Pakistan strongly condemns extra-judicial killings of two Kashmiris in Pulwama

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the continued spree of extra-judicial killings in staged encounters and fake cordon-and-search-operations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces who, in the latest such incident, killed two Kashmiris in Pulwama.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two Kashmiris were killed in a so-called cordon-and-search-operation today.

The ministry said that at least 18 innocent Kashmiris have been killed with impunity by Indian occupation forces in the past month.

The statement notes that while the fundamental freedoms of Kashmiris remain suspended, Indian occupation forces have "further intensified their repression" in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the past weeks.

Furthermore, the ministry said that extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, incarceration of hundreds of common Kashmiris and Hurriyat leaders under the draconian laws and harassment of Kashmiris at the military check-points or during the night raids continue with impunity.

The statement said that hateful terms such as "hybrid terrorists" and "white collar terrorists" are used to further demonise them.

"The deteriorating security and human rights situation in the occupied territory is a matter of grave concern for the international community," stated the ministry.

The statement further said that the visit by Indian ministers, amidst all this, to the occupied territory is "another Indian ploy to divert attention from India’s state-sponsored terrorism and to project a false sense of normalcy” in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

"No amount of lies, deceit and publicity stunts by the RSS-BJP votaries in the name of fake ‘normalcy’ and development, can mask, address or remove the total alienation of the Kashmiris in [Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir]," said the ministry.

It said that India must recognise that the only way for the region to achieve long-term peace and development is for the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to be permanently resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the demands of the Kashmiri people.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/jammu-kashmir/item/109867-pakistan-strongly-condemns-extra-judicial-killings-of-two-kashmiris-in-pulwama.html

Starting today, CNG stations across Sindh, Balochistan will remain closed till mid-Feb

CNG stations across Sindh and Balochistan will close from today (Wednesday) till February 15, 2022, confirmed the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

The decision to close CNG stations has been taken keeping in view the gap between the demand and supply of the commodity and to meet the gas requirements of domestic consumers across the province, the SSGC said in a statement.

Gas loadshedding, sometimes spanning 18 hours in various cities of the country, have made life difficult for the common man in Pakistan.

On the other hand, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will hold a hearing today on Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's request to hike gas prices by 150%.

Several areas of Karachi witnessed gas outage last Monday as the SSGC went about its load management plan.

Residents of Saddar, II Chundrigar Road, Lyari, Manzoor Colony, Kharadar, Kaemari and several other areas complained that the gas pressure was extremely low.

Other areas severely affected by gas loadshedding are Korangi, Bhittai Colony, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Shah Faisal Colony and different areas.

Residents of the above mentioned areas are complaining that they are receiving gas for only two to three hours a day and that too, at an extremely low pressure.

As a result, people have no other option but to use gas cylinders which are adding to their expenses.

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/business/item/109866-starting-today-cng-stations-across-sindh-balochistan-will-remain-closed-till-mid-feb.html

Skardu airport to operate international flights from tommorow

The wait for upgradation of the Skardu airport is finally over as the airport has been elevated to international status and will begin operations under the new identity from Dec 2 (Thursday), the Civil Aviation Authority announced in a tweet on Wednesday.

Skardu Airport Elevated to Int'l Status!

In line with the PM's Vision Master Plan to promote tourism across the country Skardu Airport starts operating as an int'l airport from 02 Dec. Initially the operations will be under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only. https://t.co/cAfxaqM2JZ pic.twitter.com/1Sf1M76bqB

— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) December 1, 2021

 

The agency said the airport's initial operations will be conducted under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only.

Under the VFR, an aircraft is intended to operate in visual meteorological conditions (i.e. nice and clear weather). Clouds, heavy precipitation, low visibility, and other adverse weather conditions should be avoided under the VFR, according to the ATP Flight School.
In January 2020, Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan had announced the decision to upgrade Skardu airport to international standards.

