی بی کو اپنے موقف سے آگاہ کرنے کے بعد ہی ہم سمجھتے ہیں کہ دونوں ملکوں کے وزرائے اعظم کے درمیان ٹیلی فون پر بات چیت ہوئی۔واضح رہے کہ نیوزی لینڈ نے عین اس وقت پاکستان کا دورہ منسوخ کردیا تھا جب دونوں ٹیموں کے درمیان راولپنڈی میں شیڈول ایک روزہ میچز کی سیریز کا پہلا میچ شروع ہونے میں 2 گھنٹے سے بھی کم وقت رہ گیا تھا، اور نیوزی لینڈ ٹیم کئی روز سے پاکستان میں موجود تھی
PAK VS NZ: BLACK DAY FOR BLACK CAPS BACK OUT OF TOUR OVER ‘SECURITY THREATS’
PAK VS NZ: BLACK DAY FOR BLACK CAPS BACK OUT OF TOUR OVER ‘SECURITY THREATS’
By: Asghar Ali Mubarak
Rawalpindi; The New Zealand cricket team on Friday backed out of its tour of Pakistan over security concerns minutes before the first match was scheduled to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) informed the board they had been alerted to “some security alert” and unilaterally decided to postpone the series.
The New Zealand contingent in Pakistan is now preparing to leave the country. The NZC said Pakistan had been “wonderful hosts” but added that player safety was “paramount”.
The touring board said it “will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad”.
In his reaction to the decision, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said it had been a “crazy day”, saying he felt sorry for the fans and Pakistani players.
“Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is New Zealand living in?? New Zealand will hear us at ICC,” he wrote.
The New Zealand cricket team had arrived in Pakistan on September 11 for the first time in 18 years to play three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals.
The ODI series against New Zealand was supposed to be played at the Rawalpindi Stadium, with matches scheduled for Sept 17, 19, and 21, while the Gaddafi Stadium was slated to host five T20s from Sept 25 to Oct 3.
New Zealand PM ‘totally supports’ decision
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she totally supported New Zealand Cricket’s decision to pull out of the tour.
“When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, I conveyed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand Cricket team,” Ardern said in a statement sent to Reuters.
“I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the game hasn’t gone ahead, but we totally support the decision that’s been made. Player safety has to be paramount.”
Meanwhile, the PCB said Pakistan had “foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams” and had “assured NZC of the same”.
The statement said that Prime Minister Imran Khan also personally spoke to Ardern and informed her that Pakistan had “one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind” existed for the visiting team.
“The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the government throughout their stay,” the statement said, adding that the PCB was willing to continue the matches.
“Cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal,” the PCB said.
NZ says abandoning tour following ‘security alert’
Meanwhile, the New Zealand cricket board said in a statement that it was abandoning the Pakistan tour due to a “government security alert”.
However, it did not comment on the details of the security threat or updated arrangements for the departing squad.
“The side was to play Pakistan this evening (Friday) in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.
“However, following an escalation in the New Zealand government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisers on the ground, it has been decided the Black Caps will not continue with the tour,” the statement said, adding that arrangements were being made for the team’s departure.
In the statement, NZC chief executive David White said it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving.
“I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option.”
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills added: “We’ve been across this process throughout and are fully supportive of the decision. The players are in good hands; they’re safe — and everyone’s acting in their best interests.”
Pakistan vs New Zealand 2021: Pakistan announced 12-Member Squad for 1st ODI Rawalpindi…… By; Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan vs New Zealand 2021: Pakistan announced 12-Member Squad for 1st ODI Rawalpindi
By; Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 12-member squad for the first ODI match against New Zealand. PCB issued a press release that mentioned Babar Azam as the team’s captain and Shadab Khan as his deputy. Peshawar batsman Iftikhar Ahmed and leg-spinner Usman Qadir are the latest entrants in the team that appeared against England in July. 33-year-old leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood could be given his ODI debut after playing only one T20I against South Africa this year. Qadir made his ODI debut for Pakistan against South Africa in April this year and played only one match. He picked the wicket of Jon Jon Smuts in his spell of 1/48 from nine overs. Pakistan were thrashed 3-0 by a second-string England team which was led by all-rounder Ben Stokes. Babar Azam and his men faced criticism for their lack of intent in the ODI series. Pakistan will also face New Zealand in Group 2 of the ICC T20I World Cup 2021 in November, so this will be a preparation for both teams. However, New Zealand have sent a second-string squad led by Tom Latham with the senior players are preparing for their respective IPL franchises.
