Indian fire kills 2-year-old Pakistani boy along LoC: ISPR

RAWALPINDI – A two-year-old boy has died while four civilians injured after Indian troops continued resorting to unprovoked firing from across the Line of Control (LoC).

In a series of tweet on Monday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Babar Iftikhar (DG ISPR) said that during the last 24 hours, Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Baroh, Dhudnial, Rakhchikri and Chirikot Sectors.

The military spokesman further said that due to the indiscriminate Indian fire of heavy weapons and mortars, a two-year old-minor Muhammad Haseeb in Dhudnial Sector, was martyred. The DG ISPR added that four citizens including a woman and 72-year-old senior citizen in Baroh, Rakhchikri and Chirikot Sectors sustained serious injuries.

“Injured have been evacuated to nearby health facility for necessary medical care," DG ISPR tweeted.

CM Sindh blames Center for infectivity of coronavirus lockdown

KARACHI - Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah alleged on Monday that a lockdown has not been proving effective against coronavirus pandemic due to the confusion being created by the federal government.

Addressing a press conference, he asserted a need for imposing a “new lockdown” to control the further spread of the infection, which has affected over 5,000 people and claimed 93 lives.

His suggestion comes hours ahead Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to chair a meeting of the National Security Council to take key decision in this regard.

Shah said, “We need to save lives as economy can be strengthened again,” adding that coronavirus is not only the problem for Pakistan but whole world is suffering from it.

Emphasising on collaborative efforts, the chief minister said that decision cannot be taken in isolation.

“There have been mistakes but we should not commit a mistake of not taking action,” he highlighted, besides rejecting claims that Sindh imposed a lockdown without a prior thought.

The situation would be totally different today if my advice to impose the lockdown was accepted when it was given,” he said.

PTI's Aleem Khan to rejoin Punjab cabinet soon

LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan will be re-inducted in the Punjab cabinet as a senior minister soon, according to reports in local media.

It comes after a meeting between Aleem Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at CM Office, where they discussed matters of mutual interest, current political scenario and government initiatives to cope with coronavirus pandemic.

Aleem Khan had stepped down from the minister’s position on February 6, 2019, after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested him for his alleged involvement in acts of corruption and corrupt practices by way of accumulating assets beyond known sources of income within Pakistan and outside.

He remained in the custody of the bureau from Feb 7 to March 5 and then was sent to jail on judicial remand. He remained incarcerated for 73 days and was finally granted post-arrest bail by the high court on May 17.

Aleem Khan was finally released from Kot Lakhpat jail last year in May following bail granted by the Lahore High Court in the NAB case.

Two Pakistan Army pilots martyred in Gujrat jet crash

RAWALPINDI – A training aircraft, Mushaq, of Pakistan Army crashed near Gujrat on Monday, reported the military media wing.

Both pilots Major Umer (Instructor Pilot) resident of Gujarat, and Lieutenant Faizan (Student Pilot) resident of Kalar Kahar, Chakwal embraced martyrdom.

Major is Umer survived by wife, said the Inter Services Public Relations.

The latest incident came weeks after an Air Force pilot died when his F-16 jet crashed near the capital, Islamabad, during maneuvers ahead of National Day celebrations.

In January, an FT-7 jet trainer also went down in Punjab, killing the two pilots. Last July, 19 people died when a Pakistani military aircraft crashed into a residential area on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, most of them in their homes.

SC to take up suo motu notice over insufficient facilities to curb coronavirus today

ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court will conduct hearing of a suo motu notice, which was taken due insufficient facilities to combat the coronavirus pandemic, today. 

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed took the first notice since assuming the office after the apex court concluded hearing over a petition against release of under-trial prisoners by the high courts and provincial governments. 

The top court has issued notices to the attorney general, health secretary, interior secretary, all four provincial advocate generals and chief secretary in the case.

On April 7, the top court had declared the verdicts announced by high courts regarding the release of the under-trial prisoners invalid.

