Day by Day Current Affairs February 2019 PDF

DAY BY DAY CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQS
FOR THE MONTH FEBRUARY 2019
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Current Affairs
FEBRUARY 2019
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
February 1, 2019 The Nasr has a 70-kilometre range and is said to
possess high precision, and the ability of in-flight
1. Pakistan turns to expatriates for cash, floats manoeuvrability. Because of its short range,
bond lower trajectory and capability to manoeuvre, it
 The government on January 31, 2019 formally is believed to be ideally suited to defeat India`s
launched `Pakistan Banao Certificates` (PBCs) to planned ballistic missile defence system.
tap into the savings of over eight million  The weapon system was inducted into Pakistan`s
overseas Pakistanis for securing much-needed strategic arsenal in 2017 and its fir st training
foreign exchange reserves to stabilise the launch was held in July 2017.
country`s economy. 3. Adab Festival Pakistan begins today in Karachi
 The PBCs were launched by Prime Minister  The three day in augural Adab Festival Pakistan
Imran Khan at a ceremony at his office. (AFP) begins on February 1, 2019 here at
 Urging overseas Pakistanis to come forward and Governor House. The founders and directors of
enthusiastically purchase PBCs to make this the event Ameena Saiyid (OBE) and Asif Farrukhi
scheme a success, the prime minister said: `The are known for blazing a trail for literature
scheme would not only help the Pakistani festivals in the country by being integral parts of
diaspora to earn reasonable profit from these the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF).
certificates but also contribute towards reviving  The KLF is now in its 10th year, which is an
the national economy at this critical juncture. achievement in itself. When its first edition was
 The economic crisis would continue to persist held, it was a one of its kind spectacle that
unless the country`s agriculture and tourism spawned quite a few similar annual programmes
sectors yielded desirable results. meant to promote books and the culture of book
 The government had not made any fresh deal reading in the country. These days we have the
with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Lahore Literary Festival, Faisalabad Literature
adding that if it would have gone to the IMF the Festival and Hyderabad Literature Festival etc
people of the country would have faced more taking place on a yearly basis, enabling a vast
difficult time. number of people to interact with authors and
2. Second successful testing of tactical missile choose from a variety of books launched or
 The army on January 31, 2019 announced the displayed at these events.
second successful testing of tactical ballistic  On the first day of the festival, apart from its two
missile Nasr in a week, this time confirming the founders, Arifa Syeda Zehra, Ishrat Husain and
maneuvering capabilities of the missile. internationally renowned scholar Vali Nasr will
 `The 2nd phase of this exercise was aimed at deliver keynote speeches.
testing the extreme in-flight maneuver ability, 4. Cabinet approves 63pc increase in Haj cost
including the end-flight manoeuvr ability;  At a time when inflation is hitting every segment
capable of defeating, by assured penetration, of society hard, performing of Haj has also
any currently available BMD system in our become costlier by 63 per cent.
neighbourhood or any other system under  The federal cabinet on January 31, 2019
procurement/development, the Inter-Services announced the Haj Policy 2019 under which the
Public Relations said in a statement. cost of performing the ritual under the
 In the latest tests, the missile was fired in single government scheme has been fixed at Rs456,
shots. A feature of the Jan 24 tests was firing of 426 (with Qurbani), against last year`s expense
the missile in a salvo of four. of Rs280,000 per person. Now, every individual
will have to pay an additional Rs176,426.
 Under the Haj Policy 2018, the cost of Haj for a US official called an attempt to `muddle` the
individuals in the north of the country was US-backed peace process.
Rs280,000 and for the south, it was Rs270,000.  Moscow snubbed the Afghan government,
However, in the new policy, the cost of Haj for sources said, to ensure the participation of the
individuals in the north has been fixed at Taliban who refuse to hold talks with Ghani`s
Rs456,426 (with Qurbani) and Rs436, 975 representatives to end the 17-year-old Afghan
(without Qurbani), while for those in the south it war, branding them puppets of the United
is Rs446,426 (with Qurbani) and Rs426, 975 States.
(without Qurbani).  `Senior Taliban leaders and prominent Afghan
 Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the Haj politicians will travel to Moscow for a day-long
Policy 2019today under which 184,000 pilgrims summit. At this sensitive stage, it was best to not
from Pakistan will perform Haj this year. Under a have Afghan government officials at the table,`
quota of 184,000 pilgrims given this year to said a Russian official on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan by the government of Saudi Arabia, The Russian Embassy in Kabul was not available
10,000 senior citizens would perform Haj. for comment.
5. KP govt approves Rs24 billion uplift funds for  The Moscow talks underline the increasing role
tribal districts Russia is playing in Afghanistan, decades after
 The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet here on Soviet forces withdrew from the country, with
January 31, 2019 approved Rs24 billion annual business investment plans, diplomatic and
development funds for tribal districts and cultural outreach and small military support for
decided to take immediate steps to start the central government.
utilisation of the approved amount.  They also come as the Afghan government is
 The cabinet meeting was held in Landi Kotal struggling to recover control of districts lost to
subdivision of Khyber tribal district for the first the Taliban.
time after the merger of Fata with the province. 7. Europe launches payment mode to bypass Iran
Chief Minister Mahmood Khan chaired the sanctions
meeting, which was attended by several  Britain, France and Germany launched a special
ministers, secretaries of various departments payment mechanism on January 31, 2019 that
and deputy commissioners of all the seven tribal the EU hopes will help save a nuclear deal with
districts. Iran by bypassing US sanctions, European
 Elaborate arrangements were made for the sources said.
cabinet meeting held at the local jirga hall amid  The entity, registered in France with German
tight security and heavily overcast conditions. governance and finance from all three countries,
 The chief minister and other participants of the will allow Iran to trade with EU companies
meeting came to Landi Kotal by road and took despite Washington re imposing US sanctions
the same route for their return journey to after President Donald Trump pulled out of the
Peshawar late in the afternoon. 2015 accord.
6. Russia invites Taliban, anti-govt leaders for  The three countries the European signatories to
talks the landmark deal that curbed Tehran`s nuclear
 Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan ambitions in return for sanctions relief are
politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on expected to launch the device, which has been in
February 5, 2019, Russian and Taliban sources preparation for months.
said, promoting its role of power broker in what  US officials said they were following the situation
but dismissed the idea that the new entity would
have any impact on efforts to exert economic  Dottin clubbed eight fours and four sixes in an
pressure on Tehran. While the new institution, undefeated 60-ball 90 and Nation belted four
called INSTEX short for Instrument in Support of fours and two sixes in a 35-ball 50 not out as the
Trade Exchanges is a project of the three two batters put on 109 runs for the unfinished
governments, it will receive the formal third wicket in around 12 overs to lift the West
endorsement of all 28 EU members. Indies from 51 for two to 160 for two.
 The company was registered in Paris on Tuesday  In turn, fast bowler Shamilia Connell ran through
with 3,000 euros capital and a supervisory board the Pakistan top-order with 3-29 as the home
with members from France and Germany, and side was bowled out for 89 in 18 overs.
chaired by a Briton.  Prior to the start of the match, a minute`s silence
8. Florida recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal was observed in the memory and respect of
 The US announced the relocation of its embassy Sharmeen Khan, former Pakistan women`s
in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December cricket team captain and one of the pioneers of
2017, recognising the city as the country’s capital women`s cricket who passed last month.
as opposed to wider international practice. The 10. Ali, Mahoor lift titles at national badminton
move sparked massive clashes on the Gaza  Wapda`s duo of Ali Mehdi and Mahoor Shahzad
border that lasted for several months and led to stole limelight by winning the men and ladies`
a multitude of casualties. The Florida Cabinet has singles titles at the 56th National Badminton
passed a resolution, originally proposed by the Championships here on January 31, 2019.
state’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis,  While Ali had to fight for supremacy against a
recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. spirited Murad Ali of National Bank of Pakistan
 What was different about the resolution in (NBP) in a three-set battle before winning 21-13,
comparison to the US move in December 2017 is 19-21, 21-19, Mahoor was dis-dained in brushing
that it acknowledged Israel’s claims to the entire aside SNGPL`s Ghazala Siddique in straight sets
city. Patronis noted that the resolution sends a 21-5, 21-8.
clear message to the Jewish state, which he  In the men`s doubles final, Atiq Chaudhry of
called the United States’ closest ally in the Wapda pairing with NBP`s Raja Hasnain were
Middle East. He also praised the Florida stretched before clinching the title against Awais
governor’s earlier decision to put the Airbnb Zahid (WAPDA) and Raja Zulgarnain (NBP)14-21,
online booking service on a Scrutinized 21-16, 21-7.
Companies List over the firm’s decision to delist  In the men`s singles clash both Ali Mehdi and
accommodations located in the Jewish Murad Ali fought fiercely for each and every
settlements on the territory of the West Bank. point from the onset to the extent the that the
 The governor called Airbnb’s move battle could have gone either way However, Ali
discrimination against the Jewish people. Mehdi proved himself a better player under
9. West Indies spoil Pakistan women`s 100th T20 tense moments with his superior fitness as well
party won the crown after nearly an hour. After
 Deandra Dottin and Chedean Nation spoiled winning the first set quite easily, Ali Murad
Pakistan women`s cricket team`s 100th proved a different contender in the remaining
Twenty20 International celebrations with an two sets.
unbroken third wicket century stand that guided
the West Indies women`s cricket team to a
convincing 71 runs victory in the first of three
fixtures at the Southend Club on January 31,
2019.
 Mr Zubov had on Jan 28 said that fighters with
February 2, 2019 ties to the militant Islamic State (IS) group were
1. UK rejects Indian request over Kashmir Day being transferred via unidentified helicopters
events from the Pakistani border to the Tajikistani
 The British government has refused the Indian border ìn the direction of the southern borders
request for stopping planned Kashmir Day of Russia`.
events in London, saying citizens` right to protest  According to Russian news agency Sputnik, the
cannot be curtailed. minister had also claimed that Moscow might be
 À number of private events organised by various preparing for provocations that affect Russia.
campaign groups take place each year in the UK.  `Daesh fighters in massive quantities were
People in the UK have a right to protest and to transported from Pakistani territory to the
demonstrate their views, provided they act border with Tajikistan.
within the law, brief statement shared by the  In that area, perhaps, the militants might stage
British High Commission. massive provocations that would result in huge
 The British government underscored that it was amounts of refugees fleeing the territory. This
for Pakistan and India to find a solution to the would have an impact on Russia,` Mr Zubov was
Kashmir dispute and that the UK saw no role for quoted as saying.
itself in this regard. `The UK`s long-standing 3. 3pc NFC share for former Fata recommended
position is that it is for the governments of India  The Senate on February 1, 2019 adopted
and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution recommendations of its Standing Committee on
to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs that the
the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for three per cent share of National Finance
the UK to prescribe a solution or to act as Commission (NFC) Award should be given to
mediator,` the statement said. erstwhile Fata and an interim relief allowance of
 This stance was taken by the British government 10pc of basic salary might be granted to all
after India strongly protested with it over the government employees.
planned Kashmir Conference in the House of  The amendments to Finance Supplementary
Commons on Feb 4 and an exhibition in London (Second Amendment Bill) 2019 was presented in
on Feb 5 to highlight the Jammu and Kashmir the House by Niaz H. Naek, chairman of the
dispute and grave human rights violations committee.
against the Kashmiri people by India.  It was recommended that tax on coal being
 The conference will be hosted by an All Party extracted from Balochistan should be reduced in
Parliamentary Group one of many informal view of the difficulties and overhead
cross-party groups. Foreign Minister Shah expenditure of coal extraction from mines in the
Mahmood Qureshi will travel to London to province.
attend the event.  It was also proposed that Rs5 billion should be
2. Minister`s remarks on Daesh movement from released by June 30 to Balochistan for
Pakistan `slip of tongue`: Russia construction of the check and small dams in the
 The Russian foreign ministry on February 1, 2019 province.
dismissed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor  The house said that the customs duty on Crude
Zuboy`s recent remarks about the alleged Degummed Soy Oil (CDSO) be increased to
movement of Daesh militants from Pakistan to Rs15,000 per ton in order to bring it in line with
Tajikistan by helicopter as a `slip of the tongue`. its replacement products and support local
production of those products.
4. Malaysian company ready to invest $250m in been Chairman, Punjab Judicial Academy,
Pakistan Member Board, Federal Judicial Academy,
 A Malaysia-based company has pledged to make Member Law and Justice Commission of
$250 million investment in the Pakistan, Acting Governor Punjab
telecommunication sector in Pakistan during 6. US pulls out from Cold War-era nuclear treaty
next five years.  The Trump administration said on February 1,
 Malaysia`s Edotco Group chairman of the board 2019 it is freeing itself from the constraints of a
of directors, Datuk Azzat Kamaluddin, made this nuclear arms control treaty with Russia and will
commitment during a meeting with Prime begin withdrawing from the pact.
Minister Imran Khan along with a delegation at  President Donald Trump blamed the Russians for
Prime Minister Office (PMO) on February 1, the demise of the Cold War-era pact, known as
2019. the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty.
 Mr Kamaluddin told the prime minister that the  `For too long,` Trump said in a written statement
Edotco Group, with the existing investment of issued by the White House, Russia has violated
$100m in Pakistan, planned to further increase the treaty `with impunity, covertly developing
its investment in tower infrastructure in the and fielding a prohibited missile system that
telecommunication sector. `The group plans to poses a direct threat to our allies and troops
add an investment of $250m in next five years,` abroad.
he said.  The INF treaty, signed in 1987, has been a
 The delegation included Nik Ramlah Nik centrepiece of superpower arms control since
Mehmood, the board member, Suresh Narain the Cold War.
Singh Sidhu, CEO, and Arif Hussain, country MD.  Some analysts worry its demise could fuel a new
High Commissioner of Malaysia Ikram arms race.
Mohammad Ibrahim also attended the meeting. 7. January was Australia`s hottest month on
 The Edotco Group chief appreciated the vision of record
Prime Minister Khan and the policies being  Australia sweltered through its hottest month on
pursued by his government which have restored record in January and the summer of extremes
confidence of the investors. He said that the continued with wildfires razing the drought-
Edotco Group wanted to become a partner in the parched south and flooding in expanses of the
Digital Pakistan Programme. tropical north.
5. Justice Zahid new consultant of Presidency  Australia`s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed
 Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain, former Judge the January record on Friday as parts of the
Supreme Court has assumed the charge as northern hemisphere had record cold.
Consultant (Legal Affairs) in the President’s  Australia`s scorching start to 2019 in which the
Secretariat (Public), Islamabad, on February 1, mean temperature across the country for the
2019. first time exceeded 30 degrees Celsius followed
 Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain obtained Law Australia`s third-hottest year on record. Only
Graduation Degree from Punjab University Law 2005 and 2013 were warmer than 2018, which
College, Lahore and joined profession of law in ended with the hottest December on record.
the year 1972. 8. US sets deadline for foreigners dealing in
 He was elevated as judge, Lahore High Court, in Venezuela oil
May 1998. He was appointed Chief Justice  Non-U.S. entities buying oil or petroleum
Lahore High Court in 2008 and then elevated as products from Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA
judge Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2009. He has in deals that involve the U.S. financial system,
brokers or people must be wound down by April  This was the third tied match between the two
28, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a notice sides in eight encounters with the West Indies
posted early on February 1, 2019. keeping their unblemished record intact.
 The notice clarifies some of the confusion that  Batting first in the Super Over, West Indies
has surrounded U.S. sanctions imposed on scored 18 runs that included Deandra Dottin`s
Venezuela earlier in the week. Besides the two sixes and a four. In response, Pakistan lost
United States, Venezuela sells its oil to buyers both their wickets in the first three balls with one
around the world, including India and Europe, run on the board.
and the country has been seeking buyers  Earlier, West Indies, chasing 133 for victory,
elsewhere to replace the roughly 500,000 barrels scored two off the last ball to force a tie. This
a day it sells to the United States. came after the visitors had
 U.S. officials imposed sanctions on state-owned reached117forfourin18 overs and needed16 off
Petroleos de Venezuela, or PDVSA, this week, a the last 12 deliveries.
move Maduro has called illegal. The global oil
industry has since sought to sort out the large-
scale sanctions, which froze the assets of PDVSA
and also require U.S. firms to pay for oil into
accounts controlled by the country’s opposition
party head and self-proclaimed interim
president, Juan Guaido. Even before Friday’s
notice, European buyers had pulled back on
taking shipments from Venezuela due to
concerns about how to make payments.
9. S. Africa beat Pakistan in first T20
 South Africa won the first Twenty20 against
Pakistan by six runs on February 1, 2019 as
captain Faf du Plessis led with the bat and David
Miller produced a master class in the field.
 South Africa posted 192-6, with du Plessis
cracking 78 off 45 balls and opener Reeza
Hendricks 74 off 41.
 Pakistan managed 186-9 in their 20 overs.
 Pakistan have won 11 straight T20 series dating
to 2016, but South Africa have a good chance of
ending that impressive streak in this three-
match contest.
10. WI women clinch T20 series against Pakistan
 West Indies` women took an unassailable 2-0
lead in the three-match T20 International series
against their Pakistan counterparts on Friday
when the tourists won the game in Super Over at
the Southend Club Karachi.
over Rs20,000 per month can submit it in four
February 3, 2019 installments.
1. First polio case of 2019 detected in Bajaur  The government is providing some relief to the
 A new polio case emerged in Bajaur tribal district masses, as the people who had received gas bills
on February 2, 2019, bringing the total number over Rs20,000 per month can submit it in four
of such cases to six in the region over the last installments. Similarly, their gas connections
three months. would not be disconnected until they pay the
 Head of the health department Dr Wazir Khan bills in installments.
confirmed the latest detection of the polio case  The gas facilitation centres will extend services
in the region. to the consumers on weekend too.
 The case, which according to him is the first case “Consumption of gas increased during the
in 2019, had been reported in Inayat Kalli area of winter. The consumers using more quantity of
Khar tehsil where an 11-month-old child named gas had received higher bills during the season as
Javid Khan was diagnosed with the virus. their gas units entered the higher slabs where
 To check the presence of polio various, the prices are very high,”.
official said that a team of health officials had  Sharing the details of gas price increase, he
visited the said area twice and had collected informed the journalists that previous
stool samples from the child. government had bought the gas at expensive
 The first sample from the child was collected on rates but it sold it at cheaper rates, causing a loss
Jan 21 while the second was taken on Jan 22. of Rs154 billion to the national exchequer.
 Stool samples were then sent to the National  Current Federal Minister for Petroleum and
Institute of Health Islamabad which confirmed it Natural Resources Ghulam Sarwar Khan
to be a polio case on Feb 1. 4. Aamir Sultan Cheema wins NA-91 after
2. PIA to start direct flights between Faisalabad, repolling
Jeddah  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate Aamir Sultan
 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided Cheema has won the election in Sargodha’s NA-
to start direct international flights between 91 after repolling.
Faisalabad and Jeddah from February 18.  The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has
 District Manager (PIA) Qaisar Iqbal said that ordered repolling in the constituency after
there would be four weekly direct flights finding evidence of ballot tampering.
between Faisalabad and Jeddah, adding that 5. NJHP resumes generation
these flights will be for Monday, Wednesday,  Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP)
Thursday and Saturday. resumed generation on February 2, 2019 after it
 Airbus 320 has been allocated for this profitable was closed on Jan 5 for scheduled maintenance
route while the departure time for the flight during the low water flow period in the Neelum
from Faisalabad International Airport would be river.
4.55 a.m.  The inspection of plant on depressurisation of
 Booking for the first direct flight has been tailrace revealed that civil, electrical and
completed mechanical works were in good quality while
3. Consumers can pay inflated gas bills in adding that minor repairs were carried out on
installments the 3.5km underground tall race, draft tubes,
 The government on February 2, 2019 announced bonnet gates, the main inlet valves and
that the consumers who had received gas bills generating units along with the auxiliary
equipment.
 During inspection, the spillway and debris  Archaeologist Rami Rasmi said that `40
channel gates of the dam structure were also mummies were discovered, including 12 children
tested at full operational level of the reservoir and six animals, while the rest were adult men
which functioned satisfactorily. and women.` While mummification is mostly
 The NJHP is expected to achieve annual associated with ancient Egypt, the practice
production of 4.6 billion units during 2019-2020 continued under the kingdom founded by
generating revenue of Rs50bn. Since it was Ptolemy, a successor to Alexander the Great,
successfully commissioned on Aug 14, 2018 the which lasted from 323 BC to 30 BC.
NJHP has added over 1.8bn units to the national  The Minya graves, discovered during an
grid. excavation that started in February last year, are
February 3, 2019: International Current Affairs in a communal tomb `probably belonging to a
6. Iran unveils long-range cruise missile on 1979 petty bourgeois family`.
revolution anniversary 8. Russia suspends nuclear missile treaty after US
 Iran displayed a new cruise missile with a range move
of 1,300km (800 miles) on February 2, 2019  President Vladimir Putin on February 2, 2019
during celebrations marking the anniversary of said Russia was suspending its participation in a
the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror
reported. response to a US move the day before.
 Iran has expanded its missile programme,  Moscow and Washington have long accused the
particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of other of violating the Intermediate-Range
opposition from the United States and Nuclear Forces agreement, which was signed in
expressions of concern by European countries. 1987 and resolved a crisis over Soviet missiles.
Tehran says the programme is purely defensive.  President Donald Trump last year announced
 The surface-to-surface missile, named Hoveizeh, plans to withdraw unless Russia fulfilled its
is from the Soumar family of cruise missiles, obligations.
which Iran added to its arsenal in 2015. 9. Central Africa reaches peace deal with rebels
 Western experts say Iran often exaggerates its  The Central African Republic government and 14
weapons capabilities, although there are armed groups struck a deal on February 2, 2019
concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles. to end years of fighting that has killed thousands,
 Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary the parties and a mediator said.
Guards aerospace division, said at the event Iran  The deal, the seventh since 2012, was
had overcome initial problems in producing jet announced on Twitter by the government of
engines for cruise missiles and could now President Faustin Archange Touadera just a day
manufacture a full range of the weapons. after the African Union and UN-sponsored talks
7. Egypt unveils more than 40 ancient Greek in Khartoum were suspended amid
mummies disagreements over amnesty.
 Researchers in Egypt have discovered more than  Also on Twitter, African Union Commissioner for
40 mummies at a burial site in central Egypt Peace and Security Smail Chergui confirmed the
dating to the Ptolemaic era. breakthrough, adding some details of the pact
 The mummies, including adults, children and still had to be ironed out.
animals, had been laid on the floor or in open 10. Nepal sink Pakistan in blind cricket tie
clay coffins in a crumbling underground chamber  Nepal women`s blind team beat Pakistan by ten
in Minya governorate, said Antiquities Minister wickets in the third T20 at the Waqar-un-Nisa
Khaled el-Enany.
College for Women Rawalpindi on February 3,
2019.
 The match was originally scheduled to be played
in Faisalabad on Feb 1 but due to heavy rains was
shifted to Rawalpindi.
 Pakistan women`s blind cricket team won the
toss and decided to bat first and scored 102 for
the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Tayyaba was their top scorer (27) and Sadia
contributed 17. Bhagwati and Binita Pun took a
wicket a piece for Nepal.
 In reply, Nepal chased the target with ease in just
7.3 overs without losing any wicket. Openers
Mankisi and Binita remained unbeaten on 58 and
34, respectively.
 Section 12 of the bill says that every charity shall
February 4, 2019 get itself registered with the registering
1. Adab Festival ends with tribute to culture, authority no later than such date as government
literature may, by notification determine. It says that
 The celebration of the rich and diverse Pakistani unless charities are registered under this Act,
culture and literature at the three-day Adab they would not be allowed to collect funds.
Festival culminated with a closing ceremony Section 3 of the bill provides for setting up a
against the beautiful backdrop of Governor charitable commission, which will consist of
House on February 3, 2019 evening. three to five members including its chairperson.
 Peter Alan Oborne, British broadcaster and 3. Religious scholar Qari Ahmad Mian passes away
former chief political commentator of The Daily  Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (Noorani) Group Central
Telegraph who was the keynote speaker at the Vice President Qari Ahmad Mian passed away on
event, amped up the crowd by sharing his February 3, 2019.
excitement at beingback in Karachi and also  He was 64. Qari Ahmad Mian was the son of
taking part in the Adab Festival. renowned religious scholar Maulana Hamid Ali
 He shared there were indeed many reasons to Khan. He did BSC from the Government Emerson
hope for Pakistan, and Pakistanis should be very College Bosan Road and took part in Nizam-e-
proud of their journey. Mustafa Movement in 1977.
 Recalling his first trip to Karachi 10 years ago, Mr 4. World Cancer Day today (February 4, 2019)
Oborne said that the city was virtually in a state  Events, walks and other activities have been
of civil war. `Karachi used to be one of the most organised in the capital to mark World Cancer
dangerous cities on the planet and the change is Day today (February 4, 2019).
amazing,` he said. Over time things have vastly  Some 148,000 cases of cancer are reported in
improved and it has become easier for foreigners Pakistan every year.
to visit and live here, according to him.  Moreover, over 100,000 cancer-related deaths
2. Cabinet approves proposed law to regulate 48,000 men and 52,000 women and a
charities prevalence of 350,000 living cancer patients
 The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved were reported in the past five years.
a proposed law to regulate affairs of charities  Cancer is the second most common cause of
and collection of charitable funds in the human deaths. (12.6pc) after cardiovascular
province. diseases (15.1pc), road traffic accidents (9.7pc)
 The proposed law has made re-registration of and respiratory ailments (7.1pc).
the already registered charity organisations 5. Taliban to meet anti-govt leaders in Moscow
mandatory. The cabinet approved KP Charities  The Taliban said on February 3, 2019 they would
Act, 2018 in its meeting. send a delegation to Russia for a rare meeting
 The bill defines charity as àny association of with Afghan opposition leaders, just days after
persons established for a charitable purpose and peace talks with the United States that excluded
includes organisations registered under the Kabul government.
Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (registration  The two-day sit-down in Moscow, starting on
and control) Ordinance 1961, Societies February 5, 2019, will be attended by some of
Registration Act 1860, Companies Act 2017, President Ashraf Ghani`s chief political rivals, but
public private trust and organisation registered none of the government envoys tasked with
under any law for time being in force. Taliban negotiations.
 Ghani has appealed to the insurgents to talk penetrating into our territory on the ground`, he
after being frozen out of six days of discussions said in Hebrew.
between the Taliban and the United States in  Netanyahu gave no further details but a defence
Doha last month that sealed the outlines of a ministry statement said that work on the
peace deal. structure began on Thursday.
 Instead the Taliban, who refuse to recognise  It is set to follow the 65-kilometre course of an
Ghani`s government, will sit down in Moscow underground barrier also under construction
with some of the president`s main opponents to meant to neutralise the threat of cross-border
discuss the country`s future stirring frustrations tunnels built by Gaza militants.
in Kabul. 8. Indian Punjab Minister proposes exchange of
6. Gang-weary Salvadorans vote for president Pak dolphins with Indian crocs
 Polls opened on Sunday in El Salvador`s  Indian Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs
presidential elections amid heavy security as Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has said he will soon
voters look for change in a country beset by gang write to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan
violence and widespread poverty. with a proposal to exchange gharials (crocodiles)
 Nayib Bukele, the 37-year-old former mayor of at Chhatbir zoo in Chandigarh with Indus River
San Salvador, is the frontrunner in a race that dolphins of the neighbouring country.
could upend the nearly 30-year grip of the  This comes a day after Indian Punjab Chief
country`s two largest pardes on Salvadoran Minister Amarinder Singh gave nod to declare
politics. the endangered Indus River dolphin, found only
 Gang-violence and insecurity was high on voters` in the Beas River in the country, as the state
minds. El Salvador is among the world`s most aquatic animal. “We have gharials and Pakistan
violent countries with a murder rate of 51 per has Indus River dolphins in abundance. They
100,000 citizens. Ìt`s honestly scary to go out don’t have gharials and we have very few
alone in the street, you never know what can dolphins in the Beas River. We can give them
happen you,` first-time voter Gabriela Solorzano gharials in exchange of dolphins,” Sidhu said.
said at a polling station in the north of the  Sidhu was at Harike Wetlands near Taran Taran
capital, her brother holding her hand. to celebrate World Wetland Day on Saturday. As
 `So I think whoever wins this election should care per a survey conducted in December last year,
about us young people, give us more security as Beas River has only eight to 10 dolphins.
there is so much violence,` said Solorzano,19. 9. SA end Pakistan`s record run of T20 series wins
7. Israel begins construction of border barrier with  Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan`s
Gaza Strip world-record run of 11 straight Twenty20 series
 Israel said on February 3, 2019 that work to victories came to an end as South Africa won by
strengthen its border with the Gaza Strip had seven runs at the Wanderers on February 3,
entered a new phase, with construction starting 2019.
on a massive new barrier along the frontier.  South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead in the three
 Òver the weekend we began building the match series and saw Pakistan slip to defeat in a
aboveground barrier along the Gaza border,` bilateral T20 series for the first time in three
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told years.
journalists before the weekly cabinet meeting.  Pakistan had not lost a T20 series since they were
 The barrier, set to stand six metres off the eliminated from the World T20 in India in March
ground, `will prevent terrorists from Gaza from 2016.
 Pakistan were on track to overhaul South Africa`s
188 for three until Babar was out off the first ball
of the 17th over. It started a collapse in which six
wickets fell for 34 runs in four overs.
 The contrast between the two innings was stark.
South Africa started slowly but stand-in captain
David Miller plundered an unbeaten 65 off 29
balls as the hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten
overs, including 29 off the final over bowled by
Usman Shinwari.
 Pakistan scored rapidly at the start of their
innings, with Babar hitting the first three balls off
Beuran Hendricks for four. It was 70 for one at
the end of the six over power play 26 runs ahead
of South Africa`s total at the same stage.
10. Pakistan women score consolation T20 win
 Pakistan completed a face-saving 12-run win
over the West Indies by 12 runs in the third and
final women`s Twenty20 International at the
South end Club Karachi on February 3, 2019.
 But the visitors won the series 2-1 and both the
sides will now travel to Dubai where they will
play three ODIs on Feb 7, 9 and 11.
 This was Pakistan`s second victory over the ICC
Women`s World T20 2016 champions in 12
matches after their only other win had come in
Guyana in September 2011.
 Befittingly, the victory came on the day when
SanaMir became the sixth player overall and first
Asian to complete a century of T20Is.
agency said: `The prospects for a rapid recovery
February 5, 2019 in fiscal and external settings are now
1. PM launches Sehat Insaf Cards programme diminished.
 Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 4, 2019  More modest growth prospects and limited
launched countrywide health insurance reserve buffers will continue to challenge the
programme ‘Sehat Insaf cards’ for around 10 country`s external position, even as the
million people living below the poverty line. government receives financial aid from various
 The progress of any country is not possible if it partners.
did not prioritise health and education sectors, 3. Nation observes Kashmir Solidarity Day today
and “government is [therefore] striving for (February 5, 2019)
bringing improvement in these sectors with all  The nation is observing the Kashmir Solidarity
its available resources”. Day on February 5, 2019 (today) in a befitting
 The Sehat Insaf Card would support medical manner, with a pledge to continue extending all
treatment of up to Rs720,000 per family, he told possible support to the people of India-held
the attendants of a ceremony wherein he also Kashmir, who are struggling for more than seven
distributed Sehat Insaf Cards among some decades to get their legitimate right to self-
beneficiaries. determination.
 The card would initially be distributed among the  The day is being observed in Pakistan and other
families in federal capital and erstwhile Fata parts of the world at a time when Indian
region as the families there suffered immense atrocities in held Kashmir have reached a new
hardships in the recent past. level of oppression and human rights denial to
 The initiative proved a success in Khyber crush the indigenous freedom movement
Pakhtunkhwa where around 69 percent of the against the subjugating forces.
poor families were given such cards to receive  The government has planned a number of
quality healthcare, he mentioned. activities to mark the day and expose massive
 Current National Health Services Minister: Dr human rights violations and brutality being
Amir Mahmood Kiani committed by the Indian forces to suppress the
2. S&P downgrades Pakistan`s long-term credit indigenous freedom movement. The nation will
rating observe a minute`s silence at 10am to pay
 Raising questions over economic fundamentals tributes to Shuhada of Kashmir for sacrificing
over the next two years, the Standard & Poor`s their lives for the right to self-determination in
on February 4, 2019 downgraded Pakistan`s line with resolutions of the United Nations
long-term credit rating to `B-Negative` from `B`, Security Council.
as the new government struggled with structural 4. Water wastage high in Pakistan: WB report
reform push.  Pakistan can get more economic, social and
 `Pakistan`s economic outlook, as well as its environmental benefits from its water, subject
external position, have deteriorated well beyond to urgent reforms to improve water use
our previous expectations,` said the New York- efficiency and service delivery, says a new report
based rating agency, adding that it also lowered from the World Bank.
the long-term issue rating on senior unsecured  The report, Pakistan: Getting More from Water,
debt and Sukuk bond to `B-` from `B`. states that while Pakistan, the sixth most
 With weaker economic settings and limited populous country in the world, is well-endowed
progress in addressing fiscal imbalances with water, water availability per person is
following the elections in mid-2018, the rating comparatively low. Water wastage is high and
agricultural yields are low compared to most how to fight cancer through screening and early
countries. detection, through healthy eating and physical
 Although climate change and transboundary activity, by quitting smoking, and by urging
issues are a significant hindrance for Pakistan’s public officials to make cancer issues a priority.
water sector, the greatest challenges and 7. Shazia Syed elected OICCI president
opportunities are internal, not external, to  Unilever Pakistan Limited Chief Executive Officer
Pakistan. So, improving water-use efficiency and Ms Shazia Syed has been elected as Overseas
productivity, delivery of water services in cities Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry
and in irrigation, and addressing environmental (OICCI) president for the 2019 term.
sustainability are the most pressing needs,  This was announced at the 159th Annual General
according to this new analysis. Meeting of the OICCI held here at the Chamber.
5. `Benami Act` to become operational from 8th Shazad G. Dada, CEO Standard Chartered Bank of
 After a delay of more than two years, the Federal Pakistan, was elected unopposed as the vice
Board of Revenue (FBR) on February 4, 2019 president.
announced that the Benami Act will become  Shazia Syed is the Chief Executive Officer and
operational from Feb 8 onwards allowing Chairperson of Unilever Pakistan Limited. She
government to confiscate properties and bank joined the Board on 1st November 2015. Prior to
accounts registered with fictitious individuals. this, Shazia was Chairperson, Unilever Sri Lanka
 The law, which is in line with government`s Limited
efforts to document the economy, will allow 8. Pope calls for end to ME wars in historic Gulf
authorities to take strict action against movable trip, gets royal welcome
and immovable assets registered with fictitious  Pope Francis on February 4, 2019 called for an
individuals in order to avoid taxes. The end to wars in the Middle East during the first
legislation was made through an act of visit by the head of the Catholic Church to the
parliament in Jan 2017 but was put on cold birthplace of Islam the Arabian Peninsula. Pope
burner owing to delay in finalisation of rules. Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim
6. Breast cancer kills 110 every day in Pakistan communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on
 Around 110 women die every day and 40,000 an historic three-day visit to the United Arab
every year due to Breast Cancer in Pakistan Emirates.
which is an alarming and emergency situation  On February 4, 2019, the pope held talks in Abu
and demands us to act quickly and effectively to Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb imam of
counter the menace. Cairo`s Al Azhar, Sunni Islam`s prestigious seat of
 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pink Ribbon Omer learning before delivering an address at an
Aftab said: “Pakistan has the highest prevalence interfaith meeting. In his address, the pontiff
of Breast Cancer in the entire Asian region. Every pushed the need for justice, equality of citizens`
9th woman is at high risk of Breast Cancer and a rights and an end to all wars, including in Yemen.
total of 10.2 million women are at stake.  The pope said all religious leaders had a `duty to
 Cancer causes about 9.5 million deaths reject every nuance of approval from the word
worldwide every year. About 26,000 people lose war`. Ì am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria,
the battle per day. Iraq and Libya,` he said at the interfaith meeting
 February 4 is commemorated as World Cancer attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders.
Day and various events like festivals, walks, 9. 33pc of ice in region to melt by 2100: study
seminars and public information campaigns are  At least a third of the ice in the Himalayas and
held to raise awareness and educate people on the Hindu Kush will thaw this century as
temperatures rise, disrupting river flows vital for China’s pursuit of narrow national interests.
growing crops from China to India, scientists said “Our responsibility towards working for global
on February 4, 2019. prosperity and security has merely increased,”
 Vast glaciers make the Hindu Kush he said, adding that the two leaders would work
Himalaya(HKH)region-which is home to the for a global order “based on rules.”
world`s highest peaks topped by Mount Everest
and K2 a `third pole` behind Antarctica and the
Arctic region, they said.
 `Global warming is on track to transform the
frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the
HKH cutting across eight countries to bare rocks
in a little less than a century,` said Wester of
theInternational Centre for Integrated Mountain
Development (ICIMOD).
 The report, by 210 authors, said that more than
a third of the ice in the region will melt by 2100
even if governments take tough action to limit
global warming under the 2015 Paris climate
agreement.
10. ‘Japan, Germany to work towards global peace’
 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on
February 4, 2019 that he and German Chancellor
Angela Merkel share a responsibility to work
towards global peace and prosperity, with both
hoping for a prompt, democratic solution to
Venezuela’s leadership crisis.
 Merkel, on a two-day visit to Japan, said that
Germany recognises opposition leader Juan
Guaido as the nation’s interim president, joining
many European nations, and said he should
organise new elections as soon as possible.
“Guaido is the person with whom we are talking
and who we expect to initiate an election
process as quickly as possible, and he is the
legitimate interim president for this task from
the German perspective and also from the
perspective of many European partners,” Merkel
told a news conference with Abe. “And we hope
that this process is as short as possible and of
course peaceful,” she added.
 Abe emphasized his cooperation with Merkel
during a visit aimed a forging an “alliance of
multilateralists” to resist U.S. President Donald
Trump’s “America First” approach to trade and
finished articles of textile and leather for those
February 6, 2019 registered persons who are online with FBR’s
1. 36 NA standing committees formed computerized system. This system was made
 After a delay of around four months, the operational by issuing SRO 1360(I)/2018, dated
National Assembly Tuesday formed 36 standing 12.11.2018. As many as 75 registered persons
committees. are now integrated with FBR and declaring sales
 The newly-formed committees include Rules and of their 2574 outlets through this system.
Procedure, House and Library, Government 3. Former anti-Islam Dutch lawmaker becomes a
Assurance, Cabinet Secretariat, Climate Change, Muslim
Commerce and Textiles, Communication,  A former Dutch MP and right-hand man of anti-
Defence, Defence Production, Energy, Federal Islam politician Geert Wilders has revealed he
Education and Professional Training, Finance, has converted to Islam, news reports said on
Foreign Affairs, Housing and Works, Human February 5, 2019.
Rights, Industries, Information and Broadcasting,  For years Joram van Klaveren fought a relentless
Information Technology, Interior, Inter campaign in the Lower House against Islam in
Provincial Coordination, Kashmir Affairs and the Netherlands as a lawmaker for Wilders`
Gilgit and Baltistan, Maritime Affairs, Narcotics Freedom Party (PVV).
Control, Food Security and Research, Health,  At the time, the `hardliner pleaded for banning
Overseas Pakistanis, Parliamentary Affairs, the burqa and minarets, saying `we don`t want
Planning Development and Reform, Postal any Islam, or at least as little as possible in the
Service, Privatisation, Railways, Religious Affairs, Netherlands` `, the daily tabloid Algemeen
Science and Technology, States and Frontier Dagblad (AD) said.
Regions, Statistics, and Standing Committee on  But the 40-year-old Van Klaveren said he had
Water Resources. changed his mind halfway through writing an
 With average 20 members in each, the anti-Islam book, which he on February 5, 2019
committees include 339 members from ruling told the NRC daily `became a refutation of
PTI, while the number of PML-N stands at around objections non-Muslims have` against the
180. PPPP has been given 103 seats, while the religion.
rest of the associates belong to other parties  Ìf everything I wrote up to that point is true, and
including independent. As per rules, the I believe that, then I am a de facto Muslim,` he
committees have to be constituted within 30 told the NRC.
days after the election of leader of the house.  Van Klaveren converted to Islamon October 26
The deadline expired on September 18. last year, the NRC added in the interview piece
2. FBR starts receiving live transactions of sales ahead of the release of Van Klaveren`s book
 The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started titled Apostate: From Christianity to Islam in the
receiving live transactions of sales of finished Time of Secular Terror.
articles of textile and leather. 4. Taliban demand new constitution in rare
 The eligible persons integrating or having Moscow talks
already integrated their systems with the FBR  An extraordinary meeting between the Taliban
can now avail of reduced rate of 6 per cent on and some high-ranking Afghan politicians,
their sales as announced by the federal excluding Kabul government`s representatives,
government. was held in Moscow on February 5, 2019 in
 The federal government had notified effective which the former demanded a new constitution
from 1st July 2018, a reduced rate of 6% for
for Afghanistan and promised an ìnclusive and intermediate-range land-based missiles in
Islamic system` to govern the war-torn country. Europe.
