Category: Information Technology

The Punjab government has decided to take old and dilapidated public transport vehicles off the roads of the province.

It was decided in a meeting of the provincial cabinet’s sub-committee that was held in Lahore. The lawmakers argued that the decision will reduce the air pollution levels and benefit the health of the public.

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According to details, all public transport vehicles that have traveled over 100,000 kilometers will be taken off the roads.

In this regard, the Punjab government has directed the provincial excise department to revoke the registration of all such vehicles and impound them immediately.

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However, the sub-committee has not yet outlined any alternatives for the thousands of passengers who are going to suffer as a result of this decision.

It must be recalled that the World Air Quality 2019 report, published jointly by IQAir Group and Greenpeace, had declared Pakistan as the 2nd most polluted country last year.

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Indian captain, Virat Kohli, created history when he became the fastest player to cross 12,000 ODI runs, surpassing fellow Indian, Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli achieved the feat in only 242 innings, whereas Tendulkar took 300 innings to get to 12,000 ODI runs. Kohli crossed the landmark by scoring 63 runs against Australia in the third ODI.

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The question arises, whether Babar can ever get to the 12,000 runs mark? Well, it depends on a number of factors. First thing first, Babar will never get to play as many matches as Kohli considering India is always a favored team for the ICC meaning that they get way more matches than other Asian sides, or let’s say New Zealand and South Africa.

Kohli has undoubtedly been the best ODI batsman in the past decade, scoring 43 centuries since his debut in 2008. He is just six centuries behind Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries and at 32 years of age, he still has enough time to claim that record as well.

While Kohli has been doing this for the best part of his 12-year career, Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, is still learning the craft. At just 26 years of age, Babar is taking the cricketing world by storm and if he stays fit, he will surely break the majority of Pakistan’s batting records.

Babar and Kohli have been compared for well over two years now, but there are a number of factors to consider when comparing these batting stars. The age difference is a huge factor and Kohli is six years older than Babar. Babar has only played 77 matches in his short career, while Kohli just represented India in his 250th ODI.

While Kohli was playing with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Yuvraj Singh, Babar had to learn from Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and Azhar Ali, who are exceptional cricketers but can’t be compared with their Indian counterparts.

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Here are their numbers after the first 77 ODIs. Note that Babar has played 77 matches as of yet.

First 77 matches

Player
Matches
Runs
Average
Hundreds

Virat Kohli
77
2,986
46.54
8

Babar Azam
77
3,580
55.93
12

Babar has played 77 matches at the age of 26 years and 48 days (his age at the time of this feature), While Kohli had already played 146 matches, given that the Indian skipper did start his career a year early than Babar. Below is the comparison at the same age:

At the Age of 26 Years and 48 Days

Player
Matches
Runs
Average
Hundreds

Virat Kohli
146
6,208
52.61
21

Babar Azam
77
3,580
55.93
12

Consistency is key for Babar Azam. The added pressure of captaincy on the young shoulders will really test his mettle, but as proven by statistics, if he manages to stay fit and healthy and continue his glorious form, Babar can become the first Pakistani to cross the 12,000 ODI runs mark.

It is too early to say whether Babar can beat Kohli in terms of the runs, however, it sure is an exciting rivalry that keeps everyone on their toes.

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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has warned tax officials working from home to take extra precautionary measures to avoid cybersecurity threats that may result in the leakage of the confidential data of the taxpayers who are registered with the FBR.

The Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL)-IT arm of the FBR has issued a stern warning regarding this to the tax officials who are work from home.

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Senior FBR officials informed ProPakistani that necessary measures are being taken to avoid the theft of data and that other security issues during the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic are also being addressed.

As per PRAL’s letter to the tax officials of the FBR, officials switching to working remotely because of the ongoing pandemic can create cybersecurity problems for an organization like the FBR and its employees. It added that attackers are exploiting the situation, which is why the officials must be wary of phishing emails, scams, and other hacking attempts.

