Press Releases

Social media platforms have been flooded with fake news and misinformation following the Coronavirus outbreak across the globe. Recently, a message, linked with ISPR, was doing rounds on social networking platforms claiming that the army will spray pesticides via helicopters all over Pakistan at midnight. The fake message urged citizens not to head outside after midnight as the pesticides could bear detrimental effects on human health. ALSO READ Pakistan Army Successfully Test Fires Ra’ad 2 Cruise Missile [Video] Here is what the fake message read: Today, special military helicopters will spray pesticides against the Coronavirus in the skies all over the country, so you must stay indoors after midnight. When you hear the sounds of airplanes at night, it is for you to know that it is related to this matter (COVID-19). However, ISPR has officially rebutted the message. DG ISPR, Major General Babar Iftikhar, has clarified that the department did not issue any message regarding pest..

The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has struggled with the spread of misinformation since the start. Despite all the efforts, the platform is still facing similar issues. In its attempt to control the spread of misinformation, and help people gain access to authentic real-time data, the Company announced two initiatives today. It has globally launched the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. It will donate $1 million to the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). The information hub will offer actionable and straightforward guidance to users around the world. According to WhatsApp, the hub will: Provide users with community leaders’ support, including health care professionals, educators, local businesses, etc. Help prevent the spread of rumors. Bring authentic pandemic related stories to one place. Apart from this, WhatsApp’s collaboration with Poynter Institute’..

Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has said that his factories will be repurposed to produce ventilators in case of any shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak. The billionaire CEO responded to a fan tweet suggesting that he repurposes his factories to make ventilators. He responded to it saying that he will do so if there is need for it. FiveThirtyEight editor in chief Nate Silver responded to the tweet saying that there is a shortage right now and Elon finally said: Tesla makes cars with sophisticated hvac systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems. Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now? The tweet attracted hundreds of replies of people pointing out shortages in America and other regions across the globe. Additionally, Tesla is also finally reducing the headcount in its facilities to help workers maintain social distancing and prevent the virus from spreading as much as possible..

Although the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 has been postponed, there is good news. The coronavirus tests of all the players, match officials, team owners, support staff and broadcasters, which were conducted a couple of days ago, have all come out negative. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the news earlier today. There were reports that a foreign cricketer had experienced symptoms of the mysterious virus, following which the league was canceled. ALSO READ PSL Got Cancelled Because a Foreign Player Showed Symptoms of Coronavirus The reports had suggested that it was England’s Alex Hales who had shown symptoms of the disease, however, he later denied the reports. He is currently in self-isolation as a precautionary measure. The board has refrained from naming the player who showed coronavirus symptoms. What are your thoughts on the story? Let us know in the comments.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has completely suspended the entry of visitors, nationals and working visa holders for two weeks in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, an official notification said. The notification will come into effect from today, March 19, and will be valid until the first week of April. The country has also banned its citizens from traveling abroad. Those who have recently returned are in 14-day mandatory quarantine. This is a precautionary measure subject to renewal based on the health status measures taken due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. ALSO READ Pakistan Reports Two Deaths Due to Coronavirus [Updated] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory for people with any type of UAE visas, now staying out of the country. Here is the procedure to follow: – People with a visit visa now staying in the country of origin should contact UAE embassies in their respective countries to streamline their return. – Working visa holders currently outside the..