 In the meeting, rivals of President Ashraf Ghani  Moscow and Washington accuse each other of
called for an interim government in Afghanistan. violating the treaty and Putin said Russia had
 The unprecedented gathering saw the Taliban acted after the United States announced it was
outline their vision for Afghanistan, including withdrawing from the pact.
rules around women and the adoption of an  Current Russian Defence Minister: Sergei Sholgu
Islamic constitution, in televised talks before 7. US Senate votes against Trump`s withdrawal
heavyweights, including former president Hamid plan
Karzai.  US Senators voted across party lines on February
 The Taliban led prayers and dined with the 4, 2019 evening to approve an amendment that
leaders, some sworn enemies, before sitting rejects President Donald Trump`s plan to pull
down for their most significant engagement with troops out of Afghanistan and Syria.
the Afghan politicians in recent memory.  The resolution, adopted by a 70-26 vote, stresses
 The roundtable, which saw women defend their that the United States `faces continuing threats
rights before the Taliban, comes a week after the from terrorist groups operating in Syria and
insurgents held talks with United States Afghanistan and that`s why a precipitous
negotiators in Doha about ending the 17-year withdrawal of US forces from either country
war. could put at risk hard-won gains and US national
5. Uzbekistan ready to host Afghan peace talks security`.
 Uzbekistan has once again expressed its  There are 53 Republicans in the 100-seat Senate,
readiness to host any direct talks between the but the resolution was easily adopted because
government of Afghanistan and the Taliban 46 of them voted for the amendment, sending a
movement. clear message that they are ready to vote against
 Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov made a Republican president too if they disagree with
the proposal during his meeting with Tadamichi him on a particular issue.
Yamamoto, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-  Twenty-three Democrats and an independent
General’s special representative for Afghanistan senator also voted for the resolution.
and head of the UN Assistance Mission in  The amendment, opposed by only three of the
Afghanistan (UNAMA), in Tashkent. 53 Senate Republicans, will eventually be
 Kamilov said Uzbekistan “is ready to create all incorporated into a broader security bill on the
necessary conditions to organise direct talks Middle East.
between the government of Afghanistan and the 8. Egypt debates motion to extend presidential
Taliban movement in its territory at any stage of term limits
the peace process.”  Egypt’s parliament advanced a proposal on
6. Russia plans new missile systems February 5, 2019 to amend the constitution in a
 Russia will race to develop two new land based way that could allow President Abdel-Fattah el-
missile launch systems before 2021 to respond Sissi to stay in office well beyond the end of his
to Washington`s planned exit from a landmark current term in 2022.
nuclear arms control pact.  El-Sissi led the 2013 military overthrow of an
 President Vladimir Putin said at the weekend elected but divisive Islamist president and was
that Russia had suspended the Cold War-era elected the following year. He has presided over
Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, and
which bans both nations from stationing short was re-elected last year after all potentially
serious challengers were jailed or pressured to according to the governorship. No further details
exit the race. A constitutional amendment to of the ancient Bible were provided
extend el-Sissi’s rule would add to concerns that
the country is slipping back into authoritarianism
eight years after a pro-democracy uprising
ended Hosni Mubarak’s nearly three-decade
rule.
 Parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Al said two thirds
of the 596-seat legislature endorsed the
proposed amendments. It’s unclear when the
assembly which is packed with el-Sissi
supporters will take a final vote, and a national
referendum would need to be held to amend the
constitution. A draft of the proposed
amendments, obtained by The Associated Press,
shows concerted efforts by the pro-government
“Supporting Egypt” coalition to consolidate el-
Sissi’s power.
9. Mars sensor gets its protective ‘hat’
 The US space agency's (Nasa) InSight mission has
reached a new milestone in its quest to
understand the interior of the Red Planet.
 The probe has spent the weeks since its landing
in November positioning a seismometer
instrument on the surface.
 Happy with the set-up, scientists have now
instructed InSight to put a protective cover over
the equipment.
 The dome will shield the instrument from wind
disturbance and swings in temperature.
10. 1,200 yrs old Bible found in Southeastern
Turkey
 A Bible thought to be 1,200 years old was found
in a police operation in southeastern Diyarbakir
province of Turkey.
 An anti-smuggling team has seized the Bible, said
to be only 34 pages long, with gold lettering on
leather, in the city of Kayapinar, said the
southeastern Diyarbakir governorship in a
statement.
 The team seized the Bible while three suspects
were attempting to sell it, the statement added.
Six suspects were arrested over the incident,
termed it a manifestation of multifaceted
February 7, 2019 cooperation between the two countries.
1. Punjab Minister Abdul Aleem Khan caught in  The project envisages transporting of gas
NAB dragnet molecules from Gazprom`s sources in the Middle
 In what appears to be a setback to the ruling East onwards to Pakistan with the possibility of
government in Punjab, its powerful senior extending it further to South Asian countries.
minister Abdul Aleem Khan has been arrested by The pipeline will follow an integrated approach
the country`s anti-graft body for apparently including other ancillary projects such as
possessing assets beyond his known sources of underground gas storage, desalination and other
income and other corruption allegations. power projects.
 After his arrest, the minister submitted his  Current Federal Minister for Petroleum: Ghulam
resignation to Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Sarwar Khan
saying it was not `morally right` for him to stay in 3. Pakistan not to attend WTO e-commerce talks
office. Mr Khan`s arrest, some believe, may  As more than 75 member countries of the
empower CM Buzdar and the group hostile to Mr Geneva-based World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Khan within the PTI that is led by Punjab sit down to design a framework to govern e-
Governor Chaudhry Sarwar. commerce, Pakistan has decided to not be a part
 Mr Khan on February 6, 2019 appeared before a of these negotiations.
combined investigation team of the National  On Jan 25, 2019, around 75 WTO member states,
Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Lahore with who make up for the 90 per cent of the total
reference to his alleged offshore companies global e-commerce market share, decided to
(mention of which was made in the Panama launch negotiations to regulate online
Papers leak), income beyond means and the marketplaces.
acquisition of land in various Lahore housing  Pakistan is totally cut off and isolated from
societies through benami bank accounts. multilateral trading system and has opted out of
2. Offshore oil, gas exploration accord signed with the forum while the group of countries has
Russia agreed to develop rules under the ambit of
 Russia has signed an agreement with Pakistan on multilateral trade system.
offshore oil and gas exploration activities,  Former commerce minister Khurram Dastgir
besides laying a pipeline to supply gas to the Khan was once leading the e-commerce debates
country from its Middle East resources through at the WTO forum and the previous government
the sea link. had also directed the ministry to draft e-
 The inter-corporate deal was signed by commerce policy.
Managing Director of Inter-State Gas Systems  Current Adviser for Commerce, Textile, Industry
Limited of Pakistan Mobin Saulat and Deputy & Production and Investment: Abdul Razak
Chairman of Gazprom International of Russia Dawood
Vitaly A. Markelov here on February 6, 2019. 4. NFC award to be based on 2017 population
Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan census
witnessed the signing ceremony between the  Amid provincial opposition to finance additional
two companies.Appreciating the expanding federal responsibilities, the reconstituted 9th
trajectory of relations between Russia and National Finance Commission (NFC) agreed on
Pakistan, the minister welcomed Gazprom`s February 6, 2019 to base next resource
interest in the off shore gas pipeline project and distribution award on sixth population census of
2017 and involve provinces in dialogue with the and other sworn enemies of the Taliban praying
International Monetary Fund. with the militants.
 The maiden meeting of NFC, presided over by  No government official was invited, despite
Finance Minister Asad Umar, also constituted six Ghani offering to talk peace, underscoring the
working groups on various subjects and agreed Taliban`s hostility toward the increasingly-
upon the need for additional resource marginalised Kabul administration.
mobilisation to face challenges of sustainable  The Moscow meeting took place a week after the
fiscal structure, equitable social development Taliban held separate talks aimed at ending 17
and poverty alleviation. years of fighting with American negotiators in
 While the larger provinces Sindh and Punjab Doha, where too Ghani was not invited to the
raised questioned the performance of the table.
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and advocated 7. Greek PM visits Turkey to improve strained ties
more collection role to provinces, Sindh  Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on February
specifically opposed any move to finance 6, 2019 visited the disputed landmarks of Hagia
mainstreaming of the tribal region saying it was Sophia and a now-closed seminary in Turkey, in
always a responsibility of the centre which a sign of detente in the neighbouring countries`
should transfer its proportionate funding to strained ties.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.  Istanbul`s Hagia Sophia, a former church and
5. ADB’s first ATM installed in Quetta mosque that is now a museum, often sparks
 Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim tensions between Christians and Muslims over
Khan Suri on February 6, 2019 inaugurated the Islamic activities held there.
first ATM of the Agriculture Development Bank  Its secular status allows believers of all faiths to
in the provincial capital. meditate, reflect or simply enjoy its astonishing
 The Agriculture Development Bank has architecture of what is one of the most
commenced the ATM service in Balochistan to emblematic edifices of human civilisation.
ease the financial woes of its consumers.  But calls for it to serve again as a mosque have
 The Agriculture Development Bank has been caused anger among Christians and raised
providing loans to farmers which have eased tensions between historic foes and uneasy Nato
their woes. allies Turkey and Greece.
6. Taliban continue talks with Afghan politicians in  Tspiras` symbolic visit to the Hagia Sophia came
Moscow on the second day of his first trip to Turkey in
 The Taliban entered a second day of four years.
unprecedented talks on February 6, 2019 with 8. Macedonia takes big NATO membership step
powerful Afghan politicians in Moscow, as they  The small Balkan country of Macedonia took a
pursue a leading stake in the war-torn country. big step on February 6, 2019 towards becoming
 The rare public appearance saw Taliban officials the 30th member of NATO, the world`s biggest
spelling out their vision for Afghanistan in front military alliance.
of rolling cameras and a host of political  In a move that marked the end of a long dispute
heavyweights, including former president Hamid with Greece over Macedonia`s name, and less
Karzai. than two decades after NATO deployed troops to
 The insurgents sidestepped President Ashraf the country as it teetered on the brink of civil
Ghani, sitting down instead with his chief rivals war, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
at an extraordinary meeting which saw Karzai and Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola
Dimitrov led an àccession protocol` signing
ceremony at the alliance`s Brussels  South Africa won the series against the world`s
headquarters. top-ranked Twenty20 international team 2-1,
 Montenegro, the last country to join NATO, had adding to a 3-0 success in a three match Test
to wait about a year for all members to formally series and a 3-2 win in a five-match one-day
endorse its accession protocol. series.
 Greece is set to become the first to do so this
week.
9. Lebanon names Arab world`s first female
interior minister
 Lebanon`s new interior minister assumed her
post on February 6, 2019, becoming her
country`s and the Arab world`s first female
official in charge of powerful security agencies.
 Raya El Hassan welcomed the challenge, saying
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri put his trust
in her and gave her `this big responsibility`. Às
the first female minister of interior, I have to
prove the woman`s ability to assume an
exceptional portfolio, she said at the handover
ceremony from her predecessor who had been
in the post for five years.
 El Hassan, who holds a Masters` degree from
George Washington University and is a member
of Hariri`s Future Movement Pany, is one of four
women in the 30-member cabinet a record for
female political representation in Lebanon.
 El Hassan is used to headlines. She chaired one
of Lebanon`s major private public pannerships
designed to develop the pon city of Tripoli and in
2009, she became the first Arab woman finance
minister a post she kept for two years.
10. Pakistan grab consolation win in third T20
 Pakistan finished their tour of South Africa with
a 27-run consolation win in the third and final
Twenty20 international at Super Sport Park on
February 6, 2019.
 The tourists owed their win to the new-ball
bowling of left-arm spinner Imad Wasim and left-
arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as they
defended a moderate total of 168 for nine.
 The pair restricted South Africa to 30 for two in
the first seven overs and the hosts were always
behind the required rate as they limped to 141
for nine in their 20 overs.
blocked in five different categories of suspicious
February 9, 2019 cases.
1. 46-nation Aman naval exercise kicks off in  Around one million Afghan refugees had been
Karachi repatriated to Afghanistan under the voluntary
 The parchum parade or flag party, as it is also repatriation scheme. Each refugee ready to
known, marched in on the tune for the national return home was to be given an assistance
song Iss parchum ke saye taley hum aik hain with package of 400 dollars by the UN High
every officer holding a neatly folded flag of each Commission for Refugees. Even for their
of the 46 participating countries in the sixth newborn, the UN provided assistance that was
Aman-2019 Exercise, which commenced with an increased during different times and stood at the
impressive flag hoisting ceremony at the Naval rate of $400 per individual at present.
Dockyard early on February 8, 2019. 3. Bao Rizwan inducted into Punjab cabinet
 Soon the representatives of each of the  Following reconciliation between the coalition
countries Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, partners in Punjab, PML-Q MPA Bao Rizwan has
Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, been inducted into the Punjab Cabinet. He has
China, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, been given the portfolio of environment.
Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait,  Ammar Yasir who resigned couple of weeks back
Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, also resumed his official engagements on
Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, February 8, 2019.
Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South  Governor Punjab Mohammad Sarwar
Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, administered oath to Bao Rizwan as provincial
Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, USA, UK, Zimbabwe minister at a ceremony held at the Governor
and Pakistan of course took their positions in House.
front of their respective flagpoles. Following a 4. Raja Basharat gets senior minister`s additional
three-volley gun salute, the flags were hoisted charge
with the playing of Pakistan`s national anthem as  The Punjab cabinet in its seventh siting on
all personnel in uniform saluted and the guests February 8, 2019 approved senior minister
stood up in respect. Aleem Khan`s resignation and also okayed giving
 On the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) additional charge of senior minister local
AdmiralZafarMahmood Abbasi`s message was government department to Law Minister
read out. Basharat Raja.