Additionally, a new type of phishing attack that is focusing on COVID-19 is on the rise. Phishing 85 spam emails are sent to users instructing them to open an infected word document, claiming it to be an update report from either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Pakistani Health Authorities.

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Therefore, all the FBR’s resources who have been authorized to Work from Home (WFH) are directed to adhere to the following strategy points by the FBR:

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks, and use the PRAL-recommended VPN for secure communications.
The use of remote desktop software like TeamViewer, Anydesk, etc. is strictly prohibited.
Ensure the use of a secure connection for your WFH environment.
Keep passwords strong and change them regularly. Always memorize passwords; do not write them.
Enable Two-Factor (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication, wherever possible.
Encrypt home PC hard drives and USB sticks to save data in case of theft.
Keep home PC operating systems patched. Install 85 updates on home PCs with top-rated antivirus, anti-malware 85 firewalls. Get the latest freeware antivirus and other security software from PRAL’s Technical Support team.
Ensure that all the security software on home PCs is updated. Privacy tools, add-ons for browsers, and other patches also need to be checked regularly.
All WFH resources are advised to communicate using official FBR emails only.
All FBR remote workers are advised to be suspicious of emails asking them to check or renew their passwords and login credentials, even if they seem to come from a trusted source.
The authenticity of the sources of such requests must be verified through other means. Do not click on suspicious links or open suspicious attachments.
Always scan a suspicious file using an antivirus software recommended by the PRAL Technical Support team.
All sensitive information must be handled with care, and its dissemination to all the concerned must be done through secure means.
Beware of pop-ups on internet browsers or desktop screens. Do not enter confidential information on a pop-up screen.
Establish and have signed a departmental-wise cybersecurity policy/undertaking from your team members who are working remotely from home.
Have a back-up strategy. All important data should be backed up regularly.
All the officers are to provide their teams with basic security knowledge, and are to contact PRAL for assistance in this regard.
All the functional heads are advised to develop a contingency plan in coordination with PRAL. Contact PRAL Technical Support team for any assistance.
In case of infections/compromises in your home computer system, immediately disconnect the computer from the Internet and contact the PRAL Technical Support team for advice.

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According to reports, China’s COVID-19 vaccine is in the final stages of testing, and millions of doses have been developed. China plans to deliver its vaccine doses to developing countries on a priority basis.

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Millions of doses of China’s COVID-19 vaccine are ready to be delivered to countries around the world. According to reports, arrangements have been made to ensure the safe delivery of the vaccine, flying out of Shenzhen International Airport in China.

A few interesting rumors suggest a level of high alert on part of the Chinese health workers. Everyone entering the vaccine warehouse is required a two-week quarantine or protective clothing from head to toe.

As soon as the use of the vaccine is approved by any country, China intends to supply its vaccine to each on priority. The vaccine will be delivered in temperature-regulated compartments of cargo planes.

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In other news, British regulator MHRA has approved of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for public roll-outs next week. Immunity Drives have been scheduled with the country having ordered 40 million doses for an initial 20 million population group.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control department has seized more than Rs 1 billion worth of drugs in one of the largest operations in its history.

According to recent reports, security forces shut off the DI Khan Indus Highway near Obhaya Bridge and apprehended a suspicious vehicle. The tip-off recovered 60kg of ice and the smuggler was arrested, pending investigation.

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DG Fayyaz Ali Shah stated the seized ice was worth more than Rs 1 billion in the international market, which was stashed in the hidden compartments of the vehicle.
He further stated the HS vehicle was going from Balochistan to Peshawar.

Smuggler Saifullah has been apprehended and a case has been registered against him for resumption of investigation under KPK’s drug enforcement regulations.

The Drug Control Administration works under the Health Department. Its job description is to implement The Drug Act 1976. The Drug inspectors regulate the law and rules appointed through Public service Commission of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Inspectors are combating on daily basis to The law breakers and offenders of The Drug Act to ensure safe and effective drugs/Medicines for the general public.

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Shocking results have come to light after matriculation and intermediate students were promoted without examinations in view of the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to the results issued by the Karachi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (KBISE), for the first time ever, more than 40,000 students have passed the intermediate second year of pre-medical, pre-engineering, and commerce with E and D grades and received less than 45% marks overall.

