AR's Blog

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information "Fawad Chudhry" exhales over BBC Hard Talk, Courtesy The News International

2021-05-30T15:08:00.004+05:00

In BBC interview, Fawad Chaudhry claims attacks on journalists have 'reduced' in Pakistan Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry speaking to Stephen Sackur on BBC programme "HARDTalk". — Photo courtesy BBC HARDTalk Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that attacks on journalists have reduced in Pakistan ever since Prime Minister Imran Khan took over. During an interview with Stephen Sackur for BBC programme "HARDTalk", which was released on Friday, the minister, who was even termed as "one of the government's most robust defender", gave his utmost to negate the impression that journalists are at any more risk in Pakistan than anywhere else in the world. When asked by Sackur if he agrees that the cornerstone of any democracy is the protection of freedom of expression and independent journalism, Chaudhry quoted Article 19 of the Constitution that guarantees such protection. When further pressed to respond to incidences occuring "day after day, month after month" that stand in stark contrast to such freedoms, and that the government is not protecting journalists and freedom of speech, the information minister said he will "obviously contest the claim". "Pakistan is probably one of the freest state[s] as far as media is concerned. We have about 43 international media channels, including BBC, here in Pakistan, we have 112 private channels, 258 FM channels, and 1,569 print publications. "So you can imagine the kind of media we have. The size of the media itself defies your claim," Chaudhry responded by saying. Speaking about the attack on journalist Asad Toor, the minister said that he sent senior police officers to investigate the case and they have obtained closed-circuit footage of the people involved and that "they will be apprehended". He went on to say that such incidents do happen "everywhere in the world, and Pakistan is no exception". When further grilled on what he, as information minister, is doing about it, Chaudhry said: "The situation in Pakistan is not dangerous for journalists only. The situation in the past for Pakistan was dangerous for every citizen because we were fighting this war on terrorism. And yes, many journalists, especially field journalists, have been killed in this war, but so [have] many other civilians." Citing the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in a terrorist attack, he said that it begs looking at things from a wider perspective. The minister claimed that attacks on journalists have in fact "reduced" since Prime Minister Imran Khan took over. He further said that "in most of the cases, the culprits were apprehended". Circling back to the attack on Toor and last month on journalist Absar Alam, he said that the investigation has not even concluded and so there is "no reason" to allege that Pakistan is not protecting its journalists while referencing these two incidents. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/841309-in-bbc-interview-fawad-chaudhry-claims-attacks-on-journalists-have-reduced-in-pakistan

15 essential browser extensions you need to go online

2019-12-10T20:49:00.001+05:00

You can't navigate the web without these add-ons.

IMAGE: GETTY / MASHABLE

BY SASHA LEKACH1 DAY AGO

Essentials Week spotlights unexpected items that make our daily lives just a little bit better.

The right side of my browser window holds an important collection of tools and tricks that I can't internet without.

The extensions I use on the Chrome browser are mostly practical (they help me block pop-up ads, remember passwords, and save links) but there are plenty of fun browser extensions, and even a few that some people swear save them money.

So whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, or even Tor or Brave, here are some must-haves to add, whether you need to be productive or silly.

My trusty collection of browser extensions.

IMAGE: MASHABLE / SCREENGRAB

Get things done

Pocket: This link saver is a life saver. Instead of emailing yourself articles or keeping millions of tabs open, click on the Pocket icon and save the website to your Pocket link collection and add a tag to make it easier to find later.

Clipboard History Pro: You cut and/or copy and paste so many things, but you only have the latest one on your digital clipboard. This extension keeps track of your every copy, so you don't lose anything. You can even search for keywords if something you copied weeks ago comes up again.

Pomodoro extensions: The Pomodoro technique is supposed to keep you focused on getting your work done in timed 25-minute stretches. If the timer built into your browser with this extension can't keep you on track, maybe the website blocking will do the trick.

Keep it private

AdBlocker and Adblock Plus: These do what they set out to do: block pop-ups and other ads that come up on websites. You can whitelist publications and even mess with the settings to block some tracking and online creepiness.

ublock Origin: An open-source version of other ad-blockers.

Privacy Badger: The Electronic Frontier Foundation built this extension to help users block ads and tracking cookies.

LastPass: This year I'm thankful for my password manager. But seriously. LastPass sits innocuously on your browser and once you're signed in with your master password, it fills in all your passwords and log-in information every time you need to sign into a website or service. I even keep my passport, credit card, and AAA membership info locked into its digital vault.

How helpful

Wayback Machine: This gem from the Internet Archive gives you a glimpse into the past. Literally. Click on the extension while on a site and see past versions of the same website. If you stumble onto a dead link, you can see an archived version from before it disappeared from the internet.

Google Translate: If you use the Google Translate app you'll appreciate this for your web browsing. Highlight sections of text and the extension will bring up a translation. Viola!

Honey: It's all about the money, honey. The extension finds online coupons for online shopping sites you're browsing. They'll pop up when you're checking out and you can apply the codes for secret online savings.

Just for fun

Cloud to Butt: Anywhere you see the word "cloud" on a website, this switches it to "butt." Take that, butt computing.

Netflix Hangouts: If you really need to watch your Netflix at work make it look like a conference call! Bingeing at the office is now a thing.

Just Not Sorry: This is more serious than it sounds. Eliminate undermining, qualifying, and unnecessary words from your Gmail emails. The browser adds a squiggly line any time you use words like "just" or "sorry" in a message, so hopefully you'll start treating those words like spelling mistakes. Sorry not sorry.

News Feed Eradicator: Instead of your Facebook newsfeed filled with inane updates from your high school classmates and mother-in-law's neighbor this replaces it all with a refreshing quote about not wasting your time. Take back your time, one feed-obliterating browser extension at a time.

https://mashable.com/article/browser-extensions-essentials-week/

NASA blows hole in world's largest rocket fuel tank (on purpose)

2019-12-10T20:44:00.003+05:00

That's a big hole in a big rocket

IMAGE: DENNIS OLIVE / NASA

BY MARCUS GILMER9 MINUTES AGO

Sometimes, NASA blows up rockets on purpose — for science!

Such was the case on Dec. 5 when engineers put a replica of the world's largest fuel tank, NASA's Space Launch System liquid hydrogen tank, through a rigorous pressure test that literally blew it apart to see how much stress it could take.

And NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine shared video of the test for us all to enjoy.

The test, which went down at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was another important step in NASA's Artemis program. It aims to send people back to the moon by 2024, including the first woman to walk on the lunar surface.