The ruling was made by a five-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmad while hearing appeals against orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Sindh High Court (SHC).

The top court has directed the authorities to arrest the freed inmates again, adding that the prisoners should be released in the light of the recommendations given by the attorney general.

As per the AG’s recommendations, bails can be granted to suspects involved in minor crimes, those who are serving the term due to not paying fines, and those who have been awarded imprisonment less than three years.

Last week, the Supreme Court has suspended the verdicts, barring federal and provincial governments from releasing the culprits due to the pandemic.

The chief justice remarked that hardcore criminals could not be released due to fear of coronavirus, adding, “It is yet to determine under which authority the high courts had issued the orders.

Pakistan announces Ramazan package of Rs2.5 billion

ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced Ramazan package worth 2.5 billion rupees for provision of essential commodities to the masses at reduced rates through the Utility Stores Corporation during the holy month.

Addressing a news conference along with the Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation, Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said under this package, 19 essential commodities will be provided to the people at reduced rates.

She said if required, the Ramazan package could be increased to seven billion rupees.

Dr Firdous said this Ramazan package will remain effective till Eid ul Fitr. She, however, said subsidy on five essential items will be carried forward after the Eid.

The Special Assistant said under the Prime Minister’s 1200 billion rupees relief package, it was decided to provide fifty billion rupees to the Utility Stores Corporation. Ten billion rupees have already been disbursed to the corporation in order to ensure that the utility outlets have sufficient stocks of the essential items. A monitoring mechanism regarding availability of items at the utility stores will be put in place at the district level.

Coronavirus: Gilgit-Baltistan announces complete lockdown for two days

ISLAMABAD - Amid rising number of coronavirus cases, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has announced complete lockdown from 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday and Friday.

Advisor to Chief Minister on Information, Shams Mir talking to news men in Gilgit said that nobody will be allowed to come out from the home in the lockdown. He warned of strict action against the violators.

There are 213 confirmed coronavirus cases in the region while three people including a doctor have died since the pandemic outbreak. 

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to a total of 4,322, according to government data available till Thursday morning, after recording more than 248 new cases in past 24 hours.

The death toll related to COVID-19 has reached 63, according to the National Command and Control Centre, while at least 572 patients have fully recovered.

Punjab has become the worst-hit province in the country with 2180 cases (15 deaths) followed by Sindh, 1036 (20 deaths); Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, 560 (18 deaths); Gilgit Baltistan, 213 (3 deaths); Balochistan 212 (1 death); Islamabad 102; and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 28.

The first two fatalities from COVID-19, as the illness is officially known, were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 18 

COVID-19: Miss England 2019 returns to her job as doctor

LONDON - Doctor by profession, Bhasha Mukherjee who was crowned Miss England in 2019 has returned to the United Kingdom from overseas charity work to continue her career as a doctor amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After winning the crown, the 24-year old doctor had taken a break from her medical career so that she could travel the world for humanitarian tasks. As the coronavirus situation worsened back home in the UK, Mukherjee was getting messages from former colleagues at her old hospital, the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, eastern England, telling her how hard the situation was for them.

It didn’t feel right for her to continue wearing her Miss England crown — even if she was performing humanitarian work — while her colleagues were risking their lives treating coronavirus patients back home.

Your prayers worked', Nadia Jamil thanks her friends and fans

KARACHI - Pakistani acclaimed TV actor Nadia Jamil, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, took to social media to give her fans and friends another post-surgery update.

The actress currently under treatment in the UK wrote on Instagram “Dear Friends and Family, Thank you all for your prayers. They are working and everyday post-surgery I feel less pain. Radiation and hormone therapy continue and I’ll find out if I need chemo on the 20th based on the lymph node biopsy.

She further said that she has limited time on the phone so she doesn’t get to speak to everyone. Nadia went onto share what having cancer amid the coronavirus pandemic had taught her: prayers work, love is powerful, fresh fruits and veggies keep her more energised and red meat fatigues her body and spirit.