2. 10,000 Pakistanis who registered as Afghan  The cabinet also approved giving environment
refugees detected portfolio to PML-Q`s Bao Rizwan who was sworn
 The National Database and Registration in at the Governor House on February 8, 2019.
Authority (NADRA) has tracked over 10,000  It granted administrative and financial autonomy
Pakistanis who have registered themselves as to the Institute of Public Health besides
Afghan refugees for dollars, as the UN High constituting its administrative committee.
Commission for Refugees had set $400 for each  The cabinet also approved nominations of MPAs
Afghan refugee returning to their homeland and technical experts on the governing bodies of
under a voluntary repatriation scheme. development authorities in Rawalpindi, Multan,
 Current Chairman Nadra: Usman Yusuf Mobeen. Sargodha, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur as well as
 The cases of fake identities were caught by the nominations of environmentalists, horticulture
NADRA system when they came to obtain CNICs, experts, representatives of chambers of
as their cards had been blocked. CNICs were commerce and technical experts in the Parks and
Horticulture Authorities in Lahore, Multan,  The government has received an amount of
Sargodha and Gujranwala. $1.813 billion in loans from multilateral and
5. National museum be handed back to federal bilateral sources during the first six months of
Govt, SC orders the current fiscal year, according to a release
 The Supreme Court (SC) last month ordered that issued by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
the National Museum of Pakistan be transferred  The amount was borrowed from other sources
back to the federal government. as talks with the International Monetary Fund
 After the 18th Amendment, subjects under the (IMF) continue to sputter since September 2018.
control of the federal government including  According to the EAD data, the break-up shows
museums and libraries were transferred to the that Pakistan borrowed $835.62 million from
provinces along with subjects on the concurrent China, and $499.44m from commercial banks to
list. meet the resource requirement. Moreover, it
 These included 13 museums across the country also took $339.06m in loans from Asian
and 403 sites and monuments protected under Development Bank (ADB) and $272.46m f rom
the Antiquities Act, 1970.`The inept manner in Islamic Development Bank during the period
which the devolution was carried out started under review.
coming to light with time. In its last days, the  At the time of presenting the annual budget
Ministry of Culture devolved those very heritage 2018-19, the EAD estimated $4.691bn of foreign
sites that the federal government was supposed inflows from multilateral and bilateral donors.
to retain. However, the division subsequently revised the
 According to the Constitution, subjects on the projections upwards by 20 per cent to $5.63bn
federal legislative list are under the control of owing to improve external environment.
the centre while those on the concurrent list 8. Chinese astronomers find over 10,000 metal-
belong to both but are under the control of the poor star candidates
federal government till it decides that a province  Chinese astronomers have discovered more than
has acquired the capacity to take on the burden. 10,000 metal-poor star candidates, which may
6. PM to launch 10b tree plantation drive today help shed light on the early universe and the
(February 9, 2019) emergence of the first stars and galaxies.
 Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch 10 Billion  Astronomers use the word "metals" to describe
Tree Plantation Drive by planting a sapling at the elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.
Forest Reserve to mark the ‘Plant for Pakistan This usage is distinct from the usual physical
Day’ drive at Balloki on February 9, 2019 (today). definition of a solid metal, said Li Haining, an
 10,000 saplings would be planted by 2,500 astronomer with the National Astronomical
school children alongside the Prime Minister Observatories of China (NAOC) under the
Imran Khan to launch the tree plantation Chinese Academy of Sciences.
campaign.  Astronomers believe that the majority of
 The district administration had got 2,500 acres of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium in
government land retrieved from the illegal the universe are formed in the cores of stars as
occupants and arrest land grabbers, a Forest they evolve. Over time, stellar winds and
Reserve would be developed on the 1500 acres supernova deposit the metals into the
of land while a Wildlife Sanctuary would be built surrounding environment, enriching the
on the remaining 1000 acres of retrieved land. interstellar medium and providing recycling
7. Govt borrowed $1.8bn in six months: EAD materials for the birth of new stars.
 Therefore, the lower the metal contents in stars,  However Sharma, who is standing in as captain
the older the stars in the universe. while Virat Kohli is rested, was more interested
 The research on metal-poor stars will help us in focusing on India`s performance than his
understand the early universe, the origin of individual achievements.
elements, as well as the emergence and  His team dominated New Zealand with bat and
evolution of the first generation stars and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening
galaxies, Li said. fixture in Wellington India`s heaviest ever T20
 However, metal-poor stars are very rare and defeat.
difficult to observe, she said.
9. British actor Albert Finney dies
 British actor Albert Finney, who rose to fame on
a post-war wave of gritty, working-class dramas
and became an Oscar nominated international
star, has died at the age of 82.
 Born in Manchester in 1936, he began his career
as a Shakespearean theatre actor.
 He made his name in 1960 with Saturday Night
and Sunday Morning, one of a new generation of
British films dubbed kitchen-sink dramas in
which he played an angry young factory worker.
 His fame spread further when he was cast as the
lead in bawdy historical romp Tom Jones in 1963,
which won four Oscars, including Best Picture
and brought Finney the first of his four
nominations for best actor.
 Finney, who twice refused official honours
including a knighthood, also starred as Hercule
Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
and appeared in Erin Brockovich (2000) _ for
which he was nominated as best supporting
actor _ and the James Bond film Skyfall (2012).
10. Rohit Sharma became the highest run scorer in
T20
 Rohit Sharma became the highest run scorer in
Twenty20 International history on February 8,
2019 as India romped to a seven-wicket win over
New Zealand in the second T20 at Eden Park.
 Sharma`s knock was his 16th T20 half-century
and took his career tally in the format to 2,288
runs, overtaking New Zealand`s Martin Guptill
on 2,272.
 The 31-year-old made his T20 debut against
England in 2007 and has played 92 matches,
averaging 33.15.
 Consumption of protein is essential to maintain
February 10, 2019 the health and vigour of people and pulses are
1. Pakistan’s role very crucial to Afghan peace: US the most important source of protein in
 The United States believes Pakistan’s role is ‘very Pakistan. The supply of meat is not keeping pace
crucial’ to peace in Afghanistan, US Special with the population growth and therefore the
Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation production of pulses is required, according to a
Zalmay Khalilzad said February 9, 2019. report on the `Status of pulses in Pakistan` which
 Khalilzad - who visited Pakistan more than once was presented to an international forum
in the recent weeks - said the US was happy with recently.
what Pakistan had done so far.  The production of pulses in Pakistan is stagnant
 “We always would like Pakistan, like other and disturbing the nutritional balance of the
countries to do more, but we appreciate what population, especially of poor and weaker
they have done so far and I have indicated and sections of society which cannot afford other
Secretary (of State), (Mike) Pompeo and the expensive sources of proteins.
president (Donald Trump) that we want to have 3. Prime Minister to meet IMF chief in Dubai today
good relations with Pakistan, better relations (February 10, 2019)
with Pakistan,” he said.  Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet
 Khalilzad said: “What they (Pakistan) do on International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief
Afghanistan to facilitate peace and Christine Lagarde in Dubai on February 10, 2019
reconciliation, which has been a burden on the (today) for talks on issues which have held up
relationship that will be removed. Pakistan is an bailout negotiations, a minister said on Saturday,
important country with which we want to have reported euronews.com.
better relations. The role that Pakistan has  Federal Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad
played in terms of its relationship with the Hussain told Reuters that Imran Khan will meet
Taliban and the Haqqani network has been a Lagarde on the sidelines of the World
burden on this (US-Pak) relationship. They say Government Summit in Dubai. “This will give us
they want peace. We welcome that. We want a chance to understand the IMF views and we
them to, to play a positive role.” will be able to give our version to (Lagarde),” said
2. World day to enhance awareness of benefits of Fawad, who will accompany the PM to Dubai
eating pulses along with Finance Minister Asad Umar.
 With a rapid increase in global food needs on the 4. AJK, KP IGPs, CSs transferred
horizon, the role of pulses has become even  The federal government transferred chief
more significant particularly with regard to secretaries and inspectors general police (IGPs)
dietary protein and micronutrients. of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and
 To enhance awareness of the nutrient benefits Kashmir with approval of Prime Minister Imran
of eating pulses, the first observance of `World Khan.
Pulses Day` will take place on February 10, 2019  The federal government posted the new chief
as proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) last secretary and IGP KP with the consent of KP chief
month. minister. The Establishment Division has issued
 Pulses are more than just nutritious seeds. They notifications of all transfers and postings.
contribute to sustainable food systems and a  According to the notifications, Muhammad
`zero-hunger` world, according to the Food and Salim, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative
Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Service, presently serving under KP government,
is transferred and posted as KP chief secretary
with immediate effect and until further orders. 6. ‘Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way’ inaugurated in
The outgoing chief secretary, a grade-22 officer New York
of PAS Naveed Kamran Baloch, has been  Amid vociferous slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’,
transferred and directed to report to the a section of a busy avenue in Brooklyn, a
Establishment Division. borough of New York City, which last December
 Similarly, Naeem Khan, a BS-22 officer of Police was renamed after Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad
Service of Pakistan, serving as IGP AJK, is Ali Jinnah, was formally inaugurated at a largely-
transferred and posted as IGP KP. The attended ceremony on February 10, 2019.
notification further says, “Salah-ud-Din Khan, a  The decision to re-name the Coney Island
BS-21 officer of the PSP, presently serving as IGP Avenue, where the Pakistani community is
KP, is transferred and his services are placed at concentrated, was taken on Dec. 26 -- Quaid’s
the disposal of AJK government for appointment birthday -- when the New York City Council
as IGP AJK, in his own pay and scale in terms of adopted a resolution to honour the founder of
Clause 8 of Karachi agreement 1949 with Pakistan. The move was the result of years of
immediate effect and until further orders.” hard work and lobbying efforts by the Pakistani
 Flt Lt (r) Khawaja Daud Ahmed, a BS-21 officer of community, especially the Pakistani-American
PAS posted as Chief Secretary AJK, is transferred Youth Organization (PAYO).
and his services are placed at the disposal of  As Jumaane Williams, a city council member
Supreme Court for further posting as additional from Brooklyn who successfully piloted the
registrar on deputation basis for a period of resolution, unveiled, with the help of a string, the
three years. road sign “Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way” atop a
 Mathar Niaz Rana, a grade-21 officer of PAS pole, multi-coloured confetti was shot up in
serving as Additional Secretary Industries and celebration, while Pakistani-Americans, carrying
Production Division is transferred and his Pakistan’s flags, burst into cheers and chanted
services are placed at the disposal of AJK slogans. Pakistani Consul-General in New York,
government. Naeem Iqbal Cheema, was a special guest at the
5. Promotional drive for Pakistan Banao event.
Certificate launched in UK 7. China to sell aircraft carrier to Pakistan
 Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on  The Chinese government has decided to sell its
Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource first and only aircraft carrier to Pakistan. More
Development Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari has specifically, the Liaoning will be sold to Pakistan
formally initiated the ‘Pakistan Banao for a yet-undetermined price in order to upgrade
Certificate’ (PBC) promotional campaign from the Pakistani Navy’s capabilities, reported
the United Kingdom (UK), urging the overseas Chinese and Russia media on February 9, 2019.
Pakistanis to directly participate in the national  The addition of an aircraft carrier to the Pakistani
development by purchasing the newly launched Navy’s arsenal will make it more competitive
instrument online. with respect to its rival India, which has an
 The certificate was the first remarkable step of operational aircraft carrier.
the incumbent government for the expatriates  The Liaoning was first commissioned for the
to invest in the country. It was a risk-free Soviet Navy in the 1980s and was expected to
instrument of minimum 5,000 US dollar enter service in the early 1990s. The dissolution
denomination without upper limit having three of the Soviet Union in 1991, however, frustrated
and five years maturity time with 6.25 and 6.75 these plans, and the unfinished structure was
per cent annual interest rate respectively, which sold to Ukraine. The hull ended up in China,
could be purchased individually.
which rebuilt and recommissioned the ship and moon. But to some, saying we’re returning to the
declared it operational only three years ago, in moon implies we’ll be doing the same as we did
2016. 50 years ago. I want to be clear — that is not our
 The Chinese Navy plans to replace the Liaoning vision”. Bridenstine wrote in his blog post for Ozy
with up to six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. news outlet.
The Chinese government announced its plans to  Bridenstine had previously called for “the best
have six carrier battlegroups by 2035. Aside from and brightest of American industry to help
being potent machines of naval warfare, aircraft design and develop human lunar landers” in
carriers serve as the ideal foreign policy tools. response to what he says is a clear mandate from
For example, just the appearance of an American Donald Trump and Congress to once again get
aircraft carrier close to the shores of a country astronauts out of Earth’s orbit.
could deter actions hostile to US interests. 10. Pakistan hit back to level women`s ODI series
8. Putin accepts invitation to visit Italy with WI
 Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an  Pace bowler Diana Baig ensured that the good
invitation to visit Italy, and the date of his visit work by batters Sidra Amin and Nida Dar does
will be coordinated through diplomatic channels, not go to waste as Pakistan women made a
Russian Ambassador to Italy Sergei Razov said. strong comeback in the three-match ODI series
 “As for the Russian president’s visit to Italy, he against West Indies women with a 34-run win in
has received and accepted the invitation by the the second ODI played at the ICC Academy in
Italian leadership. The exact dates will be Dubai on February 9, 2019.
coordinated through diplomatic channels and  Diana ripped through the West Indies top-order
then announced according to the established and returned magnificent figures of four wickets
procedure”, Russian Ambassador to Italy Sergei for 34 runs in 10 overs as Pakistan bowlers
Razov told Sputnik. delivered a commanding performance to ensure
 The diplomat noted that the visit could become the defence of the 241-run target.
a “key event” in Russian-Italian bilateral  Diana who got the vital breakthrough when she
relations. bowled West Indies mainstay Deandra Dottin (5)
 Russia and Italy have many shared interests, and bowled with impeccable control in her spell, she
their relations continue developing in spite of was ably supported by the experienced
the damage done by Western anti-Russia campaigner Sana Mir who took three wickets
policies, Russian Ambassador to Italy Sergeш while left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu took two
Razov said in an interview with Sputnik. wickets for 38 runs in her 10 overs.