The tank had previously been through dozens of other tests that, according to NASA, "simulated liftoff and flight stresses" before engineers blew the giant hole in its side. The tank blew after taking on more than 260 percent of "expected flight loads" over the course of five hours.

NASA and Boeing monitored every aspect of the rocket during the test, using "thousands of sensors" as well as high-speed cameras and microphones.

Built at NASA's Michoud facility just outside New Orleans, the tank stands over 130 feet tall, measures 27.6 feet in diameter, and can store 537,000 gallons of "super cooled liquid hydrogen."

The tank is part of the SLS Core Stage. Its purpose is to "help power the four SLS core stage RS-25 engines for the 8-minute climb to orbit at more than 17,000 miles per hour." Once assembled, the core stage will be 212 feet high, the largest rocket from NASA since the famed Saturn V rockets that were part of the Apollo program.

In fact, on Monday, just days after the test, Bridenstine was at the Michoud facility to unveil the official SLS Core Stage that will be used for the first Artemis mission.

While there's no specific date set so far for the first Artemis launch, you can check out NASA's general timeline of proposed missions between 2020 and 2024 here.

https://mashable.com/video/sarahamyharvard/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

'iPhone 12' could get bigger battery because of smaller circuitry

2019-12-09T19:41:00.000+05:00

'iPhone 12' could get bigger battery because of smaller circuitry

By William Gallagher
Monday, December 09, 2019, 03:41 am PT (06:41 am ET)

A reduction in the size of an essential battery protection circuit for the iPhone could mean that Apple has room to include bigger batteries in the 2020 "iPhone 12" series.

Alongside the battery itself, iPhones have circuitry to prevent overcharging (Image source: iFixit)

Sources within the supply chain claim that the "iPhone 12" expected to be released in late 2020 will feature smaller battery-related circuitry. The custom battery Protection Module Package (PMP) which governs charging is said to be both 50% smaller and thinner. The difference could mean that Apple will be able to increase the size of the battery.

According to The Elec, a Korean website, the reduction and redesign has been done by South Korea's ITM Semiconductor. The company reportedly first supplied the protection module to Apple for the iPhone 11, although it already provides components for the AirPods Pro.

ITM Semiconductor is said to currently be one of three suppliers making what are called Protection Circuit Modules or PCMs. Compeq in Taiwan and MinebeaMitsumi in Japan have also made them for Apple. However, what ITM Semiconductor has redesigned is a Protection Module Package (PMP) which appears to be unique to the company.

It's this new PMP which is smaller and so may provide extra room for battery space. Separate reports, though, say that 5G in the forthcoming iPhones will require larger circuit boards which may mean there's still no more space for larger batteries.

Forthcoming 5G iPhones are expected to need larger, more costly motherboards

ITM Semiconductor is reportedly due to complete work on a third plant in Vietnam which is intended to be used solely for Apple. The company is said to be planning a fourth plant and it's also possible that the PMP will be used in tablets and computers as well as phones.

Large European firms sidestepping ‘futile’ tariffs, not moving from China to US, survey suggests

2019-12-09T19:37:00.001+05:00

China / Diplomacy

Large European firms sidestepping ‘futile’ tariffs, not moving from China to US, survey suggests

‘Repetitive swings of the tariff hammer have proven anything but strategic,’ according to EU Chamber of Commerce
But smaller European companies ‘taking a steady beating’ as a result of tariffs

Wendy Wu

Published: 1:22pm, 9 Dec, 2019

The survey suggested larger European companies had re-routed or relocated to get around the tariffs. Photo: AP

tariffs

have failed to attract investment to the United States or pressure China into structural reforms, an influential European business lobby group has said after its research suggested large companies had found ways around the charges.

Large European companies operating in China had “effectively sidestepped” tariffs imposed by Washington and Beijing, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said in its latest survey on the tariffs on Monday.

However, its survey of firms found that smaller companies were taking “a steady beating” as a result of tariffs.

“China certainly needs timely and wide-ranging reforms, and the right amount of strategic pressure can help move things in the right direction, but repetitive swings of the tariff hammer have proven anything but strategic,” chamber president Joerg Wuttke said.

“That European companies in China have effectively negated tariff effects in a relatively short space of time only serves to highlight the futility of bilateral tariffs in a global marketplace.”

Wuttke also said that US-China trade talks had yet to resolve structural economic issues in China that had long been a source of complaint from foreign business communities.

Large companies with global footprints had re-routed the origins and destinations of US or China-bound products to avoid the US-China trade border, “rendering the bilateral tariffs ineffective”, the survey found.

The chamber said that many companies were moving production out of China, mostly to Southeast Asia and India, and just as many were increasing investment into China, to move supply chains there for products aimed at Chinese customers.

The survey was conducted from September 12 to 20, after the US imposed 15 per cent tariffs on US$125 billion worth of Chinese products on September 1. The chamber first conducted the survey last year, after the

trade war

began.

For imports from the US that had been subject to China’s tariffs, the number of European firms that chose to keep product prices the same was twice as great as those that raised prices to pass the costs along to customers, the survey suggested. The first survey had suggested there was an even split.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3041221/large-european-firms-sidestepping-futile-tariffs-not-moving

Youngest Prime Ministers

2019-12-09T19:21:00.001+05:00

Monday, 09 Dec 2019
Today's Paper
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Japan PM Abe says visit by Iran’s Rouhani being arranged

2019-12-09T19:16:00.001+05:00

Japan PM Abe says visit by Iran’s Rouhani being arranged

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. Abe said his country is arranging Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Japan as the country seeks to play a greater role in relieving tension in the Middle East where Japanese oil imports mainly come from. (Koji Sasahara/Associated Press)

By Mari Yamaguchi | AP

Dec. 9, 2019 at 5:29 p.m. GMT+5

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday his country is arranging a visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani because it wants to play a greater role in resolving a nuclear impasse between Tehran and Washington and in relieving tensions in the Middle East, the source of more than 80% of Japan’s oil.

Japan, a U.S. ally that has traditionally had friendly relations with Iran, seeks to serve as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, a role that is also expected by the international community, Abe said.

He did not give details of the visit. Local media have reported that it is being arranged for later this month, before or after Rouhani’s planned visit to Malaysia to attend an Islamic leaders’ conference.

