Do you know where plastic waste in the oceans is coming from?

The Ocean Cleanup suggests plastic pollution comes from more rivers in the world than previously thought.

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US imposes new travel restrictions on India

US President Joe Biden has announced new travel restrictions on India in the light of the rising coronavirus cases in the country, according to reports.

All non-US citizens will not be allowed to enter the United States of America from May 4. The decision was taken after the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

President Biden has signed a proclamation for the implementation of the new restrictions. It said India “accounts for over one-third of new global cases” and “proactive measures are required to protect the nation’s public health from travelers entering the United States” from India.

Earlier, a similar ban was imposed on South Africa as well.

India reports 400,000 cases

India recorded on Saturday over 400,000 new Covid cases in 24 hours for the first time, the first country to do so in the pandemic, official data showed.

According to the health ministry, 401,993 new infections were registered taking the total caseload to 19.1 million. There were 3,523 deaths, bringing the toll to 211,853.

Many experts suspect that because of insufficient testing and inaccurate recording of the cause of death, the real numbers are much higher.

Indian authorities lowered their guard in the early part of the year after infections fell below 10,000 per day, lifting restrictions on most activity.

Mass religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims, and political rallies were allowed to continue even when cases numbers began rising sharply in late March.

In April alone, India recorded around seven million new infections. On a per-capita basis, however, India’s caseload remains low compared to many other countries.

With additional information by AFP.

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Ayesha Omar calls out students bashing Shafqat Mehmood

Actor Ayesha Omar is not happy with students who are using inappropriate language for Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood on social media.

“Dear students, criticism and difference of opinion does not mean one needs to be disrespectful,” she tweeted. “We can get our point across with respect.”

Dear Students.
Criticism and difference of opinion does NOT mean one needs to be disrespectful. We can get our point across with respect. Let’s try to regulate and stabilise our emotions in stressful situations. It’s better for us and others. Positive manifestations also help.

— Ayesha Omar (@ayesha_m_omar) April 29, 2021

The minister announced on Tuesday that the O and A Level exams had been cancelled and pushed to October and November, adding that no students will be promoted without exams this year. The decision was taken after videos showing crowded Cambridge examination centres and violation of coronavirus SOPs went viral and raised concerns. Where many students supported Shafqat’s decision to postpone exams, others rallying for cancellation went out of line and started abusing him on social media.

“Let’s try to regulate and stabilise our emotions in stressful situations,” Ayesha said. “It’s better for us and others.”

Many actors have urged the public to follow the SOPs strictly but others are being criticised for organising or attending events amid the rising cases. Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday bash last week infuriated people on social media, who wondered why the authorities concerned are not taking any action against the stars.

Sheheryar Munawar, after criticism, apologised for attending Fahad’s birthday party and said there’s no justification for his actions.

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When Anushka Sharma auditioned for 3 Idiots

Bollywood actors often share their experiences about getting dropped from films or bungling screen tests for ads, but hardly give their fans a sneak peek into what their auditions are like.

“In 2007, I auditioned for the lead role in a film,” says Anushka Sharma in a clip doing the rounds on social media. “And that film was… can you guess?” The camera then pans to a large poster on the wall featuring Aamir Khan. “Yes, 3 Idiots.”

Anushka tells viewers that nobody has seen her audition, not even the film’s director Rajkumar Hirani. In the short clip she is performing the monologue from Rajkumar’s 2003 comedy-drama Munna Bhai MBBS.

Anushka showed her audition to Aamir and Rajkumar on the sets of their 2014 hit PK. The two are laughing at her in disbelief in the throwback video.

Rajkumar admitted that he never knew Anushka had auditioned for 3 Idiots. However, they have come together for two films so far: PK and Sanju (2018), which starred Ranbhir Kapoor in the lead.