SBP launches helpline for complaint resolution during COVID-19

KARACHI - The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken additional measures to facilitate bank customers that are faced with extraordinary challenges arising from the coronavirus situation in the country.

They can now approach the SBP through its helpline 021-111-727-273 in case their queries or complaints are not being responded to by banks, the central bank said in a statement Monday.

The helpline will remain available during office hours, the SBP said. It encouraged the public to use digital payment services as much as possible to help banks provide their services with minimal staff to ensure their safety.

The SBP has also taken notice of phone calls to bank customers by fraudsters seeking personal information taking advantage of the current situation.

Senior officials of Chinese companies call on PM Imran

ISLAMABAD - President of Zonergy Company Limited of China Richard J. Guo, Vice President Kevin Qiu, General Manager Li Kan from China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Wednesday and donated Rs 5 million for PM’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.

They also donated medical supplies worth Rs 3 million that includes 30,000 masks, 100 N95 masks, and 300 protection suits to NDMA, a press release issued by the PM Media Office here said.

Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal was also present on the occasion.

GM CMEC Mr Li Kan apprised about the application of the latest and environment-friendly technology for enhancing cotton production in China.

He offered to provide technical support to Pakistan for enhancing cotton production. President, Zonergy evinced interest regarding investment in the renewable energy sector of Pakistan particularly the manufacturing of solar panels.

The prime minister appreciated the interest of both companies for investments in Pakistan.

He also appreciated the generous gesture shown by the Chinese companies towards Pakistan’s fight against COVID-19.

Pakistan eases restrictions on movement of cargo trucks, containers at Torkhum, Chaman crossing points

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Wednesday decided to facilitate the movement of cargo trucks and containers to cross-over into Afghanistan through Torkham and Chaman border crossing points thrice a week (on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from April 10, 2020, onwards.

The decision was taken in response to Afghanistan Government’s special request and based on humanitarian considerations, a Foreign Office statement issued here said.

According to the statement, this step was being taken following consultations and coordination between both sides as per agreed-upon protocols.

As a neighbor and in view of fraternal relations, Pakistan remains in abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly at this time of the global pandemic,” the statement concluded.

OPPO claims first phones with 5G VoNR video and voice calling

LAHORE - OPPO announced today that it has successfully conducted voice and video calls solely based on the next-generation 5G network, bringing high-quality 5G experience closer to reality.

 Partnering with Ericsson and MediaTek, the VoNR (Voice/Video on New Radio) calls were made on a modified commercial smartphone from OPPO featuring MediaTek’s Dimensity 1000 series SoC using an end-to-end 5G Standalone(SA) network powered by Ericsson Radio System products and solutions.

 VoNR is a basic call service that completely relies on the 5G network (SA architecture). Compared with earlier call services, VoNR provides significantly lower latency, greatly improved sound quality and picture quality, resulting in an elevated overall experience for users.

SA architecture is one of the mainstream architectures of future 5G networks. Global operators are actively laying the foundation for 5G SA networks. As one of the first mobile phone brands to support VoNR calls under the SA architecture, OPPO aims to ensure that even the early adopters can have a more complete 5G experience.

It also positions OPPO as the mobile phone partner of choice for operators and communication equipment suppliers building 5G networks around the world as the next generation of communication technologies demands a much higher technology capability from smartphone makers.

Andy Wu, Vice President and President of Software Engineering Business Unit, OPPO said, " As a leading global technology company, OPPO proactively works to accelerate large-scale commercialization of 5G. Our cooperation with Ericsson and MediaTek on VoNR is part of our in-depth collaborations in the 5G era. We aim to become the industry’s ideal partner to deploy 5G around the world and at the same time improve 5G experience for the users. "

The successful joint test was carried out under the 5G SA network environment provided by Ericsson at its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. After dialing, the two phones connected almost instantly and then seamlessly switched to a high-definition video call with a single keypress.

