WHO Advises to Vaccinate More Adults Than Children

More than 6 million children have been vaccinated in Pakistan so far. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the government to focus more on vaccinating adults and the elderly than youngsters.

The WHO has issued a statement in collaboration with Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunisation and its Covid-19 Vaccines Working Group. The SAGE is gathering information from vaccine manufacturers and research communities to study the most recent data on COVID-19.

Though many vaccines are approved for people who are above 18 years, many shots are also administered to youngsters who are less than this age group. Pakistan is one of those countries that are using Moderna and Pfizer for adolescents (12–17-year-olds).

In November, the Pfizer vaccine was approved for children ages 5-11 years. Trials are also being carried in children as young as 3 years old but so far, they have not been approved for administration.

The WHO says that young children are less likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 symptoms as compared to adults.

It said, “Countries should consider the individual and population benefits of immunising children and adolescents in their specific epidemiological and social context when developing their Covid-19 immunisation policies and programmes. As children and adolescents tend to have milder disease compared to adults, unless they are in a group at higher risk of severe Covid-19, it is less urgent to vaccinate them than older people, those with chronic health conditions and health workers.”

“There are benefits of vaccinating children and adolescents that go beyond the direct health benefits. Vaccination that decreases Covid-19 transmission in this age group may reduce transmission from children and adolescents to adults, and may help reduce the need for mitigation measures in schools. Minimising disruptions to education for children and maintenance of their overall well-being, health and safety are important considerations, “it added.

What do you think about this story? Let us know your opinions in the comments.

Growing Trend of Crimes in Islamabad Gets Attention of Senate Body

Members of the parliamentary committee have shown concern over the increased number of crimes in the federal capital. The Senate Standing Committee on Interior had a meeting with Senator Mohsin Aziz at Parliament house where the recent law and order situation of the city was discussed.

The recent robbery at the house of a Senator in F-10 was also discussed in the meeting. This robbery took place in the broad daylight and have raised many eyebrows over the security measures in Islamabad.

Image Credit: Dawn News

Senator Saifullah Abro said, “This is not a katcha area rather the federal capital.”

There have been 954 robberies, 130 murders, 47 rape cases and 585 theft cases reported in ICT this year so far. Senator Fawzia Arshad said that people are now losing hope in the police and this is a “very very sad thing.” she further said that many criminal activities have been taken place in F-7, but the police have failed to control or stop them.

She added, “Since a number of robberies had already taken place in our surrounding streets, we were sure that anytime we would also be looted.” According to her, her husband was trying to contact Rescue 15 but their number was busy and they never received a call back from them either.

She said, “I belonged to a blessed family, am not here for my case rather I want the life and property of the people of Islamabad protected.”

What do you think about this story? Let us know the situation of law and order in your city in the comments.

Indian Man Still Breathing After Doctors Declared Him Dead

Indian Man Still Breathing After Doctors Declared Him Dead

An Indian man was kept in a hospital morgue after he was declared dead followed by a road accident. However, when his relatives went to see him in the morgue, they found him breathing.

Srikesh Kumar from Moradabad had an accident with a motorcycle. He was then rushed to a hospital where the doctors of a private hospital announced his death. Later, his dead body was sent to a government hospital for an autopsy.

“The emergency medical officer examined him. He did not find any signs of life and hence declared him dead,” medical superintendent of the hospital, Rajendra Kumar told the media.

He added that the body was transferred to a morgue and the police was informed. However, when his family members and the police arrived and went to the morgue, they found Kumar breathing. Though the 45-year-old is still alive but he is in coma.

According to the superintendent, “This is nothing short of a miracle,” he added.

The authorities are now investigation how the doctors declared him dead mistakenly.

What do you think about this story? Let us know your opinions in the comments.

Fifth Wave of COVID-19 Hitting France at an Alarming Rate

Fifth Wave of COVID-19 Hitting France at an Alarming Rate

The government of France has confirmed on Sunday that COVID-19 infection cases in the country are increasing alarmingly and have nearly doubled in the last week.

The number of cases which were 9,458 last week have now climbed to 17,153 in this week. This according to the health department is an 81% increase and is concerning.

Gabrial Attal, government spokesman said “The fifth wave is starting at lightning speed.”

He added that the cases have increased three times in the last seven days, pointing towards an exponential spread of the infection.

However, despite the spread of infections at such a huge level, it is noteworthy that the hospitals are not crowded with COVID-19 patients. Authorities are linking this achievement with the vaccination that has been proven effective against the infection. According to the data given by hospitals, on Saturday, 7,974 patients visited hospitals and only 1,333 of them required intensive treatment. The figures were 6,500 and 1,000 respectively, last month.

Attal further said, “There is a very strong increase in infections, but we also know that in France we have a very large vaccination cover. We seem to be ahead of our neighbours concerning booster shots.”

France has also introduced several traveling policies that have helped the country control COVID-19. One of such policies is the health pass required at cafes, restaurants and other venues stating the current COVID-19 status of the person, e.g.: vaccinated, tested negative or recently recovered from the infection.

What do you do think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

NCOC Reports 0.64% COVID-19 Positivity Rate – The Lowest in 14 Months

NCOC Reports 0.64% COVID-19 Positivity Rate – The Lowest in 14 Months

Finally good news for Pakistan. NCOC reports that the number of COVID-19 affected patients is at its lowest in the last 14 months.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) shared the data on Tuesday according to which only 216 patients were reported in the country in the last 24 hours, dropping the COVID-19 positivity rate to 0.64% only.

Amongst these, 6 people lost their lives to COVID-19. Currently, there are 22,626 active cases in the country while 1,141 patients are hospitalized for treatment. With 116 patients on ventilators, the number is continuously coming down. All thanks to the strict policies, lockdowns, smart lockdowns and SOPs implemented by the government to control the damage on time.

Pakistan has also run huge campaigns to encourage people to get vaccinated. Mass vaccination centres were set up across the country to ensure more people get vaccinated and become immune to this illness.

What do you think about this story? Share your feedback with us in the comments.

CNG Prices Increase as GST Increases

CNG Prices Increase as GST Increases

As if the people were not over ranting about an increase in petrol prices yet, now there is news that compressed natural gas (CNG) prices are also increasing in the wake of an increase in sales tax by FBR.

In Punjab, the per litre hike is Rs 6.89 while it is Rs 10.30 in the rest of Pakistan, as communicated by stakeholders on Tuesday.

It is noteworthy here that only in October, the prices were raised by Rs 8 per litre in Punjab and Rs 15 per litre in Karachi.

Samir Najmul Hussain, All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Coordinator for Sindh Zone, said that “The new price of CNG in Karachi has swelled up to Rs200 per kg.”

Earlier, CNG prices were Rs 123 per kg in Sindh and rose to Rs 185-195 per kg because of the high cost of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).

Mr Hussain further added, “CNG still provides a saving of five per cent if compared to the vehicle running on petrol as the fossil fuel price had been persistently on the rise.”

Ghiyas Paracha, Group Leader APCNGA, said the new rate of CNG in Punjab is now Rs140 per litre due to the increase in GST.

He continued, “In a notification issued by the FBR on November 15, 2021, relating to sales tax, the base price in the Region 2 has changed to Rs134.57 per kg from Rs74.04 per kg while for Region 1, the base price has been fixed at Rs128.11 as compared to Rs69.57 per kg.”

“Running vehicles on gas will still ensure 8-9% savings to the vehicles’ owners in view of rising price trend in petrol,” he added.

Mr. Paracha further said, “The government is reducing GST on petrol while raising it on CNG which is unjustified. The government should refrain from increasing taxes and victimising gas users in view of record-high rates of LNG and losing rupee value against the dollar.”

What do you think about this story? Share your opinions with us in the comments.

Election Commission of Pakistan Initiates Drive for Verification of Voters

Election Commission of Pakistan Initiates Drive for Verification of Voters

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) started a door-to-door drive to verify voters before the onset of the next elections in the country.  The drive began on Sunday and is expected to be completed by December 6th, 2021. The list will enable the holding of transparent general elections in Pakistan that are due in 2023.