The upgradation of the airport included the construction of a new runway, new terminal building, apron and provision of other facilities to cater to international flight operations.

The minister had also said at the time that the Skardu airport was listed among the world's highest altitude airports, adding that it had become one of the busiest airports in Pakistan.

Sarwar had underlined that a plan was also afoot to expand the Gilgit airport, adding that options were being explored to construct a new airport in Gilgit.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/item/109865-skardu-airport-to-operate-international-flights-from-tommorow.html

NCOC announces free booster after six months of last vaccine dose

National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has said that a total of 40 call centers have been established to reach out people who have not got their second dose and number of these centers will also be increased to ensure second dose of vaccine.

The NCOC meeting held virtually chaired by Minister for Planning Asad Umar and co-chaired by National Coordinator Major General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and SAPM Dr. Faisal Sultan was also attended by Provincial Health Ministers and Chief Secretaries.

The forum agreed upon taking strict measures regarding obligatory vaccination regime. It was discussed during the meeting that the vaccination teams should be deployed at various public places to vaccinate the individuals on the spot.

Special Campaign will be run for implementation of Obligatory regime starting from today. The forum instructed the provinces and authorities concerned to show zero tolerance policy regarding obligatory vaccination regime.

The forum approved booster dose administration for three categories which include Health Care Workers, above 50 years and immunocompromised. The dose will be free of cost and it can be administered six months after last dose of vaccine.

Call centers have been established to reach out people who have not got their second dose. A total of 40 call centers have been established across the country, while these numbers will also be increased to ensure second dose of vaccine.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/health/item/109861-ncoc-announces-free-booster-after-six-months-of-last-vaccine-dose.html

Highest level of inflation is evidence of the destruction of the economy: Shahbaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-N President and Leader of opposition Shahbaz Sharif warned the nation that 11.5% inflation per month is a proof of economic destruction, people are committing suicide due to inflation and unemployment whereas rulers are urging them not to panic.

In a statement, Shahbaz Sharif said that inflation reaching the highest level of the year is an evidence of the doom and destruction of the economy for the poor, inflation has reached a 13-year high record, people are burning in the fire of inflation however government statements will not extinguish this fire.

While commenting on the current inflation situation he said that the account deficit is constantly increasing. Moreover, the account deficit for the current financial year released in July-October has reached to $5.1 billion.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/109860-highest-level-of-inflation-is-evidence-of-the-destruction-of-the-economy-shahbaz-sharif.html

Inflation has affected salaried employees: Sheikh Rasheed

FSheikh Rashid on Wednesday has said that new elections in Pakistan will be held through electronic voting machines.

Talking to media, the minister hoped that there will be no complain of rigging in elections carried out by using EVMs. Now, the decision is of opposition whether it will approach court or not, he added.

Sheikh Rashid said that increasing inflation has affected salaried employees.

We have to find out some solution to overcome the crises in Pakistan, he expressed.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/109859-inflation-has-affected-salaried-employees-sheikh-rasheed.html

Smog, private offices could be closed for a week: LHC

Lahore High Court on Wednesday said that it could be forced to impose environmental emergency and close schools and private offices for a week.

According to details, LHC heard pleas regarding situation of smog in the province. Director PDMA informed the court that situation is improving from last few days and condition will further improve in coming week.

LHC said that smog has engulfed Lahore; however, the court lauded role of Lahore Traffic Police for its good management of traffic in the city.On the other hand, provincial capital of Punjab has been declared the most polluted city globally.

The Air Quality Index data was released on Wednesday and put Lahore on the list of the most polluted cities in the world while Karachi came in seventh.

Meanwhile, PM2.5 concentration in Lahore air was 46.3 times above the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

The worst quality of air was recorded in Kot Lakhpat as AQI reached 479, followed by Bahria Orchard 407, Model Town 396, Gulberg 368 and Township Block Two at 364.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/punjab/item/109857-smog-private-offices-could-be-closed-for-a-week-lhc.html