Tensions have escalated between Tehran and Washington since U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last year to withdraw from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Abe, who has developed friendly ties with Trump, traveled to Iran in June in an unsuccessful effort to encourage Iran and the U.S. to hold talks to reduce tensions. Sanctions imposed by Washington on Iran which block it from selling crude oil abroad have crippled its economy, and Tehran has gradually reduced its commitment to the nuclear deal.

“Japan will do its utmost to relive tension in the region and stabilize the situation through persistent efforts to hold a dialogue,” Abe said. “From the point of view of energy security, it is only natural for Japan to play a role to contribute to the peace and stability in the Middle East, while securing safe navigation for Japanese vessels.”

Abe’s government is also set to approve a contentious plan to send its military to the Middle East to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels transporting oil from the region.

The Japanese troop dispatch, however, will not be part of a U.S.-led coalition protecting Middle East waterways, officials said.

Sending warships to areas of military tension is a highly sensitive issue in Japan, where the pacifist post World War II constitution strictly limits the use of force. Abe, however, has gradually expanded Japan’s military role in recent years.

In June, a Japanese-operated tanker was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. Washington said Iran was responsible and urged Japan to join the U.S.-led military initiative.

___

Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/japan-pm-abe-says-visit-by-irans-rouhani-being-arranged/2019/12/09/89d28d0e-1a7f-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html

‘horrific’ factory fire in New Delhi

2019-12-09T19:13:00.000+05:00

At least 43 killed in ‘horrific’ factory fire in New Delhi

By RECORDER REPORT on December 9, 2019

At least 43 people were killed Sunday in a devastating fire that ripped through a bag factory in the cramped, congested old quarter of the Indian capital New Delhi, trapping scores of workers who were sleeping inside.

The blaze was the worst in Delhi since 59 movie-goers died in a cinema in 1997, with the city's poor planning and enforcement of building and safety regulations often responsible for such deadly incidents.

Tearful relatives spoke of receiving desperate calls from factory workers from around 5:00am (23:30 GMT) pleading to be freed from the inferno in the dark, poorly lit premises in the commercial hub of Sadar Bazar.

The four-storey building was home to a series of manufacturing units producing items including schools bags and packing materials which only worsened the spread of the fire, officials said. Locals said the factory also made purses.

“Most of the casualties happened because of suffocation," witness Mohammed Khalil told AFP. “After the fire, people didn't have any way to get out and I believe many were asleep and because of the smoke, they got suffocated."

Outside a nearby hospital morgue, anxious relatives and friends gathered to identify the bodies.

Naushad Ahmad, was desperately looking for his friend who remained missing, unable to reach him on his mobile phone. “I have been to the factory and this tragedy was waiting to happen," he told AFP.

“There was only one exit and entrance to the building, with all the electricity meters installed at the main door. People didn't get a chance to escape."

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/12/09/551569/at-least-43-killed-in-horrific-factory-fire-in-new-delhi/

'Impatient, old' Trump might change Kim's views: report ReutersDecember 09, 2019

2019-12-09T19:05:00.000+05:00

'Impatient, old' Trump might change Kim's views: report

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may change his views toward United States President Donald Trump if he continues making “inappropriate, dangerous” comments, a senior Pyongyang official said on Monday, calling him an “impatient, old man.”

Kim Yong Chol, a senior North Korean official who was instrumental in arranging a failed second summit between Kim Jong Un and Trump, said the United States was ignoring a year-end deadline set for Washington to soften its stance in stalled denuclearisation talks.

“We have nothing more to lose,” he said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

Trump said on Sunday Kim risks losing “everything” if he resumes hostility and his country must denuclearise, after the North said it had carried out a “successful test of great significance.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1521324/impatient-old-trump-might-change-kims-views-report

EAD, ADB sign $1.3bn policy based loans By Ali Ahmed on December 9, 2019

2019-12-09T19:02:00.000+05:00

EAD, ADB sign $1.3bn policy based loans

By Ali Ahmed on December 9, 2019

The policy based loans would “help bolster reserves and strengthen our economic outlook."

The ADB on Friday approved $1 billion in immediate budget support to Pakistan, it further approved $300 Million to reform Pakistan's energy sector.

The Economics Affairs Division (EAD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed the policy based loans of $1.3 billion on Monday, informed Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar.

In a tweet, the federal minister said that the loans will be disbursed today (Monday) and would “help bolster reserves and strengthen our economic outlook."

The agreement was signed by Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Secretary Syed Pervaiz Abbas and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Xiang Yang in Islamabad. Federal Minister Hamad Azhar was also present at the ceremony.

Hammad said that the disbursement reflects the confidence that multilaterals hold in the government's reform agenda and the progress achieved towards economic stabilization, adding that ADB is a valuable contributor in Pakistan's development path.

The ADB on Friday approved $1 billion in immediate budget support to Pakistan, aiding the country's public finances and strengthening a stagnating economy. The bank further approved $300 Million to reform Pakistan's energy sector.

“The quick dispersing Special Policy-Based Loan is part of a comprehensive multidonor economic reform program led by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize Pakistan's economy after a major deterioration in its fiscal and financial position in mid-2018 caused growth to slump and threatened progress in alleviating poverty," ADB said in a statement.

Meanwhile, “the financing will support the first of three subprograms totalling $1 billion under the Energy Sector Reforms and Financial Sustainability Program," stated ADB.

Pakistan is marred by economic challenges owing to a large balance of payments gap and critically low foreign exchange reserves together. Back in July, the IMF approved a three-year $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to finance the government's economic reform program.

Follow your passion to succeed, PM Imran advises youth

2019-12-09T18:58:00.000+05:00

Prime Minister Imran Khan during an address at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) on Monday urged the youth to follow their passion in order to succeed.

The premier was speaking at the launch ceremony of Pakistan's first National Science and Technology Park (NSTP) at NUST in Islamabad. In attendance were students, members of the faculty as well as army personnel, including Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. This was the first public appearance of Prime Minister Imran and Gen Bajwa together after the latter's extension was briefly halted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

"You are the students of Pakistan's best university [...] You have more responsibility," he told the students in attendance.

In order to develop, it is important to expect that life will take "a downward trajectory", the prime minister said.

"You should expect [setbacks]. Life always go around in cycles, it is never a straight line," he said.

He lauded Minister of Science and Technology for showing "passion for a ministry that no one cared about" in the past.

"People said that our government did not take technological development seriously; you have made Fawad Chaudhry the minister of science and technology," he said, drawing chuckles from Chaudhry.

