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  • Pakistan shuts down borders, educational institutions to prevent coronavirus spread

    Pakistan shuts down borders, educational institutions to prevent coronavirus spread

    ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday took major decisions including closing borders and educational institutions to curb the spread of coronavirus.

    The NSC also decided to evaluate the situation on day to day basis.

    It was the first time that an NSC meeting was called on an emerging public health threat; with Federal Ministers on Foreign Affairs, Religious Affairs, Aviation, and Education, Advisor for Finance, Special Assistants to Prime Minister on Health, National Security, and Information, all Chief Ministers along with Chief Secretaries, and Provincial Health Ministers attending the meeting. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, COAS, CAS, CNS, Surgeon General Pakistan Army & other senior military officials also attended the meeting.

    The wide-ranging decisions taken by the NSC included closure of educational institutions for three weeks, ban on public gatherings, and complete shutdown of the Western border with Iran and Afghanistan for two weeks along with all airports except Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for international travel.

    However, seaports would remain operational with increased screening arrangements and surveillance so that the trade activities could not be affected.

    The NSC, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, had a thorough discussion on evolving situation in the wake of new coronavirus cases in the country, taking the tally of confirmed ones to 28 and resolved to ensure public safety and well-being, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told the media.

    Flanked by Special Advisors to Prime Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Moaeed Yousaf, Dr Zafar Mirza quoted the prime minister as saying, “The safety of people is our top most priority.”

    He said the National Coordination Committee would comprise federal ministers concerned, chief ministers, NDMA Chairman, Surgeon General of Pakistan, representatives of Inter-Services Intelligence, Inter Services Public Relations and Directorate of Military Operations, while he would be its convener.

    The committee would be authorized to include any other stakeholder, if needed, the SAPM said, adding it would hold its maiden meeting on Saturday at 4: 30 pm.

    Dr Zafar said the evolving situation demanded to form such a high-level body so that the pandemic could be curbed through coordinated efforts after taking unanimous decisions at the national level.

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) would be the lead operational agency with the required funds at its disposal, he added.

    Earlier, the meeting took stock of the measures put in place in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    SAPM on Health apprised the forum about the latest situation, preventive measures and detailed roadmap for dealing with the pandemic.

    He also spotlighted response and mitigation efforts undertaken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan that have ensured the country’s success in keeping the number of Coronavirus cases to a minimum; despite neighboring China and Iran, two of the most affected countries.

    Chairing the meeting, the Prime Minister called upon the entire nation to unite in playing a positive role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. “There is no need to panic. We are addressing this challenge as one nation by protecting ourselves through precautionary measures,” he said.

    The Prime Minister directed all concerned officials to coordinate a comprehensive and unified national response to safeguard the health of the people of Pakistan. All necessary steps have been and will be taken to protect the people from Coronavirus, he said.

    The Prime Minister urged people to follow basic hygiene and precautionary measures and place their trust in the Government as the health, safety and well-being of the people is his foremost priority.

    In light of the discussion and deliberations of the NSC, the following decisions were taken, to be implemented with immediate effect and to be reviewed at the end of the identified time period for each item:

    1. A National Coordination Committee for COVID-19, to be convened by SAPM on Health, has been established to monitor the situation and make necessary decisions on a daily basis. The Committee will have representation of all provinces and relevant civilian and military stakeholders.

    2. NDMA will be the lead operational agency and will coordinate its efforts with the provincial and district authorities for necessary implementation of the preventive and curative actions.

    3. All educational/technical institutions, public and private, at all levels will remain closed for three weeks across the country.

    4. The entire Western border will be closed for two weeks for all human and commercial traffic. Sost border will continue to remain closed for two further weeks.

    5. The Kartarpur Corridor will be closed for Pakistanis. Indian pilgrims will be allowed to continue visiting.

    6. Outgoing and incoming international flights will only be allowed at the Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports. Screening and administrative measures at these airports will be reinforced immediately.

    7. Reinforcement of screening and administrative measures at all sea ports will also be ensured.

    8. All public gatherings will be banned with immediate effect. Wedding halls and cinemas will be closed for two weeks. Large conferences will also be barred for the same period. Remaining PSL matches may be conducted without any crowd.