New Zealand are coming from a 2-3 T20I series loss against Bangladesh and will aim to improve their performance against Pakistan. New Zealand will be playing an ODI match after a gap of six months. The Black Caps last played Bangladesh in the 50-over format in March. Pakistan’s 12-member squad for 1st ODI against New Zealand: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakil, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir, Zahid Mahmood. The second and third ODIs will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 19 and 21 September, respectively while Gaddafi Stadium will host the T20Is from 25 September to 3 October. A bomb blast outside the New Zealand team’s hotel in Karachi in 2002 had cut short the Black Caps’ last Test tour of Pakistan, but they visited again for an ODI series the following year. Since the 2003 ODI series, Pakistan have thrice hosted New Zealand for ODIs in the United Arab Emirates with the Black Caps winning the 2019-10 and 2014-15 series and drawing the 2018-19 rubber. New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan was cut short in 2002 after a bomb explosion outside the team’s hotel in Karachi. The Kiwis played a one-day series in 2003, but there have been no tours to Pakistan since. New Zealand team is here for three ODIs and five T20Is on their first visit to Pakistan after 18 years.
Schedule:
Sept 17 – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
Sept 19 – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
Sept 21 – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi
Sept 25 – 1st T20I, Lahore
Sept 26 – 2nd T20I, Lahore
Sept 29 – 3rd T20I, Lahore
Oct 01 – 4th T20I, Lahore
Oct 03 – 5th T20I, Lahore
CHINESE INVESTMENT TO OPEN UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES: SAYS,PM. IMRAN KHAN
CHINESE INVESTMENT TO OPEN UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES: SAYS,PM. IMRAN KHAN
Prime Minister Imran Khan said the government would extend utmost assistance to the foreign investors and expressed confidence that the Chinese investment in Pakistan would open up immense employment opportunities.
Talking to a delegation of heads of Chinese companies in Islamabad, he said incentives are being provided to investors and procedures are being made easy. The Prime Minister assured the delegation that he himself would chair the review meeting every month to address their issues on priority basis. He said Pakistan could learn a lot from China about industrial development.
He said the Chinese investment would create employment opportunities in Pakistan and the human resource would get skills. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has immense potential for growth of small and medium enterprises in which the Chinese companies can play an important role.
He emphasized on focusing on agriculture, fisheries, vegetables and fruits, information technology and small industries. He said the government would fully facilitate investors.
China’s ambassador Nong Rong, Federal Minister Hammad Azhar, Shaukat Tareen and Asad Umer, and Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant CPEC Khalid Mansoor,Qamar Khan and senior officials were also present.
The delegation appreciated the investor-friendly policies of the government of Pakistan and expressed keen interest in investing in the country.