"But a good captain knows which player should play on which number," the prime minister added. He also paid tribute to Lt-Gen (retd) Syed Shujaat Hussain, the "architect" of the university for his "vision". The former lieutenant general was the founder rector of NUST.

He regretted that Pakistan, that was once a confident nation, had become dependent on others, "even for ideas".

"I am almost as old as Pakistan and I have seen the phase when Pakistanis were optimistic and confident. I have seen that phase as well [...] We had confidence and self-belief and a major reason for it was a system of meritocracy.

"The development in Pakistan during the '60s was not due to outsiders, it was due to our own systems, our own institutions."

The NSTP, according to Radio Pakistan, is Pakistan's biggest "innovation and research ecosystem" and its launch comes days after the inauguration of Digital Pakistan Vision.

The technology park would provide a platform for more than 40 companies, which would include start-ups as well as small-medium enterprises. It will also house established digital companies, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government has laid special emphasis on the technological development of the country and has taken several steps to incorporate technology in the governance system, maintenance of law and order etc. by launching mobile applications.

PM Imran to receive Bahrain's highest civil award: PM's special assistant

2019-12-09T18:53:00.000+05:00

Prime Minister Imran Khan will receive Bahrain's highest civil award, the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Bukhari has told Arab News.

"Prime Minister is going on an official visit to Bahrain in mid-December where he will be conferred Bahrain’s highest civilian award," the publication quoted Bukhari in a report published on Saturday. Bukhari added that the premier will receive the award at a special ceremony during his visit to the Gulf nation.

According to Arab News, the award was also conferred upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 25, the same month that India revoked the special constitutional status of Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK).

According to diplomatic sources, Prime Minister Imran will leave for Bahrain on December 15 and will attend the Gulf nation's national day celebrations as special guest.

While in Bahrain, Prime Minister Imran will meet Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the report added.

The premier will also visit Switzerland and Malaysia. In Geneva, he is expected to address a conference on refugees.

In Malaysia, he will attend the first Kuala Lumpur Summit to discuss the ummah's problems. The summit in the Malaysian capital from December 18 to 20 is being attended by Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar in addition to host Malaysia. The event’s theme is 'The Role of Development in Achieving National Sovereignty'.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1521306/pm-imran-to-receive-bahrains-highest-civil-award-pms-special-assistant

PSL teams eye top cricketers for players' draft, with Jason Roy most sought-after one, Faizan Lakhani

2019-12-06T20:12:00.002+05:00

PSL teams eye top cricketers for players' draft, with Jason Roy most sought-after one

Geo.tv/Files

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have set their eyes on picking players such as Jason Roy, Chris Lynn, Colin Ingram, and Dale Steyn during players draft for the series' next edition.

The PSL 5 players' draft is set to be held in Lahore on Friday, with teams set to pick players in different categories.

Five teams would pick seven players for the the top-most and highly-paid category, Platinum. However, Peshawar Zalmi would not pick anyone from the top categories as they decided to retain Wahab Riaz, Hassan Ali, and Keiron Pollard in Platinum.

Quetta Gladiators, on the other hand, would have the first turn in picking their choices in the first round of Platinum category and it is highly likely that they would opt for Jason Roy.

Recently, Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said his side had eyes on Roy. The World Cup 2019 winner is the most sought-after as at least two more franchises have privately conveyed to this correspondent that they wish to pick him, if he is not picked by their turn.

Lahore Qalandars — who decided to retain Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez earlier — were eyeing Colin Ingram or Chris Lynn for the only available Platinum category. It is mandatory for the Qalandars, following their retention, to pick a foreign player in Platinum category.

There will be five picks in first round of platinum and two in the second one.

In Diamond category, Zalmi would have the first pick, followed by Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Gladiators, and Multan Sultans.

Qalandars would not be able to pick any player in the Diamond category after they decided to retain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Shinwari, and David Wiese in Diamond. Zalmi and Sultans would each pick two players in the Diamond category, while United, Kings, and Gladiators would have one pick.

In the Gold category, Karachi Kings would have two picks, while the other teams would have one each. Following the Platinum, Diamond, and Gold categories, teams would also pick players in the Silver, Emerging, and Supplementary categories to complete their squad of 18 players.

It is mandatory for the teams to have at least three foreigners among the nine top-picked/retained ones.

The PSL's fifth edition is slated to be played in February 2020 in four cities of Pakistan.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/260360-psl-teams-eye-top-cricketers-for-players-draft-with-jason-roy-most-sought-after-one

China imposes 'reciprocal' restrictions on US diplomats

2019-12-06T19:57:00.001+05:00

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Photo: File

BEIJING: China on Friday said it had taken "reciprocal" measures against US diplomats in the country, saying they will have to notify the foreign ministry before meeting with local officials.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had notified the US embassy of the new measures on Wednesday, which she said were a "countermeasure" to Washington's decision in October to restrict Chinese diplomats.

"We once again urge the US side to correct its mistakes and revoke the relevant rules," she told reporters at a press briefing.

In October, the US ordered Chinese diplomats to notify the State Department in advance of any official meetings with US diplomats, local or municipal officials, and before any visits to colleges or research institutions.

Washington called the move "reciprocal", with a senior State Department official citing the inability of US diplomats to meet with a range of Chinese officials and academics.

On Friday, Hua said that US diplomats would have to notify the foreign ministry five working days in advance, and that China would respond "according to the US's practice."

The US Embassy in Beijing declined to comment.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/260469-china-imposes-reciprocal-restrictions-on-us-diplomats

Activists to rally for mass climate march in Madrid

2019-12-06T19:47:00.003+05:00

Extinction Rebellion activists have been out on the streets of Madrid protesting but the main march takes place on Friday. AFP/Oscar Del Pozo/Files

Thousands of activists from around the globe will simultaneously hit the streets of Madrid and Santiago on Friday to demand urgent action on the climate crisis from world leaders attending the COP25 summit.

The main march will take place in Madrid on the sidelines of the UN climate conference, with a simultaneous rally in the Chilean capital, which had been due to host the 12-day gathering but was forced to pull out due to massive protests.

Teen eco-warrior Greta Thunberg — who refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions involved — was also expected to join the rally after making a nearly three-week journey across the Atlantic by catamaran.

She was mobbed by journalists as she arrived in Madrid on Friday morning following a 10-hour overnight train trip from Lisbon.

"I successfully managed to sneak into Madrid this morning! I don't think anyone saw me," the 16-year-old Swede tweeted after.

