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Central Development Working Party (CDWP) held a meeting on Wednesday, chaired by the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan. In the meeting, CDWP approved four projects worth Rs. 16.02 billion and recommended one project worth Rs. 37.91 billion to ECNEC for consideration.

CDWP also agreed on the “COVID-19 Responsive and Other Natural Calamities Control Program” worth Rs. 70 billion.

Additional Secretary Planning, Abdul Aziz Uqaili, along with senior officials from Planning Commission and Federal Ministries and Divisions, attended the meeting while representatives from provincial governments participated through video link.

Projects related to physical planning and housing, health, education, and information technology, were presented in the meeting.

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A project related to physical planning and housing, titled “Construction of Islamabad High Court Building at Islamabad (Revised)” worth Rs. 4989.26 million was approved in the meeting. The project will see to the construction of Islamabad High Court on already acquired plots measuring 2,20,000 sq ft in Sector G-5, Islamabad. The scope of works includes the construction of the courts, auditorium, car parking, roads, plumbing works, and woodworks, etc.

CDWP agreed with the recommendations of the committee for the project, titled “COVID-19 Responsive and Other Natural Calamities Control Programme,” worth Rs. 70 billion with proposed changes. The PC-1 of this project proposed to facilitate the national program to improve facilities at 50-50 basis financial support in district and tehsil headquarter level hospitals across all provinces, separate public health surveillance for both humans and animals, a national program for water sanitation and hygiene, and improvement in local infrastructure.

AJK and GB would also be covered under the project financing.

Two projects related to education were presented in the meeting. The first project, namely “Support to Basic Education Development Project AJ&K” worth Rs. 5971.55 million and the second project, titled “Basic Education for All Project AJ&K” worth Rs. 1580.201 million, were approved by CDWP.

A project related to information technology was also presented in the meeting. The project, namely “Phase-II of Pak-China OFC project for Establishment of Cross Border OFC Network (Khunjrab-Gwadar-Karachi) along CPEC Routes” worth Rs. 37,915.899 million, was referred to the ECNEC for further approval.

The project aims to provide an alternate path for international connectivity through the northern border of Pakistan with China and to provide continuous uninterrupted connectivity between the northern and southern borders of the country by establishing multiple rings for a secure and uninterrupted communication network, etc.

The second project, titled “Establishment of National Aerospace Science & Technology Park” worth Rs. 3481.584 million, was approved in the meeting.

Two position papers related to industries and commerce were also approved in the meeting. The papers, titled “Establishment of Hub Special Economic Zone” worth Rs. 2287.844 million and “Remodeling and Expansion of Karachi Expo Center” worth Rs. 2677.42 million, were also presented.

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A position paper related to water resources was presented as well. The paper, namely “Nai Gaj Dam” worth Rs. 46555.29 million, was approved by the CDWP. The project envisages the construction of a 194 ft high central core earth-fill dam with a gross storage capacity of 0.30 million acre-feet and live storage of 0.16 MAF to irrigate 28,800 acres of land.

The CDWP approved four concept clearance proposals, namely “Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement project” worth Rs. 375.73 million, “National Firewall System” $100 million, “National Social Media Application” worth $145 million, and “Establishment of Pak-Korea nutrition Centre to improve Child and Community Nutrition” worth Rs. 1464.210 million.

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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.

The post Can Babar Beat Kohli to 12,000 ODI Runs Mark? [Analysis] appeared first on .

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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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