9. NASA administrator says agency plans to go to  Natasha McLean fought a lone battle for the
the moon and stay West Indies with a blistering 76-ball 82 that
 Jim Bridenstine, the space agency’s included two sixes and eight fours, she added 62
administrator, said that NASA plans to return for the last-wicket with Shamilia Connell who
people to the Moon and have astronauts explore made 15.
more of the surface for longer periods.
 The NASA administrator wrote a post detailing
his agency’s goals, which aside from sending
people to the Moon as well as Mars one day,
involves keeping them there longer.
 “As a lifelong NASA supporter, I am thrilled to be
talking once again about landing humans on the
and Scientific Research, Morocco through the
February 11, 2019 Moroccan Embassy in Islamabad.
1. Accord on $6bn IMF package likely by April 3. Dams fund received Rs9.695b so far
 With the highest-level intervention, Pakistan is  The Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan
expecting to complete its talks with the Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dam Fund has so
International Monetary Fund (IMF) for up to $6 far received Rs 9.6957 billion.
billion bailout package `very soon` to make it  The countrywide contribution to the fund stood
part of the 2019-20 budget. at Rs 8.332 billion while the remaining Rs 1.364
 `The technical staff-level contact through video- billion were contributed by the expatriate
link is due this week and may be followed up by Pakistanis, according to an update issued by the
Finance Minister Asad Umar next week,` said a State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
senior government official, adding the two sides  Pakistanis living in US remained the top among
might still meet at the staff level if needed. the foreign countries who donated Rs 462.6346
 À lot of work still needs to be done, but a final million followed by UK from where a sum of Rs
agreement should be in place by April and 351.419 million had been transferred to the
implementation start rolling in June, said the dams fund so far.
official, adding that all policy actions would  Similarly, the fund also received Rs 137.59
revolve around the next year budget. `We have million through the SMS service of various
reached broad understanding and will stay cellular companies in Pakistan.
engaged.  According to details issued by the SBP, the top 10
 The revenue collection target for the next fiscal institutional donors include Employees of
year would be worked out by the IMF and it government of Punjab with contribution of Rs
could be well above Rs4.7 trillion, compared to 1.09 billion, Pak Army Rs 582.071 million, HQ
about Rs4.39tr this year fixed by the CWO SPD Rs 201.093 million, Bahria Town, Rs
government. More upward adjustments in 110.12 million and PAF with Rs 100.28 million.
central bank`s policy rate and exchange rate 4. Ashraf Ghani offers Taliban office in
depreciation would be part of the Afghanistan
understanding, they said.  President Ashraf Ghani, who visited Nangarhar
2. HEC, Moroccan authorities to collaborate on province on February 10, 2019, said the Afghan
education, research government is ready to allow the Taliban to open
 The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will an office in Kabul, Kandahar or Nangarhar.
take steps for developing academic relations  Ghani said “a sustainable peace and a peace with
with Morocco in order to promote higher dignity” will come to the country and for this, he
education and collaborative research between is ready to even sacrifice his life.
higher education institutions of both countries,  But remarks like this are not new as Ghani has
said HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri. made such statements in the past.
 The HEC chairman was meeting with the  However, despite these offers, the Taliban have
Ambassador of Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune until now refused to hold talks with the Afghan
during the latter`s visit to the Commission government.
Secretariat, an HEC statement issued on 5. African Union baton passes on from Rwanda to
February 10, 2019 says. Egypt
 Mr Banuri is quoted as saying that HEC will build  Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who led an
linkages with the Ministry of Higher Education active, reformist tenure as African Union chair,
on February 10, 2019 passed the baton to Egypt,
seen as more likely to focus on security issues chief negotiators from the two countries signed
than expanding the body`s powers. a new cost-sharing plan, which requires South
 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi officially Korea to pay about 1.04 trillion won ($924
took over the rotating post of ceremonial head million) in 2019, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said in
of the AU at the start of a two-day summit in a statement.
Addis Ababa. The meeting highlighted the `links 8. China’s MA700 plane conduct maiden flight in
between the Mediterranean and Lake Victoria`, 2019
as a metaphor for sub-Saharan Africa.  China-developed MA700, a new model of high-
 Kagame`s leadership of the AU focused on speed turboprop regional aircraft, is expected to
institutional and administrative reforms. Sisi conduct its maiden flight in 2019, according to its
however is expected to focus more on security, developer. That means the “Morden Ark(MA)”
peacekeeping and post-war reconstruction, regional airplane family will embrace its third
issues closely tied to the AU`s 2019 theme of member following the MA60 and MA600.
`Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced  The MA700 was developed by the AVIC XAC
Persons`. Commercial Aircraft (AVIC XACC) in Xi’an, in
6. US special envoy resumes Afghan peace northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. It is
diplomacy designed with high speed, economic efficiency
 US Special Representative for Afghanistan and adaptability to various airport conditions
Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad left Washington and air routes.
on February 10, 2019 on yet another peace  The model is part of China’s plan to develop two
mission that includes talks in Afghanistan, trunk jetliners and two regional aircraft, with the
Pakistan and Qatar. other models being the C919 narrow-body and
 In Washington, the US State Department said CR929 wide-body passenger aircraft, as well as
Ambassador Khalilzad and his interagency the ARJ21 regional jetliner. The MA700 is
delegation would also consult officials in expected to receive the type certificate (TC) from
Belgium, Germany and Turkey before arriving in civil aviation authorities by 2021, according to
the region for further talks. AVIC.
 The trip, which began on Sunday, will continue  To date, the MA700 has received 185 intended
till Feb 28, when the chief US negotiator is orders from 11 customers at home and abroad
expected back in Washington for consultations. 9. 5G self-driving bus tested in Chongqing
7. South Korea, US sign cost-sharing deal for  A self-driving bus assisted by the 5G mobile
American troops network is on a test run in Chongqing, a vehicle-
 South Korea and the United States struck a new manufacturing powerhouse in southwestern
deal February 10, 2019 that increases Seoul’s China.
contribution for the cost of the American military  The bus, equipped with technologies such as
presence on its soil, overcoming previous failed Controller Area Network and laser radar, is able
negotiations that caused worries about their to complete all autonomous operations with the
decades-long alliance. assistance of the 5G mobile network. The
 South Korea last year provided about $830 electric-powered 12 seater has a designed
million, covering roughly 40 percent of the cost maximum speed of 20 km per hour
of the deployment of 28,500 U.S. soldiers whose 10. New Zealand seal India T20 series in tight finish
presence is meant to deter aggression from  Colin Munro`s explosive 72 set up a thrilling four-
North Korea. President Donald Trump has run win for New Zealand over India in a cliff-
pushed for South Korea to pay more. On Sunday, hanger finish to February 10, 2019`s Twenty20
International in Hamilton, handing the hosts a 2-
1 series victory.
 India looked to be on the ropes when they
needed 47 off the last three overs at Seddon
Park. But Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya
together plundered 32 off overs 18 and 19
before Tim Southee restricted the duo to 11 in
the 20th.
 The morale-boosting victory for New Zealand
gave captain Kane Williamson something to
smile about after they were whipped 4-1 by India
in the preceding One-day International series.
young people sought asylum but they cannot
February 12, 2019 prove they are Afghans.
1. Raheel meets Bajwa ahead of Saudi crown 3. Balochistan Govt launches Rs4bn school
prince`s visit education programme
 With Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin  The Balochistan government on February 11,
Salman due in Pakistan later this week, the pre- 2019 announced the launching of an education
visit activities have increased in Islamabad and programme in the province to provide modern
neighbouring Rawalpindi. and best possible education facilities to students
 Top commander of Saudi Arabia based Islamic in all schools of the province.
Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC)  Current Balochistan Education Minister:
retired Gen Raheel Sharif on February 11, 2019 Muhammad Khan Lehri
met Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed  A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting
Bajwa. of the education department held here to review
 Gen Sharif, who is considered to be close to educational facilities in all schools of the
Mohammad bin Salman, had arrived in province.
Islamabad on February 10, 2019 leading an  For implementing the programme, Rs4 billion
IMCTC delegation ahead of the crown prince`s has been allocated by the provincial government
two-day trip. and under the chief minister`s initiative, class
 The crown prince is expected to reach Islamabad rooms, toilets, IT labs, admin blocks, spons
on Feb 16. This would be his first visit to Pakistan grounds and boundary walls etc will be
after becoming the crown prince in June 2017. constructed in hundreds of primary, middle and
He will later travel to Malaysia before going to high schools of the province.
Delhi on Feb 19. His visit is being given 4. Rashid Suhrawardy passes away in London
extraordinary importance because of the  Rashid Suhrawardy, the only son of Huseyn
investment commitments he is expected to Shaheed Suhrawardy, former prime minister of
make. Pakistan, the last prime minister of Undivided
 Riyadh is planning to set up a massive refinery in Bengal, and founder of the Awami League, died
Gwadar with an investment of $10 billion the of natural causes in London on Feb 5. He was 78.
biggest by the kingdom in Pakistan to date.  Educated in the UK at Charterhouse School and
 The investment pledges, which would follow Oxford University, Mr Suhrawardy attended the
$6bn in balance of sup-port and oil on deferred Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London after
payment facility, are being seen as a lifeline for which he joined the Royal Shakespeare
Pakistan`s struggling economy. Company. One of his most notable roles was in
2. Govt urged to own up overseas Pakistanis who the film Jinnah, in which he played the part of
declared themselves Afghans Pandit Nehru.
 The Senate Standing Committee on States and  Mr Suhrawardy was unmarried and so leaves no
Frontier Regions on February 11, 2019 took up direct heirs, but his closest relatives are Begum
the matter of Pakistanis who went to Europe and Shahida Jamil, Begum Naz Ashraf and Princess
the US posing as Afghans and who are now stuck Sarvath El Hassan
there as they cannot get Afghan or Pakistani 5. Moody`s cuts banking sector outlook
passports.  Moody`s Investor Service has changed the
 It has become difficult with time to get outlook for Pakistan`s banking sector to
documentation which means they cannot get `negative` from stable owing to the its over-
Pakistani or Afghan passports. Some of the
exposure towards government lending amid government while the US holds talks with the
higher fiscal deficit. Taliban to end the country`s 17-year war.
 Òver the next 12-18 months, banks in Pakistan 7. South Korea allows hydrogen charging station
will see their credit problems challenged by their at parliament
high exposure to the country`s low-rated  South Korea on February 11, 2019 said it will
sovereign debt and a slowing economy,` said allow Hyundai Motor Co. to set up a hydrogen
Constant in os Kypreos, Senior Vice President of charging station in parliament for fuel cell
the New York based rating agency. electric vehicles in a symbolic gesture that
 In a statement released on February 11, 2019, underscores Seoul’s commitment to boosting
the investor service said banks` large holdings of the hydrogen economy.
government bonds link their credit profiles to  Hyundai Motor, the world’s first mass-producer
the low-rated government while slower of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, has also
economic growth will contain business been given the green light to install two other
opportunities for banks and stall improving trend hydrogen charging stations in southern Seoul.
in problem loans.  The decision “will serve as an occasion to open
 As a consequence, the agency changed its the floodgates of regulatory innovation,” Sung
òutlook for the banking system in Pakistan (B3 Yun-mo, minister of trade, industry and energy,
negative) to negative from stable`, said a said in a news conference at a government
statement adding the Pakistani banks` operating building in central Seoul after holding a first
conditions will be difficult with the country`s real review of new business models that are eligible
gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowing to to take advantage of a “regulatory sandbox.”
4.3 per cent in the fiscal year ending June 2019, “We will create a testing ground for innovation
down from 5.8pc in 2018. to make sure that regulations do not hold back
6. US sends defence chief to Kabul ahead of peace the market launch of innovative products and
talks new technologies.”
 The United States sent its defence chief to 8. French group wins $35.5 billion defence deal
Afghanistan on February 11, 2019 apparently to from Australia
assure the Afghan government that Washington  Australia and France on February 11, 2019
has no plan to abandon Kabul even after it signed a strategic partnership agreement for
reaches a peace deal with the Taliban. joint construction of Australian navy’s new fleet
 Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan of submarines.
arrived in Kabul two days before defence  The production of the 12 Attack-class
ministers from 29 Nato countries meet in submarines by French shipbuilder Naval Group
Brussels to review the alliance`s support to the will cost Australia A$50b ($35.5b). The bids were
Afghan government and Afghan security forces. announced in 2016. Construction on the
 After the last ministerial meeting in June, Nato “regionally superior” submarines has already
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had assured started.
Kabul that the alliance wanted to `strengthen the  The first Attack-class submarine will be named
Afghan security forces so they can create the HMAS Attack and it will be delivered in early
conditions for a peaceful solution. 2030s, the newspaper quoted a joint statement
 Mr Shanahan`s unannounced visit, also his first by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and
as the US defence chief, meant to `signal Defence Minister Christopher Pyne. “The signing
American support for the jittery Afghan of the agreement is a defining moment for the
country,” the statement said.
9. Pakistan women score ODI series win over
Windies
 Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig shared six wickets
between them before Sidra Amin slammed a
half-century as Pakistan women defeated the
West Indies women by four wickets in the third
and final One-day International at the ICC
Academy in Dubai to claim the series 2-1.