The COP25 summit opened on Monday with a stark warning from the UN about the "utterly inadequate" efforts of the world's major economies to curb carbon pollution, with protesters due to deliver their own message when the march begins at 1700 GMT.

Under the slogan "The world has woken up to the climate emergency", tens of thousands of activists are expected to join the five-kilometre (three-mile) march from Madrid's Atocha train station which will feature a significant number of Chilean groups.

Thunberg, who has become famous for galvanizing a generation of youngsters to fight for the environment, had been en route to Chile when the venue was changed, forcing her to hitch a ride across the US and back to Europe.

Oscar-winning Spanish actor Javier Bardem, a vocal environmental activist, will also be at the protest, which will feature speeches, music and cultural performances.

'Avocados have more rights'

"We know it will be massive, we hope there will be hundreds of thousands of people in the street demanding urgent action," march spokesman Pablo Chamorro told reporters.

"2019 has, without doubt, been the year in which people have woken up about the climate."

Friday's march is going to be "an important global moment", said Estefania Gonzalez, spokeswoman for Civil Society for Climate Action (SCAC) representing more than 150 Chilean and international groups.

"I come from Chile, a country where an avocado tree has more right to water than a person," she told reporters.

The furious protests gripping Chile over social and economic inequality were "directly related to the environmental crisis", she said of the most severe wave of unrest since Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship ended nearly 30 years ago.

"Today, climate action means social equality, it's not possible to have social equality without environmental equality," she said. "Speeches are not enough, we need concrete actions that target climate ambition that will resolve these problems."

Parallel 'Social Summit'

SCAC has been the driving force behind a week-long Social Summit for Climate Action, which begins on Saturday and runs parallel to the COP25, involving hundreds of events, lectures and workshops.

Indigenous groups will also have a visible presence, with Juan Antonio Correa of the Minga Indigena collective saying their lands and peoples were "the first to be affected by climate change".

"Our traditional and historic practices and the relationship that indigenous people have with Mother Earth is an alternative and a way in which modern society can face up to the climate crisis," he said.

"We are trying to engage and bring about concrete actions to improve the situation for everyone, not just for indigenous peoples but for all of society."

In their manifesto, groups involved in the march address a clear message to the decision-makers from the nearly 200 countries attending the UN summit.

"We demand that governments participating in COP25 recognise the current climate inaction and state that the insufficient ambition of their agreements will lead the planet to a disastrous global warming scenario," they wrote.

Addressing the nations that signed the 2015 Paris Agreement, they said it was "irresponsible" that just a year before the treaty becomes operational, there was still no "emissions reduction plan that is compatible with scientific estimates".

"We return to the streets.. demanding real, ambitious measures from the politicians from all around the globe meeting for the COP25."

https://www.geo.tv/latest/260494-activists-to-rally-for-mass-climate-march-in-madrid

Kashmiris disappearing from WhatsApp as India keeps up internet blockade

2019-12-06T19:45:00.000+05:00

Facebook spokesperson says the disappearances were the result of WhatsApp’s policy on inactive accounts. Photo: File

NEW YORK: The Kashmiris, whose access to the Internet was blocked by the Indian government four months ago, are gradually losing their WhatsApp accounts one by one as a result of its Facebook's policy on inactive users, according to media reports.

“On Wednesday, Kashmiris began disappearing from WhatsApp…”, BuzzFeed News, an American news website, reported.

New Delhi annexed Indian occupied Kashmir on August 5 and placed the disputed state under a military lockdown, with a complete blackout of communications and arrest of thousands of citizens, especially young men, as well as political leaders.

No one was quite sure why Kashmiris were losing their WhatsApp accounts until a Facebook spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that the disappearances were the result of WhatsApp’s policy on inactive accounts.

“To maintain security and limit data retention, WhatsApp accounts generally expire after 120 days of inactivity,” the spokesperson said.

“When that happens, those accounts automatically exit their WhatsApp groups. People will need to be re-added to groups upon regaining access to the Internet and joining WhatsApp again.”

But Facebook has not yet responded to questions about how many Kashmiris were affected.

“Facebook-owned WhatsApp is used by some 400 million Indians, making the country the company's largest market in the world,” BuzzFeed News said. “So when Kashmiri people began disappearing en masse from groups to which they belonged, a lot of people noticed.

“After all, it has been four months since India's government had shut down Kashmir's internet services, cutting off the region from the rest of the world — which suggests that the Kashmiris who have been disappearing from their WhatsApp groups this week did not do so on their own and may not even know that anything has changed.”

https://www.geo.tv/latest/260442-kashmiris-disappearing-from-whatsapp-as-india-keeps-up-internet-blockade

FATF likely to conduct initial review of Pakistan’s report tomorrow By Ali Ahmed on December 6, 2019

2019-12-06T19:40:00.000+05:00

Pakistan has already sent a detailed report on the measures implemented to the FATF on Tuesday, said ocal media reported citing sources.

Report includes measures against money laundering and it also reveals further steps to curb terror financing.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will conduct a preliminary review of Pakistan's report on Saturday for its action plan for uprooting money laundering and terror financing.

Pakistan has already sent a detailed report on the measures implemented to the FATF on Tuesday, local media reported citing sources. The report includes measures against money laundering and it also reveals further steps to curb terror financing.

Meanwhile, complete information of the investigation of some 700 money-laundering cases to terrorist organizations is also part of the report.

The report also included action taken against those who brought money to banned outfits. The information regarding confiscation of property of banned organizations is also included in the report. The report also details about the progress of the investigation against the property owners.

Just days ago, the government informed the Senate Standing Committee that there has been 220 percent increase in cash seizure and 300 percent increase in terrorist financing (TF) investigations whereas over 170 TF convictions have been made under the FATF Action Plan.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force said in October that Pakistan has until February to improve its counter-terror financing operations in line with an internationally agreed action plan, or face action against it.

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/12/06/550979/fatf-likely-to-conduct-initial-review-of-pakistans-report-tomorrow/

Govt supposed to create jobs, remove hurdles in business: PM Samaa Digital

2019-12-06T19:37:00.001+05:00

Distributes cheques among youth under Kamyab Jawan programme

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday it’s the responsibility of a government to create job opportunities and remove hurdles in the way of business.

The premier said so while addressing cheque distribution ceremony of the Kamyab Jawan programme in Islamabad.

He vowed to expand the scope of the programme and remove hurdles in the way of business.

"I pray for the success of youngsters who acquired loans," PM Khan said. He said around 190,000 women applied for loans under the programme.