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Today’s outlook: Pakistan reports 147 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours

Here are some of the stories we will be following today (Saturday):

Pakistan has reported over 4,600 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, while 146 people succumbed to the deadly virus.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to impose a lockdown in the province during the Eid holidays from May 8 to May 16.
NCOC chief Asad Umar has said that the upcoming week is extremely important to curb the coronavirus spread in the country otherwise it will become very difficult to defeat the virus.
The Sindh government has decided to reopen the field isolation centre in Karachi’s Expo Centre.
America has decided to impose travel restrictions on India starting May 4. The neighbouring country has been reporting over 300,000 cases every day since April.
PML-N has written a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan requesting an inquiry into the results of the by-polls in Karachi’s NA-249. The election was won by PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhail.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a resignation from Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yaseen.
The world is celebrating labour day today.
Fawad Alam’s outstanding century helped Pakistan in extending their first-innings lead to 198 in the first Test against Zimbabwe.

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Here’s how Bilal Maqsood, Amjad Sabri became best friends

Musician Bilal Maqsood has shared a heartfelt note detailing his first meeting with the late Qawwal Amjad Sabri.

“We had the privilege of working with this amazing artist and human,” he wrote, sharing a photo of former band Strings with Amjad on the sets of Coke Studio. “He was always full of life and energy.”

The purpose of their meeting with Sabri was to seek his approval for Atif Aslam’s rendition of the popular Qawwali Tajdar-e-Haram. Bilal said it had hardly been minutes and he started feeling as if they had known each other for years. Amjad was then called in for Rang for season nine. “Along with Rahat Fateh Ali, Amjad Sabri created magic that night.”

Bilal said that 20 days after the recording, the news of Amjad’s death shook them. “It was the 16th of Ramazan when he left us for his eternal abode,” he remarked.

Sabri was shot dead in Karachi on June 22, 2016. He was the son of Ghulam Farid Sabri of the Sabri Brothers and emerged as one of South Asia’s most prominent Qawwals, reciting Qawwalis written by his father and uncle.

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Grammy Awards scrap controversial voting committees

The anonymous committees had been accused of a lack of transparency and inclusivity in their choices.

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India's over-18s vaccination to start

The drive has begun to lag at a time when a second deadly wave is devastating the country.

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Covid: Australians could face jail or fines if they return from India

Australia makes it temporarily illegal to return from India, which is being ravaged by Covid-19.

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Florida plans to fine social media for banning politicians

The Florida bill proposes fines up to $250,000 per day for companies which violate the rules.

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Singapore: What's it like in the best place to live during Covid?

As the pandemic continues to devastate, one Asian island has emerged as the best place to ride it out.

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Covid: Pakistan fears 'Impending doom' threatens Pakistan

A slow vaccine roll out, no lockdown and large gatherings are concerning doctors in Pakistan.

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How a Nigerian mother fought to hold on to her child in Italy

A Nigerian woman in Italy nearly lost her son as the authorities questioned her parenting style.

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Alaska's first CSI takes on blood and burglaries in sub-zero weather

Shasta Pomeroy isn't only the first Fairbanks crime scene investigator, she's the first in the state.

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India's Covid vaccine shortage: The desperate wait gets longer

India is facing a severe shortage of vaccines amid a relentless second Covid wave. How did this happen?

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France-Algeria relations: The lingering fallout from nuclear tests in the Sahara

France says the tests were carried out in uninhabited areas but local residents beg to differ.

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Punjab not taken on board to discuss TLP ban removal

The Punjab government has reportedly been not taken on board to discuss the removal of the ban from Tehreek-e-Labbaik.

This comes as a shock because the party was banned on the recommendations of the Punjab home ministry and National Counter Terrorism Authority.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has called a meeting on May 1 to discuss the appeal filed by the workers of the banned party. It was banned for holding violent protests, injuring policemen, and vandalising public property while staging a demonstration against the arrest of its chief Saad Rizvi.

The protests were called off after the government held successful negotiations with them. Following this, the government tabled in the National Assembly a bill to discuss the expulsion of the French ambassador.

TLP leaders also said that the government agreed to remove the ban on the party. Punjab senior leaders have, however, repeatedly claimed that the government never agreed to remove the ban.

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5,360 Covid-19 patients in critical care in Pakistan: Asad Umar

The total number of COVID-19 patients in critical care is 57% higher than during the peak in June last year, but the situation has not become as dire because the government has been increasing capacity, said Planning Minister Asad Umar on Friday.