Public debt on declining trend, inflation to remain at around 8%, Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin
Public debt on declining trend, inflation to remain at around 8%, Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin
By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD; The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin said that the country’s net public debt was on declining trend and reduced to 81.8 percent of debt-to-GDP ratio during the fiscal year 2020-21, expecting that it would come further down during the current fiscal year. Addressing a joint press conference along with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib and SAPM on Food Security Jamshwd Iqbal Cheema here at PID Islamabad the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that net debt was recorded at 86.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during fiscal year 2019 whereas it stood at 85.7 percent of GDP during FY2020, which indicated that it was on declining trend during the last three years of the incumbent government. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Food Security, Jamshed Cheema, however said that the debt was recorded at 74.1 percent of GDP during the fiscal year 2018.Explaining some underlining reasons for increase in public debt, the minister said that when Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf assumed power in 2018, it had to go to International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which he said led to devaluation of rupee from 104 to 167and increase in discount rate to 13.25.Hence, this enhanced debt servicing form Rs 1500 billion to Rs 2900 billion instantly, which enhanced the public debt, the minister added. Giving absolute figures of net debt during the last four years, the minister said that currently the country’s net debt stood at Rs39 trillion compared to the net debt of Rs35.6 trillion in Fy2020, Rs33 trillion during FY2019 and Rs25.7 trillion during FY2018.The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that there has been gradual increase in foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan. Briefing about inflation, the minister said the government had tried its best not to pass on international prices impact on people, saying that the prices of various commodities were still low as compared to international and regional markets. For example, sugar prices increased by 48 percent in international market but the government enhanced it only by 12 percent. Palm oil increased by 50 percent, but it went up on by 33 percent, wheat prices increased by 32 percent in one year and here it enhance only by 15 percent, prices of crude oil increased by 58 percent (from $44 to $70 per dollar) and in Pakistan it increased by only 9.39 per cent. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that increase in prices was an international issue right now. He said that in Pakistan, the Consumer price index (CPI) based inflation stood at 4.8 percent in 2018, which went up to 6.8 per cent in 2019 and then 10.74 percent in 2020 and reduced to 8.9 in 2021 and now it would remain at 8 percent during the current fiscal year. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that the prices of various essential commodities have considerably increased in international market, citing that sugar was sold at $303 per ton in 2018 now it is sold at $430 per ton. Likewise, wheat was sold at $188 per ton in 2018 now it is sold at $274 per ton while soyabean was at $775 per ton in 2018 and now it is sold at $1436 per ton, indicating a big jump. The palm oil prices increased from $621 per ton to $1136 per ton. The increase in international prices during the past couple of years was due to low food production and high demand owing to covid-19 and supply chain disruption. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said, in Pakistan, food inflation in July 2020 was 15.1 percent (Urban), 17.8 percent (Rural) now reduced to 10.2 percent (urban) and rural 9.1 (rural), showing around 5 percent decline in urban inflation and 7 percent in rural.
The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, however was of the view that Pakistan was linked to international market as it had to import, wheat, sugar, pulses, ghee, hence, the prices impact the local market.Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that there was need to enhance production, which he said was strategy of the government as it had already earmarked hefty amount for this purpose. In addition, he added, the government would make scientific engineering process to analyze profits in the supply chain and squeeze role of middleman administratively.In addition, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said, the government was also building strategic reserves to flood markets at time of need.In medium and long term, the government would build commodity warehouses, cold-storages so that farmers and purchasers are linked directly without involving middleman. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that the government also intended to provide targeted cash subsidy to around 40 percent of the poor population to buy essential items, adding that the subsidies would be provided for purchasing flour, sugar and pulses and data of Ehsaas would be utilized for this purpose to target deserving population .Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that government also intended to increase income and affordability of people to buy commodities, adding that the growth strategy introduced by the government was bearing fruit, adding that according to some observers, the economy was growing by around 6 percent. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that Kamyab Pakistan Programme would also be launched this month with bottom approach to help low income people. He also termed then Sehat Card as a big initiative of PTI. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue while talking about State Owned Entities (SOEs) said these were earning net profit of around 204 billion which declined to net loss of Rs286 loss in 2018. During 2019, the first year of PTI government, the loss reduced to Rs143 billion. The minister said that around ten top loss-making enterprises account for 89 percent of the aggregate losses and therefore attention was focused on these SoEs including PIA, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills, Discos and ZTBL. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue said that a board was being established in Privatization Commission to turn around these 10 SOEs. The board would be independent having world class professionals to stabilize these entities. Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Food Security, Jamshed Cheema said that government would provide cash subsidy to low income people to buy essential food products.