 The victory in the fourth-round fixture of the ICC
Women`s Championship has helped Pakistan
women move ahead of the West Indies (11
points) and England (10), and join India on 12
points. However, Pakistan are placed behind
India in fourth position on net run-rate. Australia
lead the table with 16 points while New Zealand
are second on 14.
 This was Pakistan`s first series victory over the
West Indies in 16 years and only their seventh
ODI win in 26 matches. Overall, it was Pakistan`s
46th triumph in 158 One-day Internationals.
10. Swat team wins skiing gala in Malam Jabba
 The Swat Deputy Commissioner team was
declared winner of the skiing gala at the 9,000-
foothigh ski slope in Malam Jabba, which saw
participation from over 30 national and
international players.
 The four-day skiing gala and snow festival
concluded on February 10, 2019, which was
jointly organised by the Pakistan Army, district
administration and Samson group.
 The Civil Aviation Authority team secured the
second position, while Pakistan Police team
came third.
 Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Shaheen
Mazhar Mahmood was invited as the chief guest
to the closing ceremony. Officials from the civil
administration and army and a large number of
tourists from across the country witnessed the
competition.
 The competition included slalom, giant slalom
and free downhill races.
where four constables succumbed to their
February 14, 2019 wounds.
1. Aman 2019 concludes with hope for strategic  The deceased were identified as Constables
cooperation Muhammad Asif, Javed (driver), Mirbaz and
 The sixth multinational Aman Exercise reached Sarfaraz. The injured included SHO Tahir Nawaz
its conclusion on February 13, 2019 with the and passers-by Ghulam Yaseen and Abdul
Pakistan Navy`s newly commissioned Hameed.
replenishment tanker PNS Moawin taking centre 3. Five schemes worth Rs6.5bn approved
stage as it hosted dignitaries, including President  The Provincial Development Working Party
Arif Alvi and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral (PDWP) has approved five schemes of various
Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, for witnessing the sectors with an estimated cost of Rs6.52 billion.
international fleet review.  These schemes were approved in the 16th
 It was like a scene from a war movie with ships, meeting of the PDWP of the current fiscal year
frigates, boats, special forces elements and a big 2018-19, presided over by P&D chairman
support ship in the sea, all present and ready for Habibur Rehman Gilani.
action. The refuelling demonstration began with  P&D Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, all members of
twigates PNS Aslat and PNS Saif which were thePlanning & Development Board, provincial
moving side by side with PNS Moawin. The two secretaries concerned and other senior
receiving ships had hoses sent their way from representatives of the departments also
Moawin through which fuel was supposed to be attended the meeting.
transferred to them.  The approved development schemes were
 It was also pointed out that PNS Moawin built Teachers` Training Program (Revised) at a cost of
with the cooperation of Turkey is Pakistan Navy`s Rs550.343 million, Third Party Evaluation of
largest indigenously built ship that was Literacy Interventions (Revised PC-II) at a cost of
commissioned in October 2018. PNS Aslat has Rs26.795 million, Punjab Energy Efficiency and
also been built at the Karachi Shipyard and Conservation Program (Revised) at a cost of
Engineering Works Limited with the cooperation Rs1.2 billion, Storm Water Drainage System
from China. forHaji Camp to River Ravi via Laxmi Chowk,
2. Four cops martyred in D.I. Khan attack McLeoad Road, Nabha Road, Chuburji and
 Four constables were martyred while a station Shamnagar, Lahore (Revised) at a cost of Rs3.2
house officer (SHO) and two passers-by injured billion and Establishment of Citizen Facilitation
when a police party came under attack on the and Service Centers (E-Khidmat Markaz)
Indus Highway within the jurisdiction of Parova (Revised) at a cost of Rs1.5 billion.
police station on February 13, 2019.  TASK FORCE: Meanwhile, on the special
 The police party led by Parova SHO Tahir Nawaz directions of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, the
was patrolling Mahra Town when they were Punjab government has constituted the Task
intercepted by assailants on a motorcycle and a Force on Price Control.
double-cabin pickup. The attackers opened fire, 4. Chairmen of 11 NA standing committees
leaving five of the personnel and two passers-by elected
seriously injured.  Chairmen of 11 standing committees of the
 They escaped after the attack. National Assembly were elected on February 13,
 The injured were rushed to the district 2019 by members of the committees.
headquarters hospital of Dera Ismail Khan,  The chairmanship of six committees was
clinched by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf
while the opposition Pakistan Muslim League- was working as the head of risk management
Nawaz got chairmanship of three committees since November, 2017, the official added.
and Pakistan Peoples Party two committees. 6. Online tax collection launched in Balochistan
 PTI`s Mujahid Ali was elected chairman of the  Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan
Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs; Alyani has said that financial resources of the
Munazza Hasan, chairperson of the Standing province will be enhanced from the current Rs15
Committee on Climate Change; Faizullah, billion to Rs40bn per annum in the next few
chairman of the Committee on Finance, Revenue years through good governance and making tax
and Economic Affairs; Amjad Ali Khan, chairman collecting machinery more effective.
of the Committee on Defence; Malik  Speaking at a ceremony to launch the online tax
Muhammad Amir Dogar, the head of the collection system of the Excise and Taxation
Standing Committee on Government Department on February 13, 2019, the chief
Assurances; and Rana Mohammad Qasim, the minister said that steps were being taken to
chairman of Rules of Procedure and Privileges. increase the performance of tax collecting
 PML-N`s Rao Mohammad Ajmal Khan was institutions.
elected the chairman of Standing Committee on  Founder of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party
National Food Security and Research; Rana Syed Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, Adviser to the CM
Shamim Ahmed Khan the chairman of the on Excise and Taxation Malik Naeem Bazai,
Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and provincial ministers and other officials
Gilgit-Baltistan and Sheikh Fayyazuddin, the concerned were present on the occasion.
chairman of Standing Committee on Overseas  Jam Kamal congratulated the Excise and
Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Taxation Department for launching the online
 PPP`s Syed Naveed Qamar became the chairman tax collecting system successfully.
of the Standing Committee on Commerce and 7. Taliban announce 14-member team for talks
Textile and Syed Mustafa Mahmud the chairman with US
of the Standing Committee on Privatisation.  The Afghan Taliban announced on February 13,
5. Arif Usmani appointed NBP president 2019 a 14-member team to meet American
 Arif Usmani has been appointed as the president negotiators this month in Doha, including five
National Bank of Pakistan after the Ministry of former Guantanamo Bay inmates and a high-
Finance issued a notification in this regard on profile militant behind bars in Afghanistan.
February 13, 2019.  United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has
 The federal cabinet approved Usmani`s name for undertaken extensive peace talks with the
the position in November last year but the Taliban about ending the 17-year war in
notification from the finance ministry was held Afghanistan, with another round expected in
up after he sought the delay in order to wrap up late February.
his affairs at the previous organisation,  The expanded negotiating team unveiled by the
according to an official of the finance ministry. insurgents includes Anas Haqqani, who was
 The government also requires some time after captured in 2014 and whose older brother is
the cabinet`s approval to get appropriate deputy Taliban leader and head of the Haqqani
certification from the State Bank of Pakistan. network.
 Usmani had requested a delay in the notification 8. Former Afghan president Mojaddedi dies
to ensure clearance of dues and release of  An Afghan mujahideen commander who fought
service at the Mashreq Bank Dubai, where he the Soviets and rose to become the country`s
first president after the Red Army retreated has partnerships with the international
died aged 93. organizations.
 Sibghatullah Mojaddedi, who commanded a 10. PSL season 4 trophy unveiled in Dubai
mujahideen faction during the decade-long  The HBL Pakistan Super League trophy was
insurgency against the Soviet occupiers, passed unveiled at a crowded press conference at the
away late on February 11, 2019 in a Kabul Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the venue
hospital after a long illness. where the tournament would commence on
 Mojaddedi`s death comes three days before the February 14, 2019 with a glittering opening
30th anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal from ceremony followed by the opening fixture
Afghanistan. between defending champions Islamabad
 The Red Army crossed the Amu Darya river into United and Lahore Qalandars.
Soviet Uzbekistan on February 15, 1989  Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani,
havingsuffered15,000 losses. HBL`s chief marketing officer Naveed Asghar and
 After the withdrawal, Afghanistan`s communist professionals director commercial for Middle
regime collapsed in 1992 and Mojaddedi, who East and Africa Arsalan Saif representing
led the Afghan National Liberation Front, was Swarovski were joined by captains of six
chosen as interim president. He served just two franchises at the trophy launch ceremony.
months under a powersharing deal struck by
mujahideen leaders. These factions later turned
on each other and Afghanistan plunged into civil
war.
9. UNESCO registers Saudi heritage society as
INGO on heritage
 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has registered
the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS)
‘We are our Heritage’ as an international non-
governmental organization on heritage.
 The SHPS becomes the 2nd Saudi non-
governmental organization registered in the
UNESCO and the 1st GCC and Arab organization
in the field of heritage.
 The SHPS seeks to cooperate with the
international organizations on designing and
launching joint programs in the fields of culture
and heritage.
 The society seeks to be an effective and
influential player in the preservation of the Saudi
heritage and awareness of its importance and
national value in accordance with the Kingdom
Vision 2030.
 The UNESCO accreditation is an important step
that enhances the role of the society in achieving
effective participation in the strategic
 Pakistan Navy hosted the CGS research ship “HAI
February 15, 2019 YANG DI ZHI SHI HAO” at Karachi port.
1. ICJ to take up Indian spy Jadhav`s case on 18th  The visit of research ship was materialised after
 As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the meeting of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral
formally commences public hearing on the Zafar Mahmood Abbasi with Vice Minister China
conviction of Indian spy commander Kulbhushan Geological Survey (CGS) Dr Zhong Ziran, in
Jadhav from Feb 18, Pakistan`s delegation for Beijing last year.
oral arguments will depart for The Hague on  During the expedition, CGS ship conducted
February 15, 2019 (today). various Seismic and Oceanographic observations
 Attorney General Anwar Mansoor would lead in the offshore area of Pakistan.
thePakistani delegation whereas Director  Along with Chinese scientists, scientists from
General South Asia Dr Mohammad Faisal would National Institute of Oceanography and Pakistan
lead the Foreign Office side. Navy also participated in the expedition. The
 The world court has set a timetable for public acquired data will be jointly processed by
hearings from Feb 18 to 21 in The Hague and Pakistani and Chinese scientists.
Harish Salve, who represents New Delhi, is 3. Adnan Ghani appointed ZTBL president
expected to argue first on Feb 18. Then English  The federal cabinet has appointed Adnan Ghani
Queen`s Counsel Khawar Qureshi will make as new president/CEO of Zarai Tarqiati Bank
submissions on Feb 19 from Islamabad`s side. Limited (ZTBL).
 Then India will reply on Feb 20 while Islamabad  The federal cabinet, which met under the chair
will make its closing submissions on Feb 21. It is of Prime Minister Imran Khan, considered three
expected that the ICJ decision may be delivered names for the slot of president ZTBL. The three
by the summer of 2019.`We are fully prepared candidates were Adnan Ghani, Shahbaz Jameel
with our strongest evidence being the valid and incumbent acting president/CEO, Sheikh
Indian passport recovered from Commander Aman Ullah. Federal Minister for Information
Jadhav with a Muslim name, said the official, and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain
adding that Pakistan was committed to informed the media that government has
implementing the decision, irrespective of what decided to appoint Adnan Ghani as president
decision came from the ICJ. ZTBL.
 Commander Jadhav was captured in Balochistan  The post of president ZTBL was vacated since
in March 2016 and later confessed to his September 2018. The PTI government had
association with Indian intelligence agency removed the heads of different banks, including
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and his the ZTBL. The government had removed SME
involvement in espionage and fomenting Bank President Ihsanul Haq Khan, First Women
terrorism in Pakistan. Bank President Tahira Raza, Zarai Tarakiati Bank
2. China geological survey ship concludes Pak visit Limited (ZTBL) President Syed Talat Mahmood
 China Geological Survey Research Ship (CGS) and House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC)
“HAI YANG DI ZHI SHI HAO” has concluded visit Managing Director Syed Basit Aly.
of Pakistan for Hydrocarbon research and 4. DG Oil removed from post
geological mapping under the auspices of  The government has removed Director General
Pakistan Navy. Oil, Policy Wing Petroleum Division from his
 The CGS Research Ship undertook this position and appointed another official of the
expedition from Dec 18 to Feb 19. ministry to head the Directorate General oil.
Director General of Directorate General Oil
Abdul Jabbar Memon was replaced with former  NDTV said 40 men were injured. Calling the
DG Special Projects Petroleum Division. attack `despicable and dastardly`, Prime Minister
 Abdul Jabbar Memon was an expert in oil sector Narendra Modi said: `The sacrifices of our brave
and was given the charge of DG oil after then security personnel shall not go in vain.
Director General Oil Azam Khan was removed in  He tweeted: `The entire nation stands shoulder
2015 because of the oil crisis hit the country. The to shoulder with the families of the brave
source said that Abdul Jabbar was posted as martyrs.
Director General Special Projects, said the  The attack significantly comes ahead of the visit
source. to Pakistan and India of Saudi Crown Prince
 Malik Amjad was early working as Director Mohammad bin Salman, apparently putting the
General Special Projects and attained the age of focus on an issue that the visitor might have
superannuation last month. However, Prime been keen to avoid discussing openly.
Minister Imran Khan approved one year 7. South Asia has more troops than other regions:
extension in his service. The Ministry of Energy report
(Petroleum Division) has proposed two years  Between 2006 and 2016, armed forces
extension in the service of Director General personnel as a share of the labour force trended
Special Projects Malik Amjad. downward in every region except South Asia,
5. Justice (r) Aftab Farrukh laid to rest says a US State Department report released on
 Justice (Retired) Aftab Farrukh was laid to rest on February 14, 2018.