The timeline for the preparation of this voter list is as under:

  • Voter list verification process deadline: 6th December, 2021
  • Data entry starts: 5th January, 2022
  • Display of lists for claims and objections: 26th January, 2022
  • Last date for submitting objection or claims by citizens: 24th February, 2022
  • Time given to authorities for making corrections in the lists: 45 days
  • Media campaign by ECP to create awareness about the election: till 11th March, 2022
  • Printing of final electoral rolls: 13th April, 2022 (20 days)

Pakistan has currently 121 million registered voters. The list of these voters was issued on 5th November 2021. According to the list, the number of registered voters under the age of 35 is nearly 45.84% (55.57m), the number of voters between the ages 46-55 years is 14.25% (17.27m) and the number of voters registered between the ages 56-65 years is 9.06% (10.98m).

The ECP also announced that it has already made all the necessary arrangements for conducting local government elections in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they will happen according to their schedule.

Masood Alam shackling the orthodox ways of Pakistan’s Music Industry

Music can bring us to tears or to our feet, drive us into battle or lull us to sleep. Music is indeed remarkable in its power over all humankind, and perhaps for that very reason, no human culture on earth has ever lived without it. The name “Masood Alam” is been included in such artists that gave meaning and soul to the music industry of Pakistan. He is one of the prime talents who filled colours into any lifeless story or content.

Masood Alam was a pioneer who produced art for many beloved brands and composed music for many profiled artists including Atif Aslam and Dino Ali. Masood Alam’s composition has the ability and power to influence human thoughts and create a lifelong home in everyone’s heart.   

Masood Alam an artist from a very humble background and with no strings to artistry, found his love for music at a very young age. From playing with cans, cardboard boxes to buying his very own keyboard at the age of 13. An artist who encountered many ups and downs and still came out strong with more passion and containment. Masood Alam is one of the golden musicians in Pakistan, who could create harmonious melodies just by understanding the plot.

Masood Alam took the nuisance music from many Sufi Kalams and brought an era of respective artistry to give Sufism a true meaning of legacy and soul that lagged before. Masood Alam composed his first project of “Imtezaj” volume 1 under his pioneer records of “Wajdaan”. Further, he created melodies for Pakistan’s beloved channel “PTV Home” show “123 Check”.       

Masood Alam a poet, an artist and a music composer brought a sense of new legacy in the music industry that brought a paradigm shift. Masood Alam not only is a great artist but also a supporter of all those musicians that are struggling to make ways for themselves to get recognised.

It is only Masood who wanted to build an army of artists for Pakistan that shackles all the orthodox ways of the music industry and bring a new era of artistry under music that gets our country recognised and appreciated.

Inflation Increases to Its Highest in Four Months

Inflation Increases to Its Highest in Four Months

Source: Forbes.com

Inflation in Pakistan rose to 9.2 % in October as compared to 9% in September, according to a report issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Consumer Price Index (CPI) also states that this is the highest inflation figure in the last 4 months. The major factors behind this increase are depreciation in the value of money and a surge in energy prices.

During July-October, the average inflation rate was 8.74% on a yearly basis. Inflation was at its peak in April, around 11.1%, and since then it has been declining due to a decrease in the prices of agricultural products.

Mr. Shaukt Tareen, Adviser to the Prime Minis­ter on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin says, “pr­i­ces of commodities in the world are not in my control”. He added that we are now importing sugar and wheat in addition to pulses. He further elaborated that an increase in the international market is bound to have an impact on the local market as well. Tarin also said that due to the ongoing pandemic, the supply chain of commodities was affected, however, things are now getting back to normal.

Babar Azam announced 2 million scholarships for impoverished students

Babar Azam announced 2 million scholarships for impoverished students

 Babar Azam captain of the Pakistani cricket team and ambassador of Noon academy declared 2 million scholarships for students with Noon academy as an act of gratitude after a historical win.

Captain announced “Muhammad Azam and Saya scholarship” in partnership with Noon Academy that is also established by him after the great victory. The main target of this scholarship is to enable and support girls and boys with sports backgrounds. As there are not so many organizations hyping up the sports zeal in the upcoming generation, this initiative by Babar is a great way to promote sports culture.