Hannes Ekström, Head of Product Line 5G RAN, Ericsson says: “After spearheading 5G rollouts across the world, we are gearing up for the next step: 5G Standalone services. Using an Ericsson end-to-end 5G Standalone network based on commercial hardware and software, along with devices from our partners OPPO and MediaTek, we’ve shown that beyond the high-speed capabilities delivered by 5G, we are ready to deliver on the voice and video calls that will remain important to consumers. This achievement confirms our commitment to enabling service providers to offer a superior end-to-end 5G experience

پاکستان میں برطانوی وزیر اعظم کے انتقال کی خبر، ایسے میں ان کی صحت کے حوالے سے اہم خبر آگئی

برطانوی وزیر اعظم بورس جانسن کے ترجمان کا کہنا ہے کہ انہیں سٹینڈرڈ آکسیجن ٹریٹمنٹ دی جارہی ہے اور وہ کسی مدد کے بغیر سانس لے رہے ہیں۔ خیال رہے کہ بورس جانسن کو پیر کے روز آئی سی یو میں منتقل کیا گیا تھا۔ پاکستانی ٹی وی چینل ڈان نیوز نے یہ غلط خبر بھی چلادی تھی کہ بورس جانسن ہلاک ہوگئے ہیں۔

بورس جانسن کے ترجمان نے منگل کو بتایا کہ برطانوی وزیر اعظم کی حالت بہتر اور ان کا حوصلہ بلند ہے، انہیں نہ تو نمونیا ہے اور نہ ہی مصنوعی تنفس کی ضرورت پیش آئی ہے۔

بورس جانسن کے آئی سی یو میں داخلے کے بعد برطانیہ میں یہ بحث زور پکڑ گئی ہے کہ ملک کا نظام کون سنبھالے گا۔ وزیر اعظم نے وزیر خارجہ ڈومنک راب کو ذمہ داریاں تفویض کی ہیں۔ برطانوی وزیر اعظم ہاؤس 10 ڈاؤننگ سٹریٹ کا اس حوالے سے کہنا ہے کہ ڈومینک راب دفتر خارجہ اور کامن ویلتھ کے دفاتر کے ذریعے دیگر حکام کے ساتھ مل کر معاملات چلا رہے ہیں۔

ترجمان نے مزید بتایا کہ اگر قومی سلامتی کمیٹی کا اجلاس طلب کیا جاتا ہے تو وزیر خارجہ ڈومینک راب اس کی صدارت کریں گے۔ وہ کابینہ کے ساتھ مل کر وزیر اعظم کی غیر موجودگی میں ملٹری ایکشن کی ہدایات بھی جاری کرسکتے ہیں۔

COAS Bajwa orders supply of medical equipment to health workers in Quetta

RAWALPINDI - Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has ordered to send medical equipment to health staff in Quetta on emergency basis amid coronavirus outbreak, reported military’s media wing on Tuesday.

The decision came after the young doctors association on Monday protested the lack of coronavirus safety kits in hospitals.

In a couple of tweet, the DG ISPR said: “Emergency supplies of medical equipment including PPEs being despatched to Quetta on orders of COAS to help medical staff fight Covid-19 effectively in Balochistan

COAS in the statement said that doctors and paramedics are the frontline soldiers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, that has infected nearly 4,000 people and claimed over 50 lives.

LESSONS FROM NOVEL COVID-19

The pace and scale of the coronavirus epidemic have shocked the governments around the world and left the stock markets in chaos. So far, nearly more than one million people have been diagnosed with it and the worldwide death toll is 60,000 in the first six months. Today we are living in a different world where no one knows when this contagious virus will end. We also do not know how it will end, and currently, we can predict its impact on economic and political. Historians are clear that epidemics are events, not trends. Charles Rosenberg a medicine historian said, “Epidemics start at a moment in time, proceed on a stage limited in space and duration, follow a plotline of increasing revelatory tension, move to a crisis of individual and collective character, then drift toward closure.”