    9. Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony and Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology will reach out to Ulema and all relevant stakeholders to work out the modalities for management of congregational religious services in light of the Corona Virus.

    10. Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Honorable Chief Justices of the provincial High Courts will be requested to:
    (i) instruct all courts not to schedule cases of civil nature for three weeks.
    (ii) Judicial Magistrates and Session Court Judges to visit the concerned jails for three weeks to process remand and bail cases.

    11. No visitors will be allowed to visit prisoners in jails for three weeks.

  • Sindh shuts educational institutions till May 30 on coronavirus threat

    Sindh shuts educational institutions till May 30 on coronavirus threat

    KARACHI: The Sindh government on Thursday decided to extend the closure of educational institutions up to May 30, 2020 as prevention measures against coronavirus pandemic.

    Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presiding over special cabinet meeting decided to keep the educational institutions closed up to May 30, 2020.

    This will be treated as summer vacation.

    The meeting was attended by all the provincial ministers, advisors, chief secretary Mumtaz Shah, Chairman P&D M. Waseem, secretaries of school education, colleges and university and boards and general administration.

    The chief minister said that he has been chairing taskforce meeting on coronavirus from the last 14 days. The coronavirus has become an endemic, therefore the government has to take drastic measures to contain it.

    The cabinet after thorough discussion decided to close the schools up to May 30, 2020. This would be treated as summer vacation. The schools would reopen June 1, 2020.

    The cabinet also proposed to discourage every kind of gathering, including marraiges, social and religious gatherings.

    Prisoners: The cabinet members raised the issue of prisoners who meet with their relatives during their hearing in the courts and then return to the crowded jails.

    The chief minister directed health department to issue advisory of jail inmates and their family members with whom they meet during the hearings and at the jail.

    The chief minister directed the commissioners through chief secretary to hold meetings with the religious scholars and minorities’ leaders and discuss how the religious congregation could be discouraged in the present condition.

    In a tweet Senator Saeed Ghani, spokesman of Sindh government said that the matriculation examination which was scheduled to start from March 16, 2010 was also postponed.

  • SECP issues advisory for companies on coronavirus threat

    SECP issues advisory for companies on coronavirus threat

    ISLAMABAD: Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Thursday issued advisory for companies to protect from coronavirus threat.

    In light of the threat posed by the evolving COVID-19 situation (Corona Virus) and to protect the wellbeing of shareholders, the SECP advised all companies to modify their usual planning for annual general meetings.

    Meeting of the Board of Director may also be held through tele / video conferencing.

    SECP has recommended all companies to consider and evaluate the risks in the present situation.

    Every company, is required to hold, an annual general meeting (AGM) within sixteen months from the date of its incorporation and thereafter once in every calendar year within a period of 120 days following the close of its financial year.

    As AGM season for December end companies is approaching, the directors and secretaries should modify their usual planning for their company’s AGM in light of the threat posed by the evolving COVID-19 situation.

    Directors should consider if members can consolidate their attendance and voting at AGMs into as few people as possible through proxies, while honoring quorum provisions.

    In order to avoid large gathering at one place, the companies may consider provision of video link facilities at different locations considering the geographical dispersal of its members.

    The companies shall consider basic protective measures during the meeting including facility of cleaning hand with sanitizers or soap and water. Moreover, for safety of members seating arrangement shall be made at appropriate distance.

    Furthermore, voting through postal ballot may be considered by the chairman of the meeting or by the members present in person or through video-link or by proxy having not less than one-tenth of the total voting power by demanding poll for resolutions.

    This is safer option in current situation. The members of a private company or a public unlisted company (having not more than 50 members), may pass a resolution (ordinary or special) by circulation signed by all the members for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting, except for the ordinary businesses specified under sub-section (2) of section 134 of the Companies Act, 2017 to be conducted in the annual general meeting.

    The directors may hold their board meetings through tele or video link provided that the minutes of such meeting are approved and signed subsequently by all the directors.

  • US stocks tumble as coronavirus declared pandemic

    US stocks tumble as coronavirus declared pandemic

    The US stock indices plunged on Wednesday after World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus.

    This is the second major fall in just three days and wipe out Tuesday’s recovery.

    The major indices ended down included: Dow Jones plunged by 1465 points or 5.9 percent to close at 23,553 points.

    The S&P 500 fell by 4.9 percent at 2,741. Nasdaq Composite came down by 4.7 percent to 7,952.

    According to CNBC the coronavirus-induced sell-off reached a new low on Wednesday as Wall Street grappled with the rapid spread of the virus as well as uncertainty around a fiscal response to curb slower economic growth resulting from the outbreak.

    Earlier in the day, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

    As the number of confirmed cases of the virus worldwide surpassed 112,000 – and the death toll neared 4,500 – the WHO said it was ‘deeply concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity’.

    The Director-General of the UN agency, Dr Tedros Adhanom, also blasted governments for ignoring repeated WHO pleas to take urgent and aggressive action, with cases of the deadly illness outside of China having risen 13-fold in the space of a fortnight because of escalating crises in Italy, Iran, Spain, Germany, and France.

  • World services trade to further weaken on coronavirus impact: WTO

    World services trade to further weaken on coronavirus impact: WTO

    KARACHI: World Trade Organization (WTO) has said ongoing weakness in world service trade likely to worsen due to economic impact of the COVID-19 virus.

    “World services trade growth continued to weaken toward the end of 2019 and into the first quarter of 2020,” according to the WTO’s Services Trade Barometer, released on 11 March 2020.

    The latest reading of 96.8 is down from the 98.4 recorded last September and well below the baseline value of 100 for the index, suggesting below-trend growth in world services trade.

    “The indicator does not yet fully capture the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus and is likely to decline further in the coming months.”

    Among the component indices, the largest declines were in passenger air travel (93.5) and container shipping (94.3), growth of which was already moderating before the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

    Both indices cover developments through January and may partly reflect early efforts to halt the spread of the disease, which intensified toward the end of the month.

    The drop in the container shipping index was driven by lower shipping volumes in Asia while the slowdown in passenger air travel was more broad-based, also covering North America, South America and Europe.

    The global financial transactions (97.7) and ICT services (97.0) indices also dipped below trend, while the construction index (99.8) appears to have held steady.

    The global services Purchasing Managers’ Index (96.1) is the most forward-looking barometer component, reflecting expectations that COVID-19 is likely to continue to weigh on services trade in the near-term.

    An approximate measure of the volume of world services trade shows that year-on-year growth in services trade activity already fell from 4.7 percent in the first quarter of 2019 to 2.8 percent in the third quarter.

    The Services Trade Barometer highlights turning points and changing patterns in world services trade. Unlike its counterpart for goods, the fluctuations registered by the services indicator coincide with movements in actual trade flows, rather than anticipating them.

    Readings of 100 indicate growth in line with medium-term trends. Readings greater than 100 suggest above-trend growth while those below 100 indicate the opposite.

  • Central banks lowering rates in response to coronavirus threat

    Central banks lowering rates in response to coronavirus threat

    KARACHI: Central banks of the world are responding to negative impact of coronavirus impact and they are reducing interest rate, said a top official of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Syed Murtuza, Deputy Governor, SBP while addressing at a seminar on impact of coronavirus on economy organized by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday.

    The deputy governor said that due to deterioration in economy the central banks of many countries had reduced interest rates. He said that after Federal Reserve of the US the central banks of UK, Canada and Australia had also brought down the discount rates.

    Murtuza Sayed said that the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was different with every changing day.

    The cases in China are now on decline and situation is improving.

    He hoped that the bad situation would be improved by May this year. However, this epidemic may cause difficult economic situation for at least one quarter, he added.

    He said that according to the IMF the coronavirus would cause decline in world economic growth in 2020.

    He said that there was opportunity for Pakistan to improve exports in this situation. However, he said that Pakistan economy may have repercussions of world economic slowdown.

  • Sindh shuts schools till March 13 on Coronavirus fear

    Sindh shuts schools till March 13 on Coronavirus fear

    KARACHI: Sindh government has decided to further extend the closure of schools between March 01 and March 13, 2020 owing to coronavirus threat.