He dedicated this scholarship to his father who has been his mentor, support and backbone thought his life and career.

Noon Pakistan academy has accumulated a user base of 1.6 Million students in its very first year of operations. The online learning platform is offering daily live classes for O&A Levels, Matric & Inter across all major boards in Pakistan.

Further Saya corporation is dominating sports management spotted in many countries all around the world. The main initiative of this firm is to build strong players and make them play on an international level. Exploring the real talent in a country like Pakistan is also a task, and Saya foundations are fulfilling it excellently.

Substantiating the indication of donating 2 million scholarships, General Manager of Noon Pakistan, Umair Chishti said that “Babar’s partnership with Noon furthers our mission to radically change the way people learn in Pakistan. This will allow us to provide quality education across all corners of the country”

Our nation needs more people like Babar Azam who not only made Pakistan proud in the game field. But also supporting the needy ones in the country at a large scale. His hard work and pure attentions bring him that much love and respect from the whole world. The world is truly inspired by the vision and talent of Babar Azam.

Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets: A historical victory

Pakistan win by 10 wickets against India in t20 world cup

India faced the first-ever defeat by 10 wickets in the history of the T20 world cup, and that too done by the Pakistan cricket team.

Indeed it becomes the best victory for the Pakistan cricket team. The excitement and zeal of cricketers and other people from both sides remain at the peak when it’s about the match between India and Pakistan. Excitement and predictions about this match were roaming around for the past few days. There were so many statements made by Indian cricket experts about the weaknesses of the Pakistani cricket team. As they were not performing well in matches played with India.

People from both sides were really into meme games on social media. Every meme either it was from Pakistan and India was hilarious and full of creativity. Everyone enjoyed cricket along with meme fires happening from both sides.

But our green shirts proved everyone and got such a tremendous and unforgettable victory. The nation is paying tribute to them. The happiness on every Pakistani’s face is matchless. Hope they keep performing like this in every match that is going to happen in the coming days.

This world cup belongs to Pakistan and our team will get this for Pakistan. What do you think friends?

Image credit: gettyimages

PEMRA Bans Vulgar and Intimate Scenes in Dramas

PEMRA Bans Vulgar and Intimate Scenes in Dramas

Pakistani drama industry is under fire these days. After receiving a lot of criticism from viewers and acclaimed writers like Anwar Maqsood for its low-level content, the industry is now on the radar of PEMRA which has ordered TV channels to remove all inappropriate and vulgar scenes from their dramas.

TV dramas will also not be able to on-air bed scenes, vulgar dressing and intimate scenes. The notification was released today and has asked all the channels to strictly follow the mentioned guidelines.

Source: Friday Times

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has labelled such scenes as a violation of Islamic teachings and against our culture. The notification said, “considerable stratum of the society. Hugs/caress scenes/extramarital relations, vulgar/bold dressing, bed scenes, and intimacy of married couples being glamorized in utter disregard to Islamic teachings and culture of Pakistani society,”

What do you think about this band? Share your opinions with us in the comments.

Rafi Group signed an agreement with IGI Life Insurance

Pakistan’s leading land developer Rafi Group signed an agreement with IGI Life Insurance to provide its customers investment inclusive of life insurance. The Event was held at Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore on 8th October 2021.

Being the trendsetters in the real estate sector of Pakistan through pioneering high-rise buildings & farmhouses, Rafi Group has once again achieved a great milestone in the real estate industry by facilitating its customers with investment inclusive of life insurance. Never in the entire history of the real sector in Pakistan, any land developer has proactively taken this initiative so far.

On the occasion, Chairman Rafi Group Imtiaz Rafi Butt said that we are committed to facilitate our customers with the best investment opportunities and what can be better than investment inclusive of life insurance.

 CEO IGI Life Insurance Tahir Masood said that Rafi Group has become the first land developer in the real estate market across Pakistan that has taken a unique step to provide its customers a facility of life insurance. He said that the initiative will inspire others in the real estate sector to walk in the footsteps of Rafi in order to serve their customers.