He said that the government would also launch a programme to help maintain prices and quality of milk in the country. He said that the government wanted to shift agriculture towards promising crops keeping in view the growing population and increasing demand for food.
More over Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said on that, when in power, the focus of PML-N, PPP remained on money laundering, fake accounts and corruption instead of taking steps to increase production of the country and improve economy. He said that global commodity prices did not rise from 2008 to 2018 when PPP and PML-N ruled the country. He said since the outbreak of Covid 19, reduction in production was registered and logistics costs shot up which resulted in increase of prices of daily use commodities. He said according to the UNFAO report, from February 2020 to August 2021, food items prices have increased globally by 127 per cent. He said that Pakistan imported 70 cent of pulses and edible oil. The minister said due to prudent government policies, the full impact of global inflation has not been shifted to the consumers.
He said the present government was working on food security as it was vital for Pakistan as an agricultural country. He lamented that PML-N had set up sugar mills in cotton growing areas in the past and sugarcane cultivation had been started there which badly affected cotton production. The minister said that Rs 1,000 billion housing and commercial projects have been approved for low income and middle class with an economic impact of Rs 5,000 billion. The income of the working class has also increased during past couple of years, he said adding the laborer’s earning Rs. 500 to 600 a day in the past were now earning Rs 1000 per day and masons earning about Rs 1200 in the past were now earning Rs 2000 to 2500 per day. Today all power looms were active in Faisalabad, and more textile Mills were being built which was manifestation of good policies of the government. The world, he said has been appreciating the policy of Prime Minister Imran Khan to fight Covid 19, and The Economist lauded Pakistan’s handling of coronavirus. The opposition parties’ leaders he said, including Maryam Safdar and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were demanding a complete lockdown from the beginning as they had no feelings for labour class and daily wage earners. Mechanism against profiteering and hoarding has been developed and data was being reviewed every week in collaboration with the provinces, he said.
Farrukh Habib said that Kamyab Jawan Programme, Low Income Housing Scheme and Sehat Insaf Card schemes were meant for low income groups. He revealed that banks received Rs 154 billion loan applications for construction of low-income houses, out of which Rs 60 billion loans have been approved. He said that State Bank of Pakistan was now providing capital of up to Rs 10 million to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which will create innumerable employment opportunities in the country.
Telecom sector contributed over Rs 218.8 billion to the national exchequer during 2020-21, Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa
Telecom sector contributed over Rs 218.8 billion to the national exchequer during 2020-21, Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa
By: Asghar Ali Mubarak
Islamaba;The country’s telecom sector has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $202.34 million during the Fiscal Year 2020-21, which showed investors’ confidence in the policies introduced by the incumbent government for promotion of this industry. Digital transformation is opening up the doors of opportunities to increase economic growth, reduce inequality and promote financial inclusion.
He stated that PTA has been making utmost efforts along with other stakeholders and the telecom industry to increase availability of quality digital services across the sectors during the pandemic. Briefing the media about performance of the telecom sector here, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa said “The telecom sector has contributed over Rs 218.8 billion to the national exchequer during the last financial year.” He said that tele density (landline telephone connections per 100 people in a specified geographic area) till July was recorded at 87.5 percent while the number of active cellular mobile subscribers reached 185 million till July, 2021.The Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa said the number of broadband subscribers reached 104.43 million in July while the broadband penetration was recorded at 47.68 percent during the same period. Chairman PTA said that data usage reached to 6855 PB [Peta Byte] in 2020-21.
He stated that PTA received bid from PTML(Ufone), after scrutiny of submitted bid, PTA declares PTML as winner of the auction process.’’This will generate the revenue of USD 279 Million (excluding advance tax). Government will receive 50% upfront payment of PKR 23.44 Billion within 15 days; out of which 20% of the said amount i.e PKR 9.38 Billion has already been received on 9th September 2021. Remaining 50% will be paid in 5 equal annual installments’’ he added. He further said that total Spectrum won by Ufone is 9 MHz in 1800 MHz band which is 70.3% of the total offered spectrum in the said band during the current Auction. ‘’This addition will increase Ufone spectrum holdings from 6 MHz to 15 MHz in 1800 MHz band’’, he stated. He said that this will help Ufone to provide enhanced quality and increase coverage footprint for Voice and Data services.