The prime minister said the secret of success of societies lied in merit and transparency.

"Loans will be given purely on merit under this programme," he said. "We are to promote merit in our country."

PM Khan gave the example of overseas Pakistanis who he said achieved successes through hard work.

He said even small businessmen would be able to benefit from the Kamyab Jawab programme.

The premier further vowed to keep facilitating the business community.

Follow SAMAA English on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.samaa.tv/news/government/2019/12/govt-supposed-to-create-jobs-remove-hurdles-in-business-pm/

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > BUSINESS PTI govt secures $1.3b budget support and crisis response loan from ADB By Shahbaz RanaPublished: December 6, 201

2019-12-06T19:35:00.001+05:00

Manila-based lender distances itself from govt's claim. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank on Friday approved $1.3 billion budgetary support loan for Pakistan, including $1 billion in crisis response facility to shore up low official foreign exchange reserves.

It was for the first time in Pakistan’s history that any political or military government availed the crisis response facility to repay its foreign debt and build foreign currency reserves.

Unlike other long-term relatively cheaper ADB loans, the crisis response $1 billion debt has been taken for seven years at an interest rate of London-Interbank Offered Rate plus 2%, which will bring its total cost to around 4%.

In addition to that, the ADB also approved $300 million policy loan for the energy sector reforms. Compared to crisis loan facility, the $300 million energy sector reforms loan has been secured at 2% per annum interest rate that will be paid back in 20 years.

ADB approves $2.7b lending to Pakistan in 2019

The Board of Directors of the ADB, which met in Manila, approved the $1 billion “in immediate budget support to Pakistan to shore up the country’s public finances and help strengthen a slowing economy”, according to an official handout of the lending agency.

The ADB will disburse the $1.3 billion next week, which will increase the official foreign currency reserves from its current level of $7.9 billion.

The ADB has attached conditions of fiscal consolidation, strengthening of social safety nets, prudent debt management, a flexible exchange rate regime and comprehensive energy sector reforms in return for the $1billion emergency lending, according to a concept clearance note of the emergency loan.

The crisis response facility offered by the ADB as part of its international rescue efforts to help nations meet foreign payment obligations and build the reserves.

The PTI government on Wednesday told The National Assembly that it borrowed $10.4 billion from August 2018 to September 2019 to repay debt and build reserves. These include expensive foreign commercial loans worth $4.8 billion.

“The quick dispersing Special Policy-Based Loan is part of a comprehensive multidoor economic reform programme led by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize Pakistan’s economy after a major deterioration in its fiscal and financial position in mid-2018 caused growth to slump and threatened progress in alleviating poverty”, according to the ADB handout.

“The ADB is committed to providing wide-ranging support to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and reduce the risk of external economic shocks,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Werner Liepach.

These funds will meet the government’s emergency financing needs to prevent significant adverse social and economic impacts and lay the foundations for a return to balanced growth, he added.

ADB, IMF acknowledge Pakistan’s stabilisation reforms

The ADB said that Pakistan was still facing significant economic challenges on the back of a large balance of payments gap and critically low foreign exchange reserves together with weak and unbalanced growth.

The ADB’s statement was contrary to the economic victory that Prime Minister Imran Khan declared for the third time last week in about one year.

In July, the IMF approved a three-year $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to finance the government’s economic reform program that aims to put Pakistan’s economy on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth.

The ADB said that the EFF is expected to catalyze at least $38 billion in financing from Pakistan’s development partners.

The ADB has committed to provide a total of $2.1 billion in policy-based lending during fiscal year 2019–2020 to support the reform program. So far, it has approved $1.8 billion.

Although the ADB’s budget support loans would help shore up the official reserves, the PTI government remains unable to get mobilized over $14 billion projects loans that were approved in past but could not be disbursed.

During his visit to Pakistan, the ADB’s Vice President had also complained about delays in both approval of new projects and implementation on the approved schemes, which was keeping the committed money idle. Only in the energy sector, $2.1 billion loans remained undisbursed.

In return of the $300 million energy sector loan, Pakistan has assured the ADB to improve financial sustainability of the power sector, strengthen regulatory and institutional governance and reinforce energy infrastructure.

Under the circular debt reduction plan, the government has promised to improve collection of electricity bills from 94.7% in 2019 to 99.4% in 2022 and losses to improve from 17.1% in 2019 to 16.4% in 2022.

The other conditions of both these loans are increasing electricity tariffs and reducing subsidies and high cost of generation.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2112746/2-pti-govt-secures-1-3b-budget-support-crisis-response-loan/

2019-12-05T18:57:00.000+05:00

The new James Bond trailer had the internet abuzz, but left some asking: Is '007' now a woman?

'We don't have to turn male characters into women.'

Franco Origlia/Getty Images

"The name is Bond." Jane Bond?

The entertainment world was buzzing Wednesday with the release of the highly anticipated trailer for "No Time To Die," the 25th installment in the 007 series. Starring British actor Daniel Craig (in what is said to be his last appearance as British spy James Bond), the two-and-a-half minute preview is replete with the action, sleek cars, and exotic locations that fans love about the films.
Viewers did notice a conspicuous difference: A new double-O, and not just any new MI6 agent. The next James Bond film will introduce audiences to actress Lashana Lynch as a member of the elite British intelligence unit and the first woman to play the role. Lynch's presence is prompting many to speculate if she will eventually become the new 007.

As Wired noted:

Now that Craig has sworn he'll never come back for another installment, a new actor eventually will join that list, and the torch will get passed.

Judging by this first trailer, that new Bond could be Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel's Maria Rambeau). Ever since she was cast, there have been rumors that she might take up the mantle. This trailer doesn't prove that she's the new 007, just a double-0, but it also hints that she's the future of the franchise.

Indeed, it is unclear what, exactly, Lynch's role will, but the trailer itself may offer some clues.

A female Double-O?

The trailer suggests that the first 007 film of the #MeToo era picks up where 2015's "Spectre" left off. Bond has taken an extended leave of absence in Jamaica, but ghosts from his love interest Dr. Madeleine Swann's past and a new villain now haunt him and British intelligence.
Among those who come to pull Bond out of his early retirement are CIA agent Felix Leiter (a staple of the series) and Lynch's character, known only as Nomi. "Are you a double-O?" Bond asks her. "Two years," she replies.
That said, the film's trailer leaves much to the imagination. We do not know whether Nomi received the 007 designation while Bond was on leave in the Caribbean, if she was assigned another code number, or if she will become the next James Bond when Craig retires from the role. However, a cryptic tweet from Lynch suggests that Nomi could be the new 007.