Later, CEO Rafi Group Shehriar Imtiaz Rafi & Managing Director Shazil Imtiaz Rafi also spoke about the milestone achieved by Rafi Group and expressed the commitment of Rafi Group to serve its customers in best possible way.

In addition to an agreement signed with IGI Life Insurance, Rafi Group held the third ballot of Green Palms Housing Project Gwadar in the two days Open House Event organized in Lahore.

In Lahore Open House, customers showed up in large numbers & displayed a keen interest for investment in Gwadar. Rafi Group’s Sales professionals guided customers through one-on-one consultations. Many customers booked plots on the spot in Green Palms Housing Project Gwadar.

Rafi Group is the most trusted developer in the real estate sector of Pakistan with many property masterpieces under its belt, ranging from high-rise buildings to farmhouses to shopping malls. Green Palms is a flagship housing project of Rafi Group being developed to meet the upcoming housing needs of the coastal city, Gwadar. Designed in line with Gwadar Master Plan, Green Palms Housing Project is the largest private GDA-approved housing project in Gwadar situated on main Makran Coastal Highway with an area stretched over 1065 acres of land. The housing project is currently under fast-paced construction and is the best place for investment in Gwadar.

Rafi Group | Green Palms Housing Project | Event Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yKGIqetirc

Trending Today on Twitter: #PakistanDemandsCrypto

2021 is the year of cryptocurrencies. While they rose to new heights, many countries came forward and accepted these currencies on various trading platforms.

It is no hidden fact that the interest of people in cryptocurrencies has skyrocketed in the past few years. From Elon Musk to Waqar Zaka, everyone is talking about regularizing them now.

Source: TechCrunch

Zaka is one of the people who publicly raised their voices to legalize crypto in Pakistan. He even filed a petition in Sindh Court to adopt them nationwide. Here is what he recently said about launching crypto platforms in Pakistan.

After this tweet, #pakistandemandscrypto became a trending topic in Pakistan and soon everyone joined in the conversation.

https://twitter.com/AafriDi1515/status/1446076041915731970

What do you think about creating crypto platforms in Pakistan? Do you believe that in the years to come, cryptocurrencies will revolutionize the way we do business? Share your opinions in the comments.

All Educational Institutions to Start Regular Classes from 11th October

Asad Umer, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms & Special Initiatives, signalled towards conducting regular classes in all educational institutions from 11th October 2021.

Umer made this announcement on Thursday via a tweet that read, “Based on the reduced level of disease spread and the launch of the school vaccination program, it has been decided in today’s NCOC meeting to allow all educational institutions to start normal classes from Monday the 11th of October.”

He is also the head of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and has been keeping us updated about the current situation of pandemics in Pakistan.

The educational institutions are one of the most affected sectors due to COVID-19. Ever since the pandemic has begun, either the institutions have completely shut down or operating online or on alternative days.

What do you think about the decision? Let us know your opinions in the comments.

What Is the Pakistan Pavilion at the Dubai Expo Grabbing Everyone’s Attention?

Ever since Expo 2020 has started, the Pakistani Pavilion has been the centre of attention for many reasons. If you are only impressed by the vibrant façade, be sure to be fascinated by what is inside it. The best of Pakistan’s artists, filmmakers, designers and craftsmen have joined hands to portray the country’s rich heritage, culture and traditions here.

The Dubai Expo 2020 started on October 1st and is expected to last till the end of March 2022. The theme for this year’s Expo is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. This is the first-ever public event happening on such a huge level amidst the ongoing pandemic. The organizers are hopeful to bring together fascinating architectures and technological breakthroughs.

More than 192 countries are participating in the Dubai Expo 2020 including Pakistan. With the theme of “The Hidden Treasure”, Pakistan is ready to enchant the world. Noorjehan Bilgrami, the mastermind behind this theme quotes, “The narrative of the Pakistan Pavilion reflects the poetic way in which the past, present and future are woven together as a tapestry that reveals the rich and layered history, culture, people and traditions of this land, while also highlighting the immense potential and possibilities it holds for the future.”