February 14, 2019.  In 2006, South Asia had about 2.62 million
 Justice Farrukh had joined the Pakistan personnel in the armed forces, which was 0.18
Movement at a very young age. He was a man of per cent of its total population and 0.43pc of its
high caliber. He had refused to take oath under labour force.
the provisional constitutional order (PCO). He  In 2016, the total strength of armed forces in
received Roll of Honour in sports at the South Asia increased to 3.01 million, remaining
Government College University at a very young at 0.18pc of the region`s population but
age. He passed his law examination in 1952 and increased slightly to 0.44pc of South Asia`s
started practicing law. He became a judge later labour force.
and refused to take oath under the PCO under  The world`s annual value military expenditures,
military ruler General Ziaul Haq in 1981. however, registered an increase of 19 to 38pc
6. 44 Indian security personnel killed in held during this period, from about $1.74-$2.03
Kashmir attack trillion in 2006 to about $1.73$2.82 trillion in
 Over 40 personnel of India`s paramilitary Central 2016, the report shows.
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in a  Thus, the global average of military expenditure
fedayeen-style strike in India-held Jammu and for this 11-year period was between $1.67 and
Kashmir on February 14, 2019. $2.48 trillion.
 Reuters said 44 men were killed as a jeep with  In South Asia, the lowest mean for the 11-year
350kg of explosives rammed a bus in a large period was $53,100 million while the highest was
security convoy at Pulwama in the disputed $198,000 million. In 2016, South Asia spent up to
Himalayan region. $264,000 million on defence, including military
 Indian reports claimed that Jaish-e-Mohammad personnel, services and hardware, which was up
(JeM) group had claimed responsibility for the to 2.5pc of the region`s GDP.
attack, the worst in decades.
 South Asia`s lowest GDP to military expenditure suicide bombing of a Marine Corps base in
percentage for the 2006-2016 period was 1.1pc Beirut, Lebanon, which the US blames on Tehran.
and the highest was 2.5pc. Iran denies involvement in the attack which
8. Pentagon chief assures NATO no unilateral killed more than 300, injuring many more, most
pullout from Afghanistan of whom were US military personnel.
 Washington will not unilaterally withdraw from  The US has argued that Iran’s claims to retrieving
Afghanistan, the Pentagon chief said on its assets based on the Treaty of Amity, were
February 14, 2019, as NATO said the Kabul now void, following the US decision to withdraw.
government must be brought into US peace talks  In an 11-4 majority ruling on Wednesday, the ICJ
with the Taliban to end the country`s 17-year upheld one of five US objections, in this instance
war. to the court’s jurisdiction, based on Iran’s
 Acting defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said assertion of State immunity, but the judges
any decision to reduce the number of US troops unanimously rejected the US argument that
in Afghanistan would be taken in coordination measures freezing Iranian assets fell outside the
with NATO, which runs a training and support scope of the treaty.
mission in the war-torn country. 10. PSL kicks off in Dubai amid glittering musical
 The United States is leading a push for peace ceremony
talks with the Taliban, seeking a breakthrough in  The Pakistan Super League (PSL) festival of
the grinding conflict, with them announcing on cricket commenced on February 14, 2019
Wednesday a fresh round of meetings in evening in a glittering musical opening
Islamabad. ceremony.
 But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg  Thirty-four high drama matches will be played in
warned against anymore delay in involving the the HBL PSL eight in Pakistan including the March
Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani in 17 final with Islamabad United as defending
the process, saying that without it lasting peace champions of the six-team competition. The
would not be possible. other five teams are Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta
9. Top UN court rejects US claim to throw out Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans and
Iranian suit Lahore Qalandars.
 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled  The Dubai stadium was adorned with huge
that it has the jurisdiction to hear part of a case banners of all six franchises with an iconic stage
brought by Iran against the United States, aimed the focus of a capacity crowd as the ceremony
at unfreezing close to $2 billion in Iranian assets opened with the national anthem of Pakistan.
being held there.  Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani
 The Hague-based court’s ruling opens the way welcomed the teams, fans, viewers and all those
for the court to now hear Iran’s case on its who are involved in the staging of the yearly
merits, which news reports suggest, given the carnival of cricket. Ìt gives me great pleasure to
complexity of the case, could take several years. welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the
Iran filed the case in 2016, based on the 1955 HBL Pakistan Super League,` said Mani. Ì wish
Treaty of Amity between the two nations, from the teams the best of luck as they start their
which the US later unilaterally withdrew, in journey towards winning the title.
2018.
 The case revolved around assets seized from the
Iranian national bank, Bank Markazi, which were
taken by the US to compensate victims of a 1983
SingKyu Kwak said at a ceremony held to hand
February 16, 2019 over the equipment at the Islamabad Museum.
1. Saudi crown prince`s visit delayed by day  Pakistan and South Korea have warm cultural
 The arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad relations, which are deep-routed in history.
bin Salman in the federal capital on his first two- Common heritage of Buddhism is of particular
day official visit to Pakistan has been delayed by importance for further cementing cultural and
a day for unknown reasons. religious ties between the two countries, said
 Earlier, the crown prince was due in Islamabad the ambassador.
on February 16, 2019 (today) but, according to 3. India shares with Pakistan data of three
the Foreign Office, a slight change has been hydropower projects
made in his schedule and now he is coming on  After fulfilling its commitment of getting its
Sunday. various hydropower projects at the Chenab
 Islamabad is describing the visit as a `historical basin inspected by Pakistani experts from Jan 28
one` which will help stabilise the crippling to Feb 1, India has shared the design data of its
economy of the country as over $21 billion three planned run of-the-river hydropower
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are schemes with Pakistan under the Indus Water
likely to be inked between Pakistan and Saudi Treaty (IWT).
Arabia during the visit.  Current Federal Secretary of Water Resources:
 Unprecedented security measures are being Khawaja Shumail
taken for the visit of the crown prince as twin  A few days ago, the Indian authorities shared the
cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be sealed data with its Pakistani counterparts about Balti
for two days (on February 17, 2019 and February Kalan, Kalaroos and Tamasha hydropower
18, 2019) and mobile service will remain projects which are planned to be constructed at
suspended there. Balti Kalan Nullah and Kalaroos Nullah at the
2. Korea gives equipment for conservation of Jhelum basin and Tamasha, a sub-tributary of
artefacts the Indus river, respectively.
 The embassy of the Republic of Korea on  Ìt is an important development that India has
February 15, 2019 gave the Department of shared data of three projects it plans to
Archaeology and Museums $50,000 worth of construct in near future.
equipment for conservation, preservation and  A three-member delegation of Pakistani experts
treatment of artefacts. returned home on Feb1 after inspecting various
 These included stereo-microscope, hydropower projects at the Chenab basin in
humidity/environment control equipment, racks India. The delegation during its visit inspected
for storing antiquity and ultrasonic cleaners to the projects under the Indus Water Treaty on the
clean metal objects and plant to produce invitation of New Delhi-based office of the Indian
distilled water. commissioner for Indus waters. The projects
 `The equipment will surely be instrumental in inspected by Pakistaniexpertsincluded1,000MW
promoting the country`s capacity to conserve its Pakal Dul, 48MW Lower Kalnai, 850MW Ratlay
cultural heritage to the inter-national level. The and 900MW Baglihar dam.
project has been administrated jointly by the 4. Govt pays $5.4bn in debt servicing
Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, Korea  The country`s external debt servicing has
Cultural Heritage Foundation and the increased significantly in the first two quarters of
Department of Archaeology and Museums, the current fiscal year, reaching $5.367 billion at
Pakistan, with the common aim,` Ambassador the end of Dec 2018.
 The State Bank reported on Friday that external  They succumbed to war and its effects, among
debt servicing has been rising sharply compared them hunger, damage to hospitals and
to the last fiscal year. infrastructure, a lack of access to health care and
 The second quarter debt servicing was equal to sanitation and the denialof aid.
71.6 per cent of the total debt servicing  It said children face the threat of being killed or
($7.49bn) witnessed in FY18. maimed, recruited by armed groups, abducted
 The external front of the economy has been or falling victim to sexual violence.
facing difficulties despite frequent borrowing  Àlmost one in five children are living in areas
from friendly countries. Saudi Arabia has impacted by conflict more than at any time in the
remitted $3bn as per agreement with the past two decades,` said the charity`s CEO Helle
country while $1bn also landed into the account Thorning-Schmidt in a statement
of State Bank from the United Arab Emirates. 7. US may trim Afghan contingent by 1,000 troops
 During Jan 18 to Feb 8, foreign exchange  Even before any peace push-related drawdowns,
reserves of the State Bank increased by the US military is expected to trim troop levels in
$1.569bn to $8.205bn. Afghanistan as part of an efficiency drive by the
 However, increased debt servicing could new commander, a US general said on Friday,
minimise the impact of inflows. estimating the cuts may exceed 1,000 forces.
5. India vows to diplomatically isolate Pakistan  Current head of the US military`s Central
 With tensions between Pakistan and India Command: Army General Joseph Votel
increasing in the aftermath of a deadly suicide  US President Donald Trump told Congress this
attack in India-held Kashmir despite Islamabad`s month he intended to reduce US forces from
rejection of insinuations about its involvement in Afghanistan as negotiators make progress in
it, New Delhi called back High Commissioner Ajay talks with Taliban insurgents, saying: `Great
Bisaria for consultations and thet wo countries nations do not fight endless wars.
summoned each other`s diplomats to lodge their  Army General Joseph Votel, the head of the US
protests. military`s Central Command, said the decision to
 India also announced measures to diplomatically reduce some of the roughly 14,000 American
isolate Pakistan and said it had decided to forces in Afghanistan was not linked to those
withdraw the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) peace efforts, however.
status granted to Islamabad. 8. Trump declares national emergency to build
 Both Pakistan`s FO and Indian External Affairs Mexico wall
Ministry held briefings for the P-5 countries on  US President Donald Trump signed an executive
the developing situation after the attack. P-5 order on February 15, 2019, declaring a national
refers to the five permanent members of the UN emergency to bypass Congress and appropriate
Security Council. $8 billion he needs to build his long desired wall
6. War kills more than 100,000 babies a year, says along the US-Mexico border.
Save the Children  Current White House Press Secretary: Sarah
 At least 100,000 babies die every year because Sanders
of armed conflict and its impact, from hunger to  Ì am going to be signing a national emergency,`
denial of aid, Save the Children International said Mr Trump said in a long-rambling speech from
on Friday. the White House Rose Garden minutes before
 In the 10 worst-hit countries, a conservative signing the emergency order.
estimate of 550,000 inf ants died as a result of
fighting between 2013 and 2017.
 `We`re talking about an invasion of our country  After restricting Peshawar to 155-4, Quetta
with drugs, with human traf fickers,` he said reached the target on the back of an undefeated
while explaining why America needs the wall. half-century by Umar Akmal on his debut for
 Soon after Mr Trump finished his speech, White them after spending the previous three years
House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a with Lahore Qalandars.
picture with the caption: `President Trump signs  The long-discarded Pakistan right-hander
the Declaration for a National Emergency to anchored his new franchise to 161-4 in 19.4
address the national security and humanitarian overs after the first-ball dismissal of Ahmed
crisis at the Southern Border. The declaration is Shehzad. The winning stroke came in the shape
likely to be challenged in the courts as well as in of a huge six off Kieron Pollard.
the US Congress where the Democratic Party,  His 50-ball man-of-thematch knock of 75 also
which holds a commanding majority in the featured two more sixes and seven fours.
House of Representatives, is likely to lead the
fight.
9. Flood water runoff could harm Barrier Reef, say
scientists
 Runoff from recent floods in northern Australia
is flowing onto parts of the Barrier Reef,
scientists said on February 15, 2019, starving
coral of light and providing fodder for the
predatory crown-of-thorns starfish.
 Parts of northern Queensland are still reeling
after nearly two weeks of unprecedented rainfall
that turned roads into rivers and inundated
hundreds of homes with floodwater. Scientists at
James Cook University say the floods swelled a
number of rivers along hundreds of kilometres of
coastline, spilling sediment onto the reef which
has reduced water quality and much-needed
sunlight.
 “Coral reef and sea grass need light to maintain
their growth and health,” researcher Jane
Waterhouse from James Cook University said.
 Calm weather following the extended period of
rain means the murky water is yet to disperse.
10. Umar Akmal stars in Quetta`s win over
Peshawar
 Quetta Gladiators put up an efficient team
performance to open their HBL Pakistan Super
League campaign with a six wicket win over
former champions Peshawar Zalmi at the Dubai
International Cricket Stadium on February 15,
2019 night.
 Pakistan has been playing an increasingly vital
February 17, 2019 role in Afghan peace talks, which have been
1. Pakistan asks India to share evidence, pledges gathering momentum in recent months amid a
cooperation growing US desire to pull out its troops.
 Pakistan on February 16, 2019 warned the  Along with other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia has
international community that India could resort been part of the peace negotiations and is seen
to military adventurism in the aftermath of the to have some sway over the Afghan Taliban due
Pulwama attack and asked the neighbouring to Riyadh`s historical ties with the Islamist group
country to investigate the attack before passing and the kingdom`s religious clout as the
on the blame and share àctionable evidence` so birthplace of Islam.
that the matter could be pursued.  The crown prince was likely to meet Afghan
 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he Taliban representatives in Islamabad, where the
had told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov group says it`s to meet US representatives and
and other foreign ministers, whom he met on Prime Minister Imran Khan.
the sidelines of Munich Security Conference,  `Though it is top secret so far, there are strong
that the Indian government could undertake indications representatives of the Afghan
some misadventure to capitalise on the Taliban will meet Prince Salman during their visit
outpouring of grief and anger over the Pulwama of Pakistan on February 18,` one of the Pakistani
incident in which 44 Indian security personnel officials said.
were killed. 3. Saudi Arabia reduces visa fees for Pakistanis
 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had two  The Saudi embassy in Islamabad on February 16,
options