There were 5,360 patients in critical care on Thursday, he said on Twitter.

So far, the healthcare system has been able to manage because oxygen production, cylinders and beds have been increased across the country.

Total oxygen production had been increased from 487 tonnes per day to 798 tonnes. Around 19,200 oxygen cylinders were also imported last year, Umar said.

During a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre Thursday, the government had decided to import 6,000 tonnes of oxygen, 5,000 cylinders and 20 cryogenic tanks (which store liquid oxygen at low temperatures), the NCOC chief said.

Total number of critical care covid patients on oxygen reached 5360 yesterday. This is 57% more than the peak last june. Alhamdulillah have so far managed to cope with this huge increase because of proactively building capacity of the entire system from oxygen production to beds
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 30, 2021

On Wednesday, the NCOC directed all private and public hospitals across the country to postpone elective surgeries to preserve oxygen.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in Islamabad after a detailed analysis of oxygen demand and supply was conducted.

It was done to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to hospitals as COVID-19 infections continue to rise, the NCOC said.

As of Friday, there are 5,360 patients in critical care and 91,547 active COVID-19 cases. More than 5,100 new cases were reported over 24 hours and 131 deaths recorded.

The country’s COVID-19 tally is 820,823, death toll 17,811 and recoveries stand at 711,465.

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When Tom and Jerry helped Kareena teach Taimur about vaccines

Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor couldn’t have found a better way to teach her son Taimur about the importance of coronavirus vaccine.

“We don’t realise that our kids are also absorbing what’s going on and they are scared too,” she wrote on Insta, sharing a clip from Tom and Jerry.
It shows Jerry (labelled as the immune system) being protected by a baby elephant when Tom (coronavirus) advances on him with a rifle. The elephant (first dose of coronavirus vaccine) has rolled up its trunk and painted it black and his entire body brown, just like Jerry’s.

“We were talking to Tim [Taimur] to try and explain why all the adults need to be vaccinated and I think this sums it up pretty well,” said Kareena. She urged people to be patient and kind to others, including health experts, who are trying to help them for their own good, and requested everyone to get vaccinated.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)

Kareena and Saif Ali Khan welcomed their second son in February 2021.
India’s coronavirus cases have crossed 18 million and 204,832 deaths have been reported as of Tuesday evening.
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Petrol prices likely to increase from May 1

Petrol prices in Pakistan are expected to increase from May 1 onwards.

OGRA has recommended a Rs5.45 per litre increase in the current price of petrol, while Rs6 increase in diesel prices.

The summary has been sent to the petroleum division. Prime Minister Imran Khan will make the final decision.

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Third coronavirus wave: Lahore seals 49 shops, restaurants

The administration sealed 49 shops and restaurants in Lahore Friday morning for violating the coronavirus SOPs.

A case has been registered against 10 people, and they have been fined too. Pakistan is currently battling the third and most dangerous wave of the coronavirus.

In the last 24 hours, the country has reported 131 deaths and over 5,000 cases. The positivity rate stands at 10.41%.

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Karachi court acquits suspects in Pakistan Steel Mills corruption case

An accountability court in Karachi has acquitted all the suspects named in the Pakistan Steel Mills corruption case after 11 years.

The judge said that the prosecution failed to present any prove against the suspect.

Suspects included Sameen Asghar, Asghar Jameel Rizvi and Chaudhry Shafique.

They were accused of causing Rs13 million losses to the national treasury by awarding contracts of the Pakistan Steel Mills to the people for thier own choice.

A reference was filed against them in 2012.

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First Test: Pakistan eye big first-innings lead against Zimbabwe

Pakistan will be eying a big first-innings lead in the opening Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday.

The visitors will resume at the score of 103 without loss, trailing the home team by 73 runs.

Opener Abid Ali is 56 not out off 95 balls with the help of 10 fours whereas Imran Butt is eyeing his first half-century in international cricket as he will resume at the score of unbeaten 43 off 88 balls with the help of four fours.

I handle everything, says Babar after Malik criticises team management

Earlier, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliant bowling performance was enough to bowl Zimbabwe out for just 176 in their first-innings on Thursday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the home team were reduced to just 59 for the loss of four wickets at the end of the opening session.