It is too early to draw inferences about the potential effects of the global crisis that has just started, but here are a few early lessons.

Selena Gomez reveals her bipolar diagnosis live on Miley Cyrus's Instagram

Selena Gomez is opening up about mental health and how her recent diagnosis empowers her instead of being insecure.

On Friday, April 3, during a live chat on  Miley Cyrus’ “Bright Minded” series on Instagram Selena Gomez revealed that she is bipolar.

According to E! and Billboard, this is the first time Gomez has spoken publicly about having bipolar disorder.

 I went to one of the best mental hospitals in the world... (McLean Hospital), and I discussed that, after years of going through a lot of different things, I realized that I was bipolar," Gomez said. "When I go to know more information, it actually helps me. It doesn't scare me once I know it. And I think people get scared of that, right

The “Lose You To Love Me” songstress also talked about how people are hesitant to address their mental health publicly.

  "I've seen some of it even in my own family, where I'm like, 'What's going on?'" she continued. "I'm from Texas. It's not known to talk about your mental health. You've gotta seem cool, and then I see anger built up in teenagers or... young adults because they are wanting that so badly... I wanted to know everything about it, and it took the fear away."

Gomez also discussed how vital it is to communicate with people through the crisis and being there for one another:

“Being there for other people actually helps me too,” Gomez said. “But sometimes I have to feel it, Miley. Sometimes I gotta cry it out and I’ve got to release it and just take a deep breath and then remind myself, go back to my tools, which is, okay, where is this coming from? I understand I’m a big empath, so I feel so much of what the world is feeling, so maybe I need to take a step back from that, or whatever it is

Syed Fakhar Imam sworn in as Minister for National Food Security

ISLAMABAD - Syed Fakthar Imam took oath as Minsiter for National food Security and Research today (Tuesday).

President Arif Alvi administered him oath at oath taking ceremony which held at President House.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reshuffled the federal cabinet after the FIA investigation report identified top PTI leadership is involved in sugar and wheat crisis that hit Pakistan very badly.

According to the new development, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Khusro Bakhtiar resigned from the ministry and has now been appointed as minister for economic affairs, replacing Hammad Azhar.

Coronavirus: UK PM Jhonson placed under intensive care after condition worsens

LONDON - British Prime Minister Borish Jhonson, suffering from coronavirus infection, has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at hospital in London after his condition worsened.

A statement issued by the Downing Street said, “Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital

The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary, it added.

Jhonson has thanked all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.

The British premier was admitted to hospital for tests after suffering persistent coronavirus symptoms, his office said late on Sunday.

Johnson, 55, had been due to re-emerge from seven days of self-isolation on Friday, a week after announcing he had tested positive for COVID-19 and had mild symptoms.

Johnson is the most high-profile world leader to contract the virus. His pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, is also recovering from symptoms but has not been tested.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock returned to work on Friday after a week at home following his positive test for COVID-19. The chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, has also displayed symptoms.

The global pandemic of COVID-19, as the illness is officially known, has seen more than 1.3 million cases and oiver 70,000 deaths.

Britain currently has 51,608 confirmed hospital cases and 5,373 deaths while a total of 135 people have recovered.

Maya Ali is taking a break from social media amid quarantine

Seeking solace, ASAP! For some celebs, the best way to get some peace is to take a hiatus from cyberspace, where negativity and clickbait headlines are projected towards creating chaos.

Famous actress Maya Ali has announced that she will be taking some time off from social media, in pursuit of cleansing her system during these difficult times amid the ongoing pandemic.

The Parey Hut Love actor took to Instagram late Monday evening to share her decision with everyone.

I am going to take a short break from social media. Everyone is doing their best in their own way to deal with this time. I thought it’s the best time to detox, to find inner peace and reset my whole system,” she wrote, adding that “there is always hope and this time shall pass too.