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33,639 students across all three disciplines have received an E grade this year. Last year, only 735 students had received an E grade.

With this, 40,000 students have been rendered ineligible for admission to any university as per HEC rules.

Sadly, academic options for these 40,000 intermediate graduates seem limited as HEC recently announced to abolish the two-year degree programs.

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When reached for a comment over the terrible outcome of the special promotion policy, Chairman BISE, Professor Inam Ahmed, said that it’s nothing new as the annual result of BISE has always remained between 40% and 60%.

Earlier this year in August, the Sindh government had approved the special promotion policy for all matric and intermediate students for the academic year 2020.

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Pakistani citizens are among the top nationals to have been issued visas for the United Kingdom (UK) in various categories during the ongoing year, figures from the UK Home Office have revealed.

According to the data, 6,662 Pakistani families had been granted visas for the UK during 2020, with an approval rate of 89 percent which is the highest among all the South Asian countries.

Applicants from India were granted 3,348 family visas, 2,155 Bangladeshi applicants received visas, and 1,605 applicants from Nepal were issued family visas. Overall, South Asians accounted for 40 percent of the total family visa applications that have been approved in 2020.

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In the Student category, 4,015 Tier 4 student visas have been granted to Pakistani applicants since the start of the year. The approval rate in this category is around 93 percent, with a 2o percent increase from the previous year.

Likewise, 6,807 work visas were issued to Pakistanis this year, which included 2,223 skilled work or Tier 2 visas.

Additionally, 30,208 Pakistani applicants received visitor visas during this period, indicating a significant surge in the overall approval rate for Pakistanis.

The figures also show that 2,799 Pakistanis were granted citizenship of the UK this year as compared to 2,663 in 2019. 134 Pakistani passengers were denied entry into the UK this year as compared to 197 people in 2019.

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The Home Office said that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected immigration to the UK.

“At the peak of the pandemic, from March to June, we witnessed a sharp fall in the grant rate due to the lockdown and closure of our offices. However, the substantial increase in other months resulted in a notable improvement in the grant rate compared to the last year,” it said.

According to the Home Office, UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) officials have addressed the concerns of Pakistani applicants and are processing each application with high-quality decision-making.

It added that the applications from Pakistan are being processed by Teresa Hardy who is the Regional Director for Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Turkey (MENCAPT). She is a senior civil servant and has received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Queen of England for her services to the UK’s border security.

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Every year on December 03, International Day for People with Disabilities is celebrated with a resolve to empower the differently-abled and implement catalytic measures that could make the world a comfortable place for them. It is a day that encourages the differently-abled to explore potential opportunities and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Pakistan has a widespread presence of disability in the country. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, nearly three million people suffer from some form of disability in rural areas. Hence it has become essential to work on policies and programs which could address their needs. The best approach to do so is by promoting the concept of inclusivity at a national level.

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund is setting a good example in this regard by stressing inclusion and access to equal opportunities. In the last two decades, PPAF has empowered hundreds and thousands of differently-abled people across the country. Through such initiatives as the ‘Disability Project’, PPAF launched a nationwide program to counter disability and incorporate the differently-abled within the society.

This program was pivotal in providing assistive devices, skill training, attendant training, and independent living training to a total of 30,872 disabled individuals under a community-based rehabilitation program that ran across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

Additionally, under its livelihood and enterprise development program, PPAF worked in seven districts across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KPK to provide 2,755 people with productive assets along with business incubation training to make them useful members of society. An additional 3,014 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) were trained in enterprise development.

This served as a foundation for creating more and better employment means for the differently-abled.

From 2011 to 2016, PPAF supported the Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) to develop the first-ever Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) booklet which was empirical in benefitting 5,000 children with hearing impairments. Furthermore, it has worked with Deaf Reach Schools and Training Centers across Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur to develop training programs and resources for teaching staff.