They managed to add another 117 runs before being bowled out just at the stroke of tea.

Hasan and Shaheen were the pick of the bowlers as they claimed four wickets each.

For the home team, Roy Kaia finished the innings with the top score of 48 off 94 balls with the help of seven fours.

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Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan violence: Deadly clash amid water dispute

Thousands of people are evacuated following some of the worst border fighting in years.

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Larkana man murders two sisters, escapes: police

A man has been accused of murdering his two sisters at their house in Usman Shah village near Larkana, the police said Friday.

Their neighbours said that the man shot both his sisters following an argument.

The bodies have been moved to the Chandka Medical College.

An FIR has been registered and the police are investigating the case.

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Today’s outlook: Pakistan reports 131 Covid-19 deaths, PM in GB

Here are some news stories we are expecting to follow today (Friday).

Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Gilgit Baltistan and inaugurate three major Ehsaas programmes and other development projects. According to SAPM Sania Nishtar, the PM will launch the Ehsaas Nashonuma, Ehsaas Secondary Education Stipends and Ehsaas One Woman One Account programmes for the people of the region. The premier will also launch the Gilgit Baltistan web portal and CM Task Management System in Gilgit, and visit the Diamer Basha dam.
Pakistan conducted 49,099 coronavirus tests in the last 24 hours, out of which 5,112 people tested positive. It even reported 131 deaths. The positivity rate stands at 10.41%.
PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhail clinched the NA-249 Karachi seat after receiving 16,156 votes, according to the unofficial and unverified results by the Election Commission. PML-N’s Miftah Ismail bagged 15,473 votes, and TLP’s Mufti Nazir Kamalwi came in third with 11,125 votes.
The government has announced a six-day holiday on Eidul Fitr from May 10 to May 15.

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Three killed after falling into manhole in New Karachi

Three people lost their lives after falling into an open manhole in New Karachi Thursday night. According to the rescue personnel, a child fell into a manhole while playing on the road near Saba cinema. A rickshaw driver saw the child, parked his vehicle and jumped into the manhole to save him. The two were stuck for two hours after which a crane was called to the site. The crane driver also jumped into the manhole to save the two but he drowned with them. Rescue teams have retrieved the bodies of the child and crane operator, and are still looking for the rickshaw driver’s body.

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Israel stampede: Chaotic scenes as dozens dead at religious festival

Dozens have been killed and many wounded after a stampede at an Israeli religious festival.

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Yasra Rizvi thinks Pakistanis are obsessed with marriage. Here’s why

Actor Yasra Rizvi made headlines this week after her photos with a baby bump went viral.

“In our country, the newsworthy bit is that I’m pregnant,” she wrote. “Indeed we’re a nation totally obsessed with marriage and one’s ability to procreate.”

Yasra shared a couple of photos from the set of her directorial. In one, she has a script on her lap, and in the other, she is immersed in it. “Waiting for the monitor,” she said. “To deliver or not to deliver?”

But what instantly caught the attention was neither the script nor monitor, but Yasra’s baby bump. Soon after, social media streamed with headlines about the couple expecting their first child, but Yasra wasn’t pleased.

“I’m also directing probably the most important script I have gotten to direct so far,” she said, tagging screenwriter Bee Gul.

Yasra is known for her role in Asim Abbasi’s feminist web series Churails. It was released on ZEE5 Global.

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Pakistan celebrities called out for violating coronavirus SOPs

People on social media are calling out celebrities after photos showing them violating coronavirus SOPs went viral.

“Because coronavirus exists only in exams?” a user remarked on Twitter. “So thoughtful of you and your great husband.”

She was taking a jibe at Mansha Pasha and Jibran Nasir, who campaigned aggressively against in-person exams amid rising coronavirus cases. The photo this Twitter user shared showed Mansha Pasha and Frieha Altaf taking a selfie at a Qawwali night. It was hosted by Fahad Mirza to celebrate his 40th birthday and was attended by a number of actors, including his wife Sarwat Gilani, and Sheheryar Munawar.