Maya has actively been participating in the distribution of ration bags to those in distress, specially daily wagers whose earnings has been badly affected by the lockdown. “My team will keep updating about the ration bags and yes, I am very thankful to each and every person who has donated,” she said.

COVID19: Pakistan confirms 51 deaths; Coronavirus cases reach 3,505

The death toll related to COVID-19 has reached 51, according to the National Command and Control Centre, while at least 259 patients have fully recovered.

Punjab has become the worst-hit province in the country with 1708 cases (12 deaths) followed by Sindh, 881 (15 deaths); Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, 405 (16 deaths); Gilgit Baltistan, 211 (3 deaths); Balochistan 202 (1 death); Islamabad 82; and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 16.

The first two fatalities from COVID-19, as the illness is officially known, were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 18 (Wednesday

Lockdown extended in Islamabad till April 14

ISLAMABAD - Partial lockdown in the federal capital has been extended amid the fight to control and limit the spread of coronavirus intensifies countrywide.

According to media reports, a notification has been issue in this regard on Monday.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to a total of 3,505, according to government data available till Tuesday morning, after recording 397 new cases in past 24 hours.

According to details, Punjab has become the worst-hit province in the country with 1708 cases (12 deaths) followed by Sindh, 881 (15 deaths); Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, 405 (16 deaths); Gilgit Baltistan, 211 (3 deaths); Balochistan 202 (1 death); Islamabad 82; and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 16.

Saudi Govt imposes 24-hour curfew in major cities to curb COVID-19 Pandemic

RIYADH - The Saudi government has imposed curfew in major cities to prevent spread of coronavirus epidemic.

According to a notification of Saudi Ministry of Interior, the cities where curfew has been imposed also include including capital Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hafouf and Khobar.

The authorities extended the round-the-clock curfew after as the kingdom reported four new COVID-19 deaths on Monday, bringing the death toll to 38, while the total number of confirmed infections has reached 2,523.

On Thursday, the authorities extended the curfew in the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina to 24 hours until further notice.

Punjab Food Minister Samiullah Chaudhry resigns

LAHORE - Punjab Food Minister Samiullah Chaudhry on Monday resigned over the alleged inaction on reforms regarding the food industry.

Chaudhry, in his resignation letter, said he faced an allegation that he could not bring reforms in the department, adding that until the clearance of accusations he would not hold any government office.

I am willing to sacrifice thousands of such ministries for completing the agenda of Imran Khan,” he wrote. " I am as minister willing to present himself for accountability at every forum," the letter further stated.

Calling the allegations baseless, the provincial minister said that he is voluntarily stepping back. The resignation of the Punjab minister came after a report by the Federal Investigation Agency claimed that top PTI members were among those who gained from the recent sugar crisis in the country.

An investigation into the crisis had been ordered by Prime Minister Imran Khan in February. Among the people named in the FIA report are Jahangir Tareen and a brother of Minister for National Food Security Khusro Bakhtiar.

Tareen was said by the report to have benefitted the most from the sugar crisis followed by Bakhtiar's brother.

He handed over his resignation letter to Chief Minister Punjab, Usman Buzdar.

CM Buzdar orders all schools to slash fee by 20% for April & May

LAHORE - The Punjab government on Monday directed all schools in the province to charge 20% less fee during the ongoing holidays.

Punjab Chief Minister, Usman Buzdar, in a tweet, ordered all private schools to collect not only deducted fees but also charged on a monthly basis.

He continued that the schools are required to pay complete salaries on time to all the teachers and staff. “No school will be authorized to terminate teachers and its staff ," the CM tweeted.

The orders will only be applicable for April and May. 