Here are some glimpses from the Pakistan Pavilion and its making

https://twitter.com/iTsTaLaT/status/1444039209505935363?s=20

Umer Sharif Laid to Rest in Karachi

The funeral prayers of the legendary comedian were offered in Karachi after which he was buried at Abdullah Shah Ghazi Graveyard. Hundreds of his fans and renowned personalities attended the last rituals of their favourite artist.

Source: Dawn.com

Sharif died in Germany on Saturday at the age of 66 and since then the whole nation and those who know him across the globe have been mourning his death. His body was brought to Pakistan today and was received by his son. The flag-draped casket was then transported to Edhi Morgue and then to his residence.

Source: Tribune.com.pk

A Brief Introduction of Umar Sharif

Umar Sharif was born in 1955. He used the name Umar Zarif to kickstart his on-stage career. However, he later changed the name to Umar Sharif and gave the industry some of the amazing stage shows including Buddha Ghar Pe ha and Bakra Qistoon Pe with the same name.

Source: Geo.tv

Sharif was a versatile and multitalented artist who received acknowledgement on several platforms. He had the honour of bagging the awards for the Best Actor and Director in 1992. He also remained the only artist to have won 4 Nigar Awards in a year.

For his exceptional contribution to the entertainment industry, Umar Sharif was bestowed with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan.

Beaconhouse group of schools celebrated #ThankYouTeacher Day

Beaconhouse group of schools celebrated #ThankYouTeacher Day all over the campuses in Pakistan. Teachers and students took part in these activities, where students acknowledged the efforts of their teachers.

The Beaconhouse School System is a private school system mostly operating throughout Pakistan. It was established in November 1975 in Lahore, Pakistan as the Les Anges Montessori Academy for toddlers by Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, wife of former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri. It has now expanded in many different countries.

It also operates independent divisions in Belgium, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE and the United Kingdom. Its activities extend beyond education in some countries.

https://twitter.com/BSSWorldwide/status/1442426477480321032?s=20

Wasim Khan Rejects Reports of Enjoying Hefty Perks

Wasim Khan, ex CEO PCB, recently resigned from his position due to some major concerns raised by the board. His resignation was readily accepted and soon he was accused of enjoying a high salary and hefty perks by a leading local newspaper.

Wasim Khan termed the allegations as extremely grossly exaggerated and inflated and said that he has done a lot for the progress of the national team and to bring international cricket home. He also issued a statement stating, “Bringing international cricket back, mixed in with sleepless nights dealing with crisis management, or averting a potential crisis, and navigating through highly politically charged situations were just part and parcel of the exhilaration that came with the role.”

Wasim Khan Rejects Reports of Enjoying Hefty Perks
Source: The News

Khan further said that “bringing International cricket back, mixed in with sleepless nights dealing with crisis management, or averting a potential crisis, and navigating through highly politically charged situations were just part and parcel of the exhilaration that came with the role.”

Jang recently reported that Khan drew a 2.6 million monthly salary as CEO PCB. There were several other perks as well including a daily allowance of $600 which rose to $900 during the England tour.

Blasphemer Lars Vilks died in a mysterious car crash

Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks made blasphemous sketches of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) killed in a car accident and two policemen on 9 September.

 A 75 years old Swedish artist published a depiction of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 2007 and stirred worldwide controversy. This action of him provoked the Muslims of the whole world. Al-Qaeda put a bounty on his head, and two persons tried to burn his house. He also survived another attack on him in Denmark.

After the publishing of blasphemous sketches, Vilks started receiving many death threats. That’s why he was provided with high-end security by the government for the last 14 years.

He was travelling in a police vehicle with two police officers when a car collided with a truck. After the collision with the heavy truck, the vehicle caught fire immediately.  Lars Vilks and both policemen died on the spot while the truck driver got severely injured and sent to the hospital.

The police is unable to find the reason for the accident, and police are investigating the facts. Swedish police stated on Monday, “This is a very tragic incident. It is now important to all of us that we do everything we can to investigate what happened and what caused the collision,” 

They also added, “Initially, there is nothing that points to anyone else being involved.”