    Senator Saeed Ghani, a provincial minister, in a tweet message said that the Sindh government had decided to extend the closure of all educational institutions till March 13, 2020.

    Earlier, the provincial government after confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country, particularly in Sindh capital and port city Karachi, announced the closure of school on February 27 and February 28, 2020.

    Sources said that the decision to further closure of educational institutions was taken at a meeting chaired by Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh.

    The decision has been taken in order to take precautionary measures in order to avoid spread of the deadly virus.

    The epidemic was detected in Pakistan on February 26, 2020 on persons arriving from Iran. Since than the toll of infected persons with coronavirus increased to four.

    In a press conference Prime Minister’s health adviser Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday confirmed two more cases in the country.

    He said that one of the patients was from Karachi while the other was from Islamabad. He urged the masses to refrain from panicking.

    He said that the first two patients of the virus “are recovering and one of them will soon be discharged” and added that their clinical treatment was satisfactory and according to the guidelines of the health ministry.

    The presser was held on the sidelines of a government meeting held to discuss the control and prevention of coronavirus with a focus on two themes: scaling up efforts and increasing coordination.

  • FBR issues precautionary measures against coronavirus

    FBR issues precautionary measures against coronavirus

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday issued precautionary measures for tax officials to protect themselves against coronavirus and educate taxpayers and general public for prevention.

    The FBR said that with the recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, its subsequent spread across the globe and education of two confirmed cases in Pakistan, it is imperative that in line with the direction of the federal government, all officers and staff of FBR be educated on the cases, symptoms and prevention measures to protect themselves as well as to educate the taxpayers and general population about the same.

    A compendium of causes, symptoms and prevention; complied from research of World Health Organization, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-USA) and Ministry of National Health Service, Islamabad is summarized as under:

    Causes: The coronavirus spreads primarily from person to person contact. CDC-USA attributes it to close contact (6 feet or less) with a person already infected. Prime cause of infection is through the airborne (water) droplets during sneezing and coughing of an already infected person.

    Touching an area where an infected person has sneezed or coughed may also be avoided. Furthermore, it may spread from consuming uncooked or undercooked animal organ meat.

    Summarized, Coronavirus spreads in similar way to flu. Persons at a higher age bracket and persons with weak/weakened immune system are at most risk.

    Symptoms: The Coronavirus may manifest symptoms within 2 to 14 days after being contracted. As such, a non-symptomatic person may also be carrying the virus. Common symptoms include combination of: fever, cough and shortness of breath/breathing difficulties.

    Most persons infected with Coronavirus experience only mild symptoms and recover. However, in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

    Prevention: As a matter of general day to day precautions, measures should be taken, included: use of face masks on mouth and nose; Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers; avoiding close contact with any person showing symptoms of Coronavirus; covering mouth and nose with hand or elbow while sneezing or coughing; washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds; and ensuring that meat is thoroughly cooked.

    It is recommended to try and avoid close personal contact with people with a recent travel history from the countries, included: China, South Korea, Italy, Japan and Iran.

    Testing: The ministry of national health services, Islamabad has procured testing kits for Coronavirus and provided the same to various laboratories across Pakistan. Following places are recommended for testing of Coronavirus:

    National Institute of Health, Islamabad (free of cost)

    Shaukat Khanum Labs (Across Pakistan)

    Agha Khan Labs (Across Pakistan)

    Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

    General instructions to Heads of field formations:

    Foregoing in view, heads of all field formations are requested to ensure:

    Display of precautionary measures including the causes, symptoms and prevention for Coronavirus at conspicuous places;

    Placement of alcohol-bases hand sanitizers at all places of public interaction, both for FBR employees and general public;

    Wearing of facemasks at all places of public interaction;

    Use of disinfectants to wipe surfaces (Desks, tables and counters etc.) and objects (telephones and keyboards etc.) of common use on daily basis.

    Reference to travel advisory before proceeding abroad on official work;

    Politely discourage personal greetings in form of hugs and handshakes

    Discontinuation of biometric attendance till culmination of Coronavirus threat.

  • Health declaration made mandatory for passengers entering Pakistan

    Health declaration made mandatory for passengers entering Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD – In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal health ministry in Pakistan has taken a crucial step to safeguard public health.

    The ministry has mandated that all travelers entering the country must submit a health declaration form, outlining contact details and providing a brief travel history.

    The official statement issued on Tuesday highlights the imperative nature of this measure, aligning with the ministry’s commitment to implementing stringent health protocols and ensuring the safety of the nation. The health declaration form, a critical tool in managing the spread of the virus, has undergone a minor amendment, making its submission a prerequisite for entry into Pakistan.

    Passengers aboard incoming flights will now be required to complete and submit the Health Declaration Card, which includes vital information about their travel history and current health status. This proactive approach aims to enhance the monitoring and screening of individuals arriving in the country, minimizing the risk of potential COVID-19 transmissions.

    The Health Declaration Cards will be distributed to passengers during their flight, allowing them ample time to provide accurate and comprehensive details before landing. The submission process is designed to be straightforward, contributing to the ease of compliance for travelers.

    The government emphasizes that adherence to this new requirement is non-negotiable. Non-compliance with the health declaration submission will result in denial of entry to the country. This strict stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health.

    The health declaration form seeks demographic information, travel history, and details regarding the passenger’s health status. Specifically, individuals are asked to disclose any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. These details serve as essential data points for health authorities, aiding in the identification of potential cases and facilitating timely interventions.

    To streamline the process and ensure the effective implementation of this measure, health staff will be stationed in the International Arrival Lounge to receive the completed forms. The collaboration between passengers and health authorities is crucial in mitigating the impact of the virus and preventing its further spread within the country.

    The introduction of the Health Declaration Card is a testament to the government’s commitment to adopting proactive measures in the face of the evolving COVID-19 situation. The emphasis on transparency and cooperation from travelers is integral to the success of these efforts, as collective responsibility plays a pivotal role in managing public health crises.

    As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the pandemic, Pakistan’s proactive approach to implement health protocols for international travelers reflects a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on a national scale.

  • Textile industry demands clearance of raw material stopped on coronavirus threat

    Textile industry demands clearance of raw material stopped on coronavirus threat

    KARACHI: Textile industry has demanded the government authorities of early clearance of raw material consignments that are stuck up due to measures taken for prevention of coronavirus.

    Zubair Motiwala, Patron of SITE Association of Industry, in a statement on Tuesday appealed the government to allow early clearance of imports consignments containing dyes and chemicals, from China.

    He said that Pakistan’s imports from China are of $12 billion and mostly comprise of dyes and chemicals which are basic raw material for textile sector – the biggest foreign exchange earning sector in Pakistan.

    Motiwala said that It is a known fact that prices of raw material area increasing due to consignments stuck up at Chinese ports and other alternative suppliers such as Korea, Taiwan and India have now either stopped supplying or quoting 30 to 35 pc higher prices.

    Members are complaining that it is becoming difficult to continue production activities due to shortage of raw material, while prices in the local market have gone up by 50-100 percent.

    He further added that in such scenario, opportunity of increasing exports has now become the question of survival for local textile industries.

    Everyone is talking about increasing exports from the country, but the fact is that production cannot be undertaken in the absence of raw material. Value-added textile sector requires ample quantity of dyes and chemicals to complete processing & finishing of fabric.

    It is obvious that no one keeps the inventory for more than 1 or 2 months due to cash flow constraints as large amount of exporters are stuck up in sales tax refunds.

    Also every item doesn’t utilize simultaneously and sometime, one item is required and some other item available in stock is not needed.

    “Therefore, it is feared that exports, instead of increasing with the kind of advantage, it might be the other way round as it is in common knowledge that orders are based on season to season at least for six months in advance and if this price hike continues and consignments are not timely cleared, production would suffer and industries would not be able to complete their orders on time and as per commitment,” Motiwala remarked.

    He requested Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Commerce Minister to foresee this situation and take urgent measures, as import consignments are lying on Chinese ports and Pakistan Embassy and Consulate in China be directed to work in this regard.

    If the situation prevails, other countries would increase raw material prices further. The govt. should immediately withdraw all the levies and front loading with immediate effect so that there should be minimum burden on cost escalation on the products which is being sold earlier to this crisis.