Chairman PTA said that completed auction process with assistance of internationally reputed consultant Frontier Economics who was onboard since January 2021, and conducted thorough consultation with cellular industry and other stakeholders. Furthermore, GoP constituted Auction Advisory Committee in October 2020 under the chairmanship of Finance Minister. MoIT&T issued Policy Directive on 4th August 2021 under which the process has been completed. License will be issued to Ufone which includes enhanced Network rollout obligations and Quality of Service standards to ensure consumers interest. He further said that Complaint Management System of PTA, launched in 2021 and upgraded in 2020, was used for facilitation of telecom consumers for lodging complaints, processing and redressal of consumers’ grievances. From November 2018 to September 2021, a total of 480,865 complaints were received and 238,656 resolved promptly, he added. Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa said that the PTA launched an automated Lost and Stolen Device System (LSDS) for blocking of lost, stolen and snatched mobile phones in April 2021, under which it received around 9,963 blocking and unblocking requests so far.The chairman said that PTA also launched an automated module of SMS in February 2021 for blocking of mobile handsets, issuing warning to fraudsters and black-listing of CNICs for repeated violation. A total of 85,472 IMEIs had been blocked, 22,225 warnings were issued and 206 CNICs blacklisted, he added. He said since the implementation of Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), import of mobile devices via legal channels increased by 62 percent with revenue of Rs 46.27 billion. In 2020, around 38.14 million devices were imported with revenue of Rs 54 billion and in 2021, so far around 20.91 million devices have been imported through legal channels. Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa said the PTA had issued Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) authorization to 29 companies including foreign and local companies with brands like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Nokia, Alcatel, Techno and Infinix. Chairman PTA General (R) Amir Azim Bajwa said within seven months of MDM authorization issuance, around 12.48 million mobile devices had been manufactured locally which included over 5 million 4G smart phones. One company has also exported 5000 ‘Made in Pakistan’ Smart phones to United Arab Emirates. Establishment of 26 manufacturing plants had been brought in an investment of over $126 million and created over 10,000 jobs in a short span of 7 months. To a question, he said that PTA was working actively to block fake SIMs and due to the action taken by the authority, the number of fake SIM cards had significantly decreased. “We are committed to totally eliminate fake SIMs” he added. He said that PTA is continuously pursuing the govt’s goal of uplifting all segments of the society through modern day Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs). He said that PTA is continuously pursuing the govt’s goal of uplifting all segments of the society through modern day Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs).
He said that Pakistan’s telecom sector has become a role model for other sectors in reshaping the economic destiny of the people and for continued support towards digital transformation of Pakistan, as envisioned by country’s leadership. He stated that pace of digital transformation has been accelerated with COVID-19. As the World adjusts to the new-normal, the focus of the telecom sector has also shifted from accessibility and availability to resilience, continuity, quality and affordability. He further stated that Pakistan’s telecom sector has become a role model for other sectors in reshaping the economic destiny of the people and for continued support towards digital transformation of Pakistan, as envisioned by country’s leadership. He said that PTA is emphasizing on the growth, usage penetration and quality of broadband services to every nook and corner of the country. There are now over 100 million broadband subscribers in Pakistan with total tele density at 85%, over 181 million mobile subscribers and 2.4 million fixed-line subscribers. 88% of Pakistan has access to internet/broadband services at one of the lowest rates in the region. He said that PTA is committed to continue its efforts to maintain support for consumers & businesses, and to ensure that networks remain resilient and quality telecommunication services are available to all, especially in this difficult time. ‘’PTA remains at the forefront of the digital revolution to facilitate and regulate the telecom and ICT infrastructure’’ he added.
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