PPAF also collaborated with the Pakistan Foundation for Fighting Blindness (PFFB) to establish computer centers within government schools for special children in Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore helping 8,000 visually challenged persons gain computer-based, IT skills and training.

PPAF has been providing skill development and vocational training programs for the hearing-impaired children, helping them to reach their true potentials and pushing them to join the mainstream society. Inclusion is one of the core values of PPAF, therefore the organization has promoted this approach in all its programs and ensured that equal opportunities are provided to every individual.

With a firm belief that the improvement in the economic situation across the disadvantaged areas of the country will also help counter the increased rate of disability in the country, it is the need of the hour to create more opportunities via specialized training and vocational programs that provide opportunities for all in the society.

This will lead to a more sustainable approach towards the promotion of an all-inclusive work environment, society, and stronger linkages as a nation. Initiatives similar to the ones PPAF has launched over the years to enhance the lives and livelihoods of differently-abled through poverty alleviation are a much-needed attempt at bridging the gaps existing within the society.

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The National Institute of Health (NIH) has formulated a comprehensive national policy to start rapid antigen testing to contain the second wave of Coronavirus.

The decision has been taken because most laboratories give COVID-19 diagnosis results in up to 72 hours, significantly increasing the chances of the transmission of the virus.

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In a recent meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), NIH Executive Director, Major General Aamer Ikram, revealed that the policy is based on recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

He added that all provinces are onboard to successfully implement the rapid antigen testing policy to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Under the policy, all government-authorized public sector laboratories will be allowed to conduct antigen tests.

The decision of whether to allow private laboratories to perform antigen tests to augment the testing capacity of public labs rests with provincial governments. Moreover, only those private labs will be allowed to conduct antigen tests that are already performing PCR tests.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), Coronavirus cases across the country have declined by 27% since last week.

A spokesperson for the NHS Ministry, Sajid Shah, has attributed this downward trend to the closure of educational institutions and smart lockdowns in the virus hotspots.

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He requested the masses to act responsibly and adhere to COVID-19 SOPs to help the authorities in controlling the transmission of the viral infection.

Meanwhile, the national positivity ratio has dropped to 6%, according to the NCOC data.

Where independent positivity rates are concerned, Mirpur, with 20.62%, has the highest positivity ratio in Pakistan. Mirpur is followed by Peshawar with 19.58% and Hyderabad with 19.03%.

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Pakistan telecom industry’s CSR frontrunner, Zong 4G, has extended support to Naureen Zindagi Welfare Trust (NZWT), an orphanage in Islamabad amid the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative is a part of Zong 4G’s commitment to empowering Pakistan and giving back to society, especially the marginalized communities.

Naureen Zindagi Welfare Trust is an orphanage for children in Islamabad’s Ghauri Town. NZWT has also started work on establishing a school for children with hearing and speech impairment in Islamabad. As part of the initiative, Zong 4G visited the orphans at NZWT and provided them with furniture along with school uniforms and winter clothing.

The New Hope Volunteers of Zong 4G also spent time with children and organized an awareness session on Covid-19 with free health check-ups by qualified doctors.

“Our support for the Naureen Zindagi Welfare Trust is a reflection of our commitment to the Pakistani society and its people,” said Zong 4G’s official spokesperson. “Organizations like NZWT face multifarious challenges and as a consequence of Covid-19, these challenges have increased multifold. As a responsible organization, Zong 4G recognizes the need to support the underprivileged strata of the society and will continue working towards its goal of an inclusive society.”

“We strongly believe that all the children have the right to a better life and education, irrespective of their background,” said Naureen Shahid, NZWT. “We thank Zong for their kind support to the NZWT kids during these difficult times. We encourage others too to make organizations like ours a part of their CSR programs.”

Besides being a leading connectivity partner for Pakistanis, Zong 4G also leads corporate social responsibility, and support to NZWT is a testament to that commitment. The company also extended support to the SOS Children’s Village and Bint-e-Fatima Old Home in Karachi amid the urban flood crisis in the recent past. Zong’s proactive Covid-19 response has also been highly effective and helpful for Pakistanis.

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