James Bond will continue being played by a man

Fans of the franchise who are concerned Hollywood maybe be trying to make James Bond more politically correct seem to have little to worry about for now.
First, it is worth noting that there are real-life female MI6 agents who are reportedly excellent at their jobs. Therefore, the mere presence of a female double-O in "No Time To Die" would be more akin to art imitating life than studio executives imposing excessively "woke" cultural values on the rest of the world.
Next, even if Nomi were named as 007, she would not necessarily replace the James Bond character. In the films, the double-O numbers are codes assigned to a special class of British intelligence officers. For instance, in 1995's "Goldeneye," a character named Alec Trevelyan was also known as Agent 006. In other words, if Bond took a leave of absence in the film, spy chief "M" may have given his code number to another agent, but that does not mean that the character has been replaced in this film or future ones.
In fact, the film's producer, Barbara Broccoli, has made it clear that James Bond will continue to be played by men. "Bond is male," she said last year while dismissing speculation that the legendary British spy's gender would be changed. "He's a male character. He was written as a male and I think he'll probably stay as a male."
"And that's fine. We don't have to turn male characters into women. Let's just create more female characters and make the story fit those female characters," Broccoli added.
The U.S. release date for "No Time To Die" has been set for April 8.

https://www.theblaze.com/news/james-bond-trailer-woman-007

Highlights from IHC order in Musharraf treason case: 'Prosecution has a right to fair trial'

2019-12-05T18:40:00.004+05:00

Highlights from IHC order in Musharraf treason case: 'Prosecution has a right to fair trial'

Former President Pervez Musharraf. Photo: File

Five years after the high treason trial against former president retired General Pervez Musharraf first commenced, a final verdict was due on November 28. Musharraf, who is currently in the UAE, overthrew an elected government on October 12, 1999 and in 2007 imposed an emergency in Pakistan, after putting under house arrest more than 60 senior judges.

But a day before the much-delayed judgment, by a special court, was to be made public, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped it from announcing the ruling, on a petition filed by the federal government.

The government had earlier in the week rushed to the high court to set aside the special court’s decision until a new prosecution team was appointed.

In its detailed order the IHC notes that the situation was “unique, extraordinary and unprecedented.” It then explains why it found it necessary to bar the special court from announcing a verdict:

- Both the federal government and Musharraf’s counsel raise grievances regarding the right to a fair trial. “They assert that a judgment cannot be pronounced under the Act of 1976 without giving a reasonable opportunity of hearing and in the absence of a prosecutor appointed by the federal government,” the judgement read.

- The additional attorney general, the order adds, also questioned the constitution of the special court. “Surprisingly, it has been argued on behalf of the federal government that the constitution of the learned special court suffers from serious flaws and that the complaint was filed by an un-authorized person.”

- The prosecution also has a right to a fair trial, the court writes. “The right to a fair and proper trial is thus equally important for the prosecution as well. In a trial relating to the constitutional offence of high treason it is an even more onerous task to demonstrably assure an accused of fairness because at the end the latter could be exposed to the sentence of death.”

- It also notes that the accused, therefore Pervez Musharraf, was not given an opportunity to surrender himself and record his statement, before the special court forfeited his right of defense.

- The government, adds the court, should have been given reasonable time to appoint a prosecution team. “The secretary, from the ministry of interior’s request for allowing some time for appointing a prosecutor was also not acceded to.”

The IHC then directs the following:

- The federal government must notify the prosecution team before December 5.

- Barrister Salman Safdar, the counsel for Pervez Musharraf, may assist the defense counsel.

- The special court must conclude the proceedings expeditiously, affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the prosecution.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/260260-highlights-from-ihc-order-in-musharrafs-case-prosecution-has-a-right-to-fair-trial

Moody’s changes five banks’ outlooks to stable

2019-12-05T18:38:00.003+05:00

Moody’s changes five banks’ outlooks to stable

By TAHIR AMIN on December 5, 2019

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) Wednesday affirmed the B3 long-term local currency deposit ratings of five Pakistani banks and changed the outlook to stable from negative. The banks included Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), MCB Bank (MCB), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and United Bank Ltd (UBL).

The rating actions follow Moody's decision on December 2 to affirm the B3 rating for the government of Pakistan and change the outlook on the sovereign rating to stable from negative and reflect reduced external vulnerability risks and ongoing fiscal reforms.

Moody's in its latest issuer stated that the banks' rating actions reflect improvements in the operating environment in Pakistan and in the country's sovereign credit profile, which affect the banks' given (1) their high government exposures that link their credit profiles to that of the government; and (2) the expectation that the government's capacity to support banks in case of need will not deteriorate.

The primary driver of Moody's decision to change the five Pakistan banks' outlooks to stable is the extensive interconnectedness between their balance sheets and sovereign credit risk, owing to the banks' high exposures to government securities.

According to Moody's estimates as of the latest available information, the five banks' direct exposure to government credit risk stood at around 10.2x of Tier-1 capital for ABL, 8.1x for HBL, 6.4x for MCB, 9.5x for NBP and 6.8x for UBL.

The high direct exposure to government credit risk, in addition to the primarily Pakistan focus of their operations, links the banks' credit profile to that of the government. As a result, the improvements in the operating environment and in the sovereign credit profile have eased pressures on banks as well.

The stable outlook assigned to the banks' local currency deposit ratings also reflects Moody's expectation that the government's capacity to support banks in case of need will not deteriorate. This is reflected by the stable outlook on Pakistan's sovereign B3 bond rating which is driven by reduced external vulnerability risks on the back of policy adjustments and currency flexibility, as well as ongoing fiscal reforms that will mitigate risks related to debt sustainability and government liquidity. The local currency deposit ratings of NBP and HBL incorporate one notch of support uplift from their CAA1 baseline credit assessments.

Moody's decision to affirm the banks' ratings reflects their stable deposit-based funding structures, high liquidity buffers and good earnings generating capacity, as well as Pakistan's high growth potential. These credit strengths balance banks' modest capital buffers and high asset risks, as well as their high exposure to the government, which links their credit profile to that of the government.

It further stated that Moody's does not have any particular environmental, social or governance concern for the banks included in this action, and does not apply any corporate behavior adjustments to them.

Further improvements in the operating environment and in the sovereign's credit risk profile could place upward rating pressures. Moody's would downgrade the banks' ratings in the event of a weakening of the Pakistan sovereign's creditworthiness. Additional pressure may arise from a weakening in banks' baseline credit assessment, driven by asset quality pressures that also affect banks' capital buffers.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/12/05/550572/moodys-changes-five-banks-outlooks-to-stable/

Kate Middleton sends heartfelt letter to Maheen Khan for her Pakistan tour attire

2019-12-05T18:37:00.001+05:00

“I really enjoyed wearing both of your outfits and the trousers were a great fit too," she wrote.

All eyes were on Kate Middleton as she arrived in Pakistan with Prince William for their first official trip to Pakistan back in October, and what the Duchess of Cambridge would be wearing during her five-day visit.

And she did not disappoint. Middleton donned a bunch of local brands and designers during her tour but Maheen Khan was clearly the winning choice. She wore two outfits by the designer and also white pants that she paired with her green Catherine Walker trenchcoat meets tunic.

“Thank you so much for all your help ahead of my tour to Pakistan. I am so grateful to you and your team for designing such a wonderful selection to choose from – although having so many beautiful things did make decision making a little more difficult,” Kate wrote in a letter shared by Khan on her Instagram.

“I really enjoyed wearing both of your outfits and the trousers were a great fit too. So thank you for all your time and effort you put into everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, everyone was so welcoming and it was lovely to have the chance to meet you in person at the spectacular Pakistan Monument. I am sorry it was so short. Thank you once again, this comes with my warmest thanks and best wishes.”

While the message was typed out (on custom stationary from Kensington Palace), Middleton did write 'Dear Maheen' herself and also signed her full name at the end.

Speaking to Images previously, Khan had revealed how the collaboration happened.

“I stock my clothes at O’nitaa in London and that’s where the Duchess’ style team first spotted them. They are a very savvy team of young stylists and they picked up some clothes to show them to the Duchess and then, reached out to me," she explained.

"They chose a selection. One, they chose off the rack while they also asked me to create some bespoke designs. I signed a nondisclosure agreement which meant that I could only talk about it when they allowed me to. I feel that the Duchess has a very classy, elegant personal style and I created my designs along those lines."

The Duchess also sent a thank you note to Elan designer, Khadija Shah.

https://images.dawn.com/news/1184153/kate-middleton-sends-heartfelt-letter-to-maheen-khan-for-her-pakistan-tour-attire

Turkish Dramas on Pakistan Television Network

2019-12-05T18:32:00.000+05:00

Imran Khan made a request to PTV to air the drama.

Remember when Imran Khan recommended us all to watch Turkish drama Dirilis: Ertugrul?

Imran Khan has been seen on tape, not only recommending the popular serial lovingly called the 'Turkish Game of Thrones' but insisting all five seasons should be dubbed in Urdu so that the general public can watch and understand. And that is exactly what is happening.

The PM made sure the drama was accessible to everyone as he made a special request to PTV to air the show according to Arab News.

PTV Director for International Relations, Shazia Sikander revealed that, "PTV has got exclusive rights for dubbing and screening it in Pakistan."

Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, special assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting also shared, "We have taken this initiative as the Prime Minister wants to protect our social, cultural and religious norms."

“It is also Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision to share media content to counter Islamophobia and improve understanding of Islamic values... The Muslim world has its own cultural heritage and values, but we are looking into western ones."

The is no release date for the Urdu-dubbed Dirilis: Ertugrul as of now but at the moment, casting for voice actors is underway.

https://images.dawn.com/news/1184150

British govt transfers £190 million settlement amount to Pakistan in business tycoon’s Frozen Funds investigation By BR Web Desk on December 5, 2019

2019-12-05T18:30:00.002+05:00

Shahzad Akbar says for the first time in the history of Pakistan, looted money was transferred through legal process.

The government's role in the procedure was to provide legal assistance to NCA on the issue: Akbar.

Special assistant says government has signed a ‘Deed of Confidentiality' with UK in the settlement case.

(Karachi) The British government has transferred the settlement amount of £190 million to the Pakistani government after the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) agreed settlement of property and assets worth billions of rupees belonging to a Pakistani business tycoon in Frozen Funds investigation.

Highlighting details on the matter during a press conference on Thursday, Special Assistant on Accountability Shehzad Akbar said that the government is thankful to the NCA for settling the matter. He said that £190 million have been transferred to the Pakistani government by United Kingdom. “The main aim of the government is to bring the looted money back into the country."

He said that the amount will be submitted in the Supreme Court.

He said for the first time in the history of Pakistan, corruption money was transferred through legal process.

He said that the government's role in the procedure was to provide legal assistance to NCA on the issue.

Akbar mentioned that the government has signed a ‘Deed of Confidentiality' with the British government in the settlement case and as per the agreement the government cannot highlight operational details related to the case.

Meanwhile, NCA officials said that more such recovery's are expected in future and the details of the people involved in accumulating illegal assets will be shared with the Government of Pakistan.

The amount was settled after the NCA reached an agreement with the family of the business personality in London. The property was sold by PML-N head Nawaz Sharif's son Hussain Nawaz to the business tycoon's son prior to the Panama scandal.

Earlier in August 2019, orders to freeze eight accounts were secured at Westminster Magistrates' Court to investigate funds worth £120 million. In December 2018, account freezing orders were also sought for the investigation of £20 million. All of the account freezing orders relate to money held in UK bank accounts.

The NCA has accepted a settlement offer in region of £190 million which includes a UK property, one Hyde Park Place valued at approximately £50 million and all of the funds in the frozen accounts.

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/12/05/550667/british-govt-transfers-190-million-settlement-amount-to-pakistan/

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > BUSINESS PTI govt secures $1.3b budget support and crisis response loan from ADB By Shahbaz RanaPublished: December 6, 201

The new James Bond trailer had the internet abuzz, but left some asking: Is '007' now a woman?

'We don't have to turn male characters into women.'

A female Double-O?

James Bond will continue being played by a man

Highlights from IHC order in Musharraf treason case: 'Prosecution has a right to fair trial'

Highlights from IHC order in Musharraf treason case: 'Prosecution has a right to fair trial'

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Moody’s changes five banks’ outlooks to stable

Kate Middleton sends heartfelt letter to Maheen Khan for her Pakistan tour attire

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British govt transfers £190 million settlement amount to Pakistan in business tycoon’s Frozen Funds investigation By BR Web Desk on December 5, 2019