Currently, all schools in the province have been closed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

کے الیکٹرک نے اوسط بلنگ کے نام پر بجلی کے بلوں میں کئی گنا اضافہ کردیا

رپورٹ کے مطابق کراچی میں کرونا وائرس کے باعث ایوریج بلنگ کے نام پر کے الیکٹرک کی جانب سے شہریوں کو کئی گنا اضافی بل بھیج دئیے گئے۔

دوسری جانب کے الیکٹرک نے کرونا کو بہانہ بنا کر ایس ایس جی سی سے رواں ماہ گیس کے بل ادائیگی میں ریلیف مانگ لیا۔

کے الیکٹرک کی جانب سے ایس ایس جی سی کو لکھے گئے خط میں کہا گیا ہے کہ رواں ماہ گیس بل کی ادائیگی ممکن نہیں ہے تاہم ایس ایس جی سی نے کے الیکٹرک کو گیس کے بل میں چھوٹ دینے سے انکار کردیا۔

ریسٹورنٹ ایسوسی ایشن کا کہنا ہے کہ کاروبار نہیں ہے، لاکھوں روپے کے ایوریج بل کیسے ادا کرسکتے ہیں، ایوریج بلنگ کے الیکٹرک کا ظالمانہ اقدام اور لوٹ مار ہے، کسی صورت ایوریج بل ادا نہیں کریں گے۔

ریسٹورنٹ ایسوسی ایشن کا کہنا ہے کہ گورنر سندھ عمران اسماعیل سے ملاقات ہوئی ہے انہوں نے یقین دہانی کرائی ہے کہ وہ بل ڈیفر کرائیں گے۔

واضح رہے کہ چند روز قبل کے الیکٹرک نے اعلان کیا تھا کہ میٹر ریڈنگ نہ ہونے کے باعث صارفین کو اپریل کے ماہ اوسط بل بھیجے جائیں گے۔

کے الیکٹرک کا کہنا تھا کہ گزشتہ گیارہ ماہ کے بلوں کی بنیاد پر اوسط بلنگ یا گزشتہ سال اپریل کے مہینے میں آنے والے بل کو مدنظر رکھتے ہوئے صارف کو اپریل کے مہینے کا بل بھیجا جائے گا۔

کے الیکٹرک نے وضاحت کی تھی کہ نیپرا کی ہدایت کے مطابق پچھلے گیارہ ماہ یا گزشتہ سال اُسی مہینے کے بل کو دیکھتے ہوئے اوسط ریڈنگ کا بل بھیجا جائے گا۔

مشیر تجارت رزاق داؤد کو بھی عہدے سے ہٹا دیا گیا

آٹا اور چینی بحران کی رپورٹ کے بعد کارروائی کا عمل شروع کر دیا گیا، وزیراعظم عمران خان نے وفاقی کابینہ میں بڑے پیمانے پر ردو بدل کی ہے۔

ذرائع کے مطابق وزیراعظم نے مشیر تجارت رزاق داؤد کو عہدے سے ہٹا دیا ہے، رزاق داؤد کو چیئرمین شوگر ایڈوائزری بورڈ کےعہدے سے بھی ہٹایا گیا ہے۔

وفاقی وزیر خسرو بختیار کا قلمدان تبدیل کر کے اکنامک افیئر کی وزارت سونپ دی گئی ہے جب کہ ایم کیو ایم پاکستان کے خالد مقبول صدیقی کا وزیراعظم نے استعفیٰ منظور کر لیا ہے اور ان کی جگہ ایم کیوایم کے امین الحق کو ٹیلی کمیونی کیشن کا قلمدان دے دیا گیا ہے۔

فخرامام کو وزارت فوڈ سیکیورٹی کا قلمدان دیا گیا ہے اور بابر اعوان کی کابینہ میں واپسی ہوئی ہے انہیں وزیراعظم کے پارلیمانی امور کا مشیربنایا گیا ہے۔

اسی طرح حماداظہر کو وزیر صنعت کاقلمدان سونپا گیا ہے جب کہ وزیراعظم کے مشیر شہزاد ارباب کو عہدے سے ہٹا دیا گیا ہے۔