Yeah because corona exists only in exams? So thoughtful of you and your great husband pic.twitter.com/AQgWBUkdIW

— Aimen. (@Lionel_Massii) April 27, 2021

The photos went viral soon after they were posted. Many people wondered why the authorities concerned were not taking action against celebrities constantly organising events and flouting the coronavirus SOPs.

Tweets by actors celebrating Fahad’s birthday began to circulate too and people called them out for “hypocrisy” and “insensitivity”.

Sheheryar’s earlier tweet urging people to follow SOPs.

Sheheryar apologised, however, for his “ignorance” and said there’s no justification for his actions.

Pakistan has reported over 5,000 cases and 131 deaths in the last 24 hours.

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India Covid: Delhi seeks more cremation space as deaths rise

Police in India's capital ask for more cremation sites as a fatal second wave sweeps the country.

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Ghislaine Maxwell: Lawyers release photo that shows bruised face

Lawyers release a photo of the British socialite with what looks like bruising under her left eye.

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Israel stampede: Dozens killed in crush at religious festival

Emergency services confirm dozens have been killed and many more wounded in north-east Israel.

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India Covid: A nurse's story of fighting the virus

A nurse at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic shares her story with the BBC.

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Xueli Abbing: The abandoned baby who became a Vogue model

The 16-year-old's albinism led to her being abandoned as a baby but she is now a successful model.

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The ransomware surge ruining lives

A coalition is calling for action from governments as victims describe crippling cyber-attacks.

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'It's your device, you should be able to repair it'

The BBC talks to the volunteers running free workshops to help consumers fix broken gadgets.

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Africa's week in pictures: 23-29 April 2021

A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent and beyond.

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Vaccination for people over 40 starts May 3: Asad Umar

Pakistanis above 40 years will receive the COVID-19 vaccine from May 3, announced Asad Umar, the head of the National Command and Operation Centre, on Thursday.

Registration for those in the age group 40 to 49 years is underway and picking up pace, Umar said on Twitter.

They can register by sending their CNIC number to 1166 or on https://nims.nadra.gov.pk/nims/.

Second successive day of more than 1 lakh vaccinations. Encouraging to see pace of registration also picking up. Vaccination of those between 40 and 49 years age will be starting from next monday the 3rd of May
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 29, 2021

Daily vaccinations crossed the 100,000 mark for the second consecutive day on Thursday.

Walk-in vaccinations for people above 50 years had started on Wednesday.

Everyone in this age group can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any nearby centre, said Dr Faisal Sultan, the prime minister’s assistant for health.

Dr Sultan had also shared the number of COVID-19 vaccines the government had procured so far.

Snapshot – vaccine arrivals (doses)

Jan 500,000
Feb 700,000
Mar 1,060,000
Apr 3,000,000
May 6,700,000 [expctd]
Jun 6,300,000 [expctd]

Of ~18.7 mln doses [rec’d & expected] until Jun, ~78% are via purchase by govt

2 mln doses administered so far; >117,000 doses in 1day (27 Apr)
— Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) April 28, 2021

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PIB Colony residents stage protest against fake encounter in Karachi

The Old Sabzi Mandi Road in Karachi was blocked Thursday morning after residents of the PIB Colony staged a protest against an alleged fake police encounter.

According to the protesters, four men from the locality were picked up by the police Wednesday night, put behind bars and were shot in a fake encounter.

Three men died, while the remaining one has been declared to be in critical condition.

The police have, on the other hand, said that the men were robbers and headed a gang in the area. They were killed in an exchange of fire with the police.

The protesters have demanded an inquiry into the matter and have refused to budge unless justice is served. They have blocked the roads heading to Hassan Square from Jail Road and vice versa.

The police have reached the site and have been shelling rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters.

After the protests, traffic was reported in adjoining areas and commuters continued to face problems.

The negotiations between the police and protesters ended successfully at 12:30pm after law enforcers promised to arrest the culprits and punish them. Following this, the demonstration has been called off. The blocked roads have now been reopened for traffic

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First Test: Zimbabwe win toss, opt to bat first against Pakistan

Zimbabwe captain Brendon Taylor has won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test against Pakistan in Harare on Thursday.

Both teams are coming into the contest after playing a hard-fought three-match T20I series where the Men-in-Green emerged victorious with a 2-1 margin.

Toss: Zimbabwe win the toss and elect to bat first.#HarHaalMainCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #ZIMvPAK pic.twitter.com/3k7fI59Ikq
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 29, 2021

The two-match series will be a stern test for the home team who have only managed to beat the Green Caps three times in the history of the five-day format in 17 meetings whereas they’ve suffered 10 defeats.

Lineups:

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (captain), Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Tarisai Musakanda, Milton Shumba, Roy Kaia, Regis Chakabva (wicketkeeper), Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chisoro, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan.

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PM promises ‘exemplary punishment’ for diplomats who mistreated Pakistani labourers

Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised ‘exemplary punishment’ for the country’s diplomats and embassy staffers who denied Pakistani labourers their rights.

“It is important to take a look at the cases of our labourers working outside Pakistan,” he remarked while addressing a Roshan Digital Account ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday.

“I have ordered a full-scale inquiry into the treatment meted out to our labourers by our embassy in Saudi Arabia,” he said. We have called back our ambassador and other staff members to investigate the claims that they haven’t been helping Pakistani labourers.

Action will be taken against all the people who mistreated our labourers, he said. “We will set an example.”

The embassy staff is supposed to help people. “Instead, I have received reports that they have been taking money from the labourers to help them.”

A high-powered investigation has been launched into it. Our labourers won’t be extorted anymore and those responsible for it will receive exemplary punishments, he added.

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Follow SOPs to prevent complete lockdown: Murad Ali Shah

To prevent a complete lockdown it is pertinent to ensure strict implementation of coronavirus SOPs, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said.

In a meeting of the coronavirus task force in the province, he pointed out that the trend of Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country was alarming. Covid-19 positivity ratios in Karachi and Hyderabad have been recorded 10.75% and 20%.

In the last 24 hours, 101 people died from the deadly virus across the province.

Shah has instructed the authorities to ensure the government orders were followed by people.

All markets will operate from 6am to 6pm. “Some private offices have still not reduced their staff members coming to work, neither are they following other SOPs,” he said. “They should be warned and if they still don’t comply then seal their offices.”

Inter-province and inter-district bus transport across Sindh will be closed starting tomorrow (April 30). “Any bus or van leaving from a province now won’t be allowed to go back,” the minister said.

Any sort of public transport coming to Sindh has been banned as well. Administrations have been instructed to make sure SOPs are followed by the transporters.

Vaccination for the police

The chief minister instructed the health department to immediately start the vaccination of police officers in the province. Four centres have been set up for this.

Police Hospital
SSU Headquarter
East DIG conference room
West DIG conference room

The centres will be open from 9am to 4pm throughout the week except for Fridays.

New restrictions

Earlier this week, CM Murad Ali Shah announced new restrictions in the province.

All government offices to slash attendance to 20%
Schools, colleges and universities closed across the province
Office timings from 9am to 2pm
No holidays for government employees
Indoor and outdoor dining closed
Takeaways and home delivery allowed
No visits to jails
50% attendance at private offices
Shopping centres to open 6am to 6pm with SOPs
Intercity public transport to be closed from April 29

He warned that strict action will be taken against people violating the orders. If the cases don’t go down, markets will be completely closed.

The restrictions will remain intact until Eid.

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Fake accounts case: Court summons Asif Zardari on May 20

An accountability court in Islamabad has summoned former president Asif Ali Zardari on May 20 in a fake accounts case.

NAB had filed a fifth reference against the PPP co-chairperson on April 27 and accused him of laundering Rs8 billion.

He has been accused of working with Mushtaq Ahmed, the former stenographer of President House. Ahmed reportedly opened a joint account with a private housing company in which laundered money was deposited. Zardari used the same money to purchase a house in Karachi’s Clifton, NAB claimed.

Notices have been issued to both Zardari and Ahmed.

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Did you know Raqs-e-Bismil poster is an American painting rip-off?

Bollywood filmmakers are known for notoriously copying posters of Hollywood movies. But who thought the drama serial Raqs-e-Bismil’s poster would turn out to be a rip-off of an American painting too?

The poster features main characters Moosa (Imran Ashraf) in his pure white suit seated on a pillow top stool and Zohra (Sarah Khan) at his feet with eyes downcast. An open door backdrops the subjects, opening to stone walls and stairs, trees and distant houses.

Now look at this painting by Greg Olsen. It is titled Forgiven and was listed on Fine Art America on October 3, 2012. According to artist’s description, the painting shows Prophet Isiah giving hope to and forgiving people who have lapsed into sin.

The stark similarities between Forgiven and Raqs-e-Bismil, including the subjects’ positioning and the colours of their outfits, may be enough to infer that the poster is not original. In fact, the door in both pieces looks exactly the same.

Greg describes Forgiven as a representation of burden resulting from one’s mistakes and poor decisions, leading to depression, sickness, sorrow and loss. The woman in the red is emblematic of these mistakes.

“Whatever the cause of our tears there is one waiting to wipe away our tears and make us whole,” Greg said.

The artist is known for his biblical art which he has exhibited in more than 20 countries. He was brought up in a farming community in the US state Idaho. The Spirit of Christmas, O Jerusalem and Worlds without Ends have made Greg a big name.

Raqs-e-Bismil has been written by novelist Hashim Nadeem. Eighteen episodes of the drama have been aired on HUM TV so far.

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Coronavirus updates: Essential information for Pakistan

We will keep updating this story. Last update: 10:30am, Thursday, April 29, 2020

Number of confirmed cases as of 10:30am, Thursday, April 29, 2020
Pakistan: 815711,231 (5,480 new)
Islamabad: 74,640
Punjab: 298,818
Sindh: 281,385
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 116,523
Balochistan: 22,118
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 16,931
Gilgit-Baltistan: 5,296

Tests done as of 10:30am, Thursday, April 29, 2020
Total: 11,739,027
Over 24 hours: 57,013
Positivity rate:
Active cases: 89,838
Critical cases: 5,263 (49 new)

Deaths from the virus as of 10:30am, Thursday, April 29, 2020
A total of 17,680 people have died of the virus in Pakistan. (150 new)
Islamabad: 677
Punjab: 8,327
Sindh: 4,629
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 3,238
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 470
Balochistan: 233
Gilgit-Baltistan: 106

In memoriam: Names of health workers who died fighting COVID-19

Recoveries as of 10:30am, Thursday, April 29, 2020
So far, 708,193 (3,699 new) people have recovered from the virus in Pakistan.
Islamabad: 61,236
Sindh: 263,773
Punjab: 242,068
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 101,342
Balochistan: 20,530
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 14,195
Gilgit-Baltistan: 5,049

Important SOPs

Vaccine news

All vaccine updates can be found here.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Cough (usually dry), fever, difficulty breathing, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, loss of taste and smell, chest pain

Which authorities should I contact?
Your government helplines

What will they do?
They will guide you about the next steps. You will be connected to a doctor who will take your medical and travel history. You will be told whether you need to be tested or not.
If you need to be tested health authorities will send an ambulance your way to take you to a hospital isolation ward. Your contacts will be traced and also tested.

What precautions should I take to protect myself from COVID-19?

Wear a face mask anywhere outside your house. This includes crowded indoor places as well.
Follow social distancing, keep a distance of at least one metre from other people
Avoid large public gatherings
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with you. The alcohol content should be 60% or higher.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes
Stay at home if you feel sick
Disinfect workplace and home surfaces, door knobs, counters
Cook food thoroughly

Advisory in Punjabi

Advisory in Balochi

Advisory in Pashto

Where can I go to get tested?

Contact list to get tested for coronavirus in Pakistan

Punjab:
All Divisional Headquarters hospitals
Lahore: Mayo Hospital, Expo Centre, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, Shaukat Khanum and Chughtai Lab
Sindh:
Karachi: AKUH Karachi, Dow OJHA, Indus Hospital, SIUT, Chughtai Lab, PNS Shifa, Essa Lab, Civil Hospital, Liaquat National, Ziauddin Hospital
Hyderabad: LUMHS Hospital
Khairpur: GIMS
Larkana: CMCH
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Peshawar: Khyber Medical University, Hayatabad Medical Complex, RMI, NWGH, Anwar Lab
Swat: Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals
Abbottabad: ATH
DI Khan: MMTH
Balochistan:
Quetta: Fatima Jinnah Hospital
Taftan: Mobile testing unit
Gilgit-Baltistan:
Skardu: CMCH
Gilgit: DHQ
Islamabad: PIMS, NIH
Azad Jammu and Kashmir:
Muzaffarabad: Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences

Isolation wards and centres in Pakistan

Sindh:
1. AKUH Karachi
2.JPMC, Karachi
3.Dow OJHA, Karachi
4.Civil Hospital, Karachi
5. Liaquat Uni Hospital, Hyderabad
6. PMCH Nawabshah
7. Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas
8. GMMMC Sukkur
9. CMCH Larkana
10. Expo Centre Karachi

Punjab:
1.Mayo Hospital Lahore
2. PKLI Centre Lahore
3. Expo Centre Field Hospital Lahore
4. Nishtar Hospital Multan
5. Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital Sialkot
6. Allied Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad
7. Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
1. Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
2. Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
3. RMI, Peshawar
4. NWGH, Peshawar
5. Swat: Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals
6. Abbottabad: ATH
7. DI Khan: MMTH

Balochistan:
1. Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Quetta
2. Prince Fahad/ DHQ Hospital, Dalbandin, Chaghi
3. Jam Mir Ghulam Qadir Hospital Hub Lasbela
4. DHQ Hospital, Uthal, Lasbela
5. DHQ Hospital Gwadar
6. Red Crecent Hospital, Gwadar
7. GDA Hospital, Gwadar
8. GDA Hospital, Gwadar
9. DHQ Teaching Hospital, Turbat

If you’re looking for places that can provide oxygen cylinders, oximeters and plasma, we’ve compiled a list of contacts here.

Debunking common coronavirus myths

What treatment approaches has Pakistan used for COVID-19 so far?

Doctors in Pakistan are trying a number of different approaches including:
1. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
2. Remdesivir
3. Steroids
4. Tocilizumab and Sarilumab
5. Convalescent plasma or immunoglobulins
6. Proning
7. Lopinavir/ritonavir
8. Radiology for diagnosis

Read about them here.

Pakistan’s COVID-19 timeline: Major stories from across the country

Twitter handles to follow:

1.Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health: @fslsltn
2. National Institute of Health (NIH) Pakistan: @NIH_Pakistan
3. Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: @nhsrcofficial
4.Health and Population Welfare Department, Sindh: @SindhHealthDpt
5. Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister of Health & Population Welfare Sindh: @AzraPechuho
6. Senator Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Government Spokesperson: @murtazawahab1
7. Taimur Khan Jhagra KP Finance and Health Minister: @Jhagra
8. Health Department KP: @HealthKPGovt
9. Usman Buzdar Punjab Chief Minister: @UsmanAKBuzdar
10. Dr Yasmin Rashid Punjab Minister For Primary & Secondary Healthcare: @Dr_YasminRashid
11. Health Department Punjab: @HealthPunjabGov
12. Jam Kamal Khan Balochistan Chief Minister: @jam_kamal
13. Liaquat Shahwani Balochistan Government Spokesperson: @LiaquatShahwani
14. Health Department Balochistan: @HealthDeptBlo
15. World Health Organisation Country Office in Pakistan: @WHOPakistan
16. Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan MMIDSP: @mmidsp
17. Aga Khan University; @AKUGlobal
18. The Indus Hospital: @indus_hospital
19. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation: @DrTedros
20. UNICEF Pakistan: @UNICEF_Pakistan

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India reports 400,000 cases

Vaccination for the police

New restrictions

Important SOPs

Vaccine news

Advisory in Punjabi

Advisory in Balochi

Advisory in Pashto

Where can I go to get tested?

If you’re looking for places that can provide oxygen cylinders, oximeters and plasma, we’ve compiled a list of contacts here.

Debunking common coronavirus myths

Pakistan’s COVID-19 timeline: Major stories from across the country

Twitter handles to follow:

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