Day: July 16, 2021

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Ambassador of Kazakhstan calls on President IIUI

Islamabad, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin called on President International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi at his office.

During the meeting, enhancement of educational cooperation was discussed. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, Director General, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), IIUI.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan lauded the efforts of IIUI for dissemination of Islamic teachings across the world. He also appreciated IIUI for its role in the teaching of various subjects, particularly, Islamic Sciences. He suggested that there should be more collaboration between IIUI and universities of Kazakhstan, so that his country’s institutions would be able to send Kazakhstani students to IIUI for the study of Islamic teachings. Mutual cooperation in distance education was also discussed on this occasion.

During the meeting, the ambassador apprised of the role of the Secretariat of World and Traditional Religions and also invited IIUI President for the upcoming Congress of secretariat in 2022. He also shared activities of the Secretariat of World and Traditional Religions.

The President IIUI briefed the Ambassador regarding the role of IIUI in promotion of higher education. He added that almost all Muslim countries being represented at IIUI by the students of various Muslim countries. H.E. Dr. Hathal said that the university would keep disseminating Islam’s message of peace. He also said that the university is keen to build bridges between the traditional knowledge and the latest technologies, paying equal attention to the Islamic heritage and values. Later, the Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin also visited IRI, where he was briefed by DG IRI, Muhammad Zia ul Haq about activities and role of institute, while he also visited Hamidullah Library and picture gallery.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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Indonesian Ambassador visits UVAS, seeks collaboration

Lahore, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Adam M Tugio paid a visit to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore and desired collaboration for the promotion of veterinary education in Indonesia.

The visiting ambassador called on Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani and senior faculty members and sought research collaboration in the area of vaccine production, herbal pharmaceutical, students/teachers exchange and different degree programmes for skill enhancement regarding practical lab related work. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad said that UVAS has already strong liaison with some Indonesian institutions for the promotion of education. He hoped that with the assistance of Indonesian Ambassador next year a number of students from Indonesia will come to Pakistan for getting education at UVAS.

The Ambassador, Mr Adam M Tugio, also showed keen interest in exchange programmes for undergraduate/postgraduate students and amp; faculty members for sharing their knowledge and experience with each other. The ambassador also planted a sapling at the Rest House of UVAS City Campus. Mr Adam M Tugio along with Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad also visited different sections of Veterinary Academy.

Earlier, in the meeting Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani briefed the Indonesian Ambassador on UVAS academic, research national and amp; international collaborations and industry linkages, community services, online teaching during COVID-19 etc. Prof Dr Tahir Yaqub told the guest that UVAS scientists successfully isolated SARS-CoV-2 from sewerage water that may help in identifying hotspots for smart lockdown.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk

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Hassan Ali to miss first T20I

Nottingham, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Hasan Ali has been rested for the first of the three T20Is against England as a precautionary measure due to a strain in his left leg, which he picked during a training session at Trent Bridge on Thursday. The fast bowler will now be assessed ahead of the second T20I, following which decision on his participation will be made.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

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Senate takes up supplementary business amid opposition’s protest

Islamabad, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Senate passed three government bills on Friday which were considered in the House as supplementary business amid protest of the opposition lawmakers, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in the Daily Factsheet.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during fourth sitting of 313rd session:

Members’ Participation

The House met for two hours and 56 minutes.

The sitting started at 10:04 am against the scheduled time of 10:00 am.

The chairman presided over the proceedings for an hour and 56 minutes, while the remaining sitting was chaired by the deputy chairman.

The leader of the House attended the sitting for two hours and 23 minutes.

The leader of the opposition was not present.

As many as 24 lawmakers (24 percent) were present at the outset and 15 (15 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PML-N, PML, BAP, and JI attended the sitting.

Three out of four minority lawmakers were present.

Output

On behalf of Chairman Standing Committee on Defence, a member of the Committee presented a report on the Maritime Security Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

The House passed the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Bill, 2021 with majority vote after rejecting amendments on it. A total of 43 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill and 33 opposed it.

Moved by Minister for energy, the House passed the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs moved the supplementary legislative agenda including the Federal Medical Teaching Institutes Act, 2021 and the National Institute of Health Reorganization Bill, 2021. A total of 39 lawmakers voted in favor of motion to move the former bill, while 35 opposed it. Later, the House passed both bills amid protest of the opposition lawmakers.

Moved by a BAP lawmaker, the House passed the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which was also considered in the House as supplementary business.

Tabled by Parliamentary Leader of PML-N, the House adopted a resolution to express condolence on the death of former President Mamnoon Hussain.

Representation and Responsiveness

The House passed two motions under Rule 194 (1) granting extension for presentation of report on the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and the Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

The House passed another motion under Rule 126 (7) for consideration of the Unani, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Practitioners (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in joint sitting of Parliament.

The House took up all six out starred questions, while lawmakers also asked nine supplementary questions.

Minister of State for parliamentary affairs responded to two calling attention notices regarding fake CNICs issued by NADRA and law and order situation in the country particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The House did not initiate debate on motion of thanks to the President for his address to Parliament.

Six lawmakers including the leader of the house spoke on points of public importance for 16 minutes regarding political issues, annual budget of Balochistan Assembly and business of the House.

Order and Institutionalization

Five lawmakers spoke on points of order for 17 minutes related to house business and political matters.

Lawmakers belonging to the opposition protested for eight minutes during the proceedings against the consideration of supplementary business and hasty legislation. Later, they walked out from the House on the same issue for six minutes.

The Session was prorogued sine die.

Transparency

‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.

The attendance of Senators is available on Senate website.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

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National Assembly extends three ordinances, passes two bills

Islamabad, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The National Assembly passed two government bills and adopted three resolutions to extend as many ordinances, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet on Friday.

Following are key observations of the proceedings during sixth sitting of the 35th session:

Members’ Participation

The National Assembly met for two hours and 37 minutes.

The sitting started at 10:35 am against the scheduled time of 10:30 am.

The deputy speaker presided over the entire sitting in the absence of speaker.

The leaders of the House (Prime Minister) and the opposition did not attend the sitting.

As many as 55 (16 percent) lawmakers were present at the outset and 31 (9 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of MQMP and PPPP attended the sitting.

Six minority lawmakers were present.

Output

The House adopted three resolutions seeking 120-day extension to as many ordinances including the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021; the Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 and the Higher Education Commission (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021.

The House passed two government bills including the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill, 2021 and the Special Technology Zones Authority Bill, 2021.

Chairperson Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat presented report on the Special Technology Zones Authority Bill, 2021.

Representation and Responsiveness

Parliamentary Secretary for interior responded to a calling attention notice (CAN) regarding issuance of bogus Computerized National Identity Cards in Province of Sindh by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting responded to another CAN about increasing obscenity on TV channels.

The House did not debate a motion of thanks to president for his address to Parliament.

The House did not observe question hour due to suspension of proceedings over quorum issue.

Order and Institutionalization

Twelve lawmakers spoke on points of order for 18 minutes.

A PML-N lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 10:53 am which led to suspension of the proceedings for 50 minutes.

Another PML-N lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 12:33 pm but it was found complete upon counting.

The House was adjourned to meet again on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 10:00 am.

Transparency

Orders of the day was available to legislators, observers and public.

Attendance of lawmakers was available to media and observers.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

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ICC Men’s T20 World Cup groups announced

Lahore, July 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the groups for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be hosted by the BCCI in Oman and the United Arab Emirates from 17 October to 14 November.

The groups, selected on the basis of team rankings as of 20 March 2021, see defending champions the West Indies pooled along with former champions England, Australia and South Africa in Group 1 of the Super 12s, with two qualifiers from Round 1 joining them.

Group 2 will comprise former champions India and Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the other two qualifiers from Round 1. Eight teams will contest the first round including automatic qualifiers Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with the remaining six who booked their spot through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019. Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia join Sri Lanka in Group A, whilst Oman, PNG and Scotland will face Bangladesh in Group B.

ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice: “We are delighted to announce the groups for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. There are some great match ups offered by the groups and it starts to bring the event to life for our fans as our first multi-team event since the onset of the global pandemic draws closer.

“Given the disruption caused by COVID-19, we selected the cutoff date as close as possible to the event to ensure we were able to include the maximum amount of cricket in the rankings which determine the groups. There is no doubt we will witness some highly competitive cricket when the event gets underway in just three months.”

The venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 are Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground.”

The tournament schedule will be announced in due course.

The groupings:

Round 1

Group A: Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands and Namibia

Group B: Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Oman

Super 12s

Group 1: England, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, A1 and B2.

Group 2: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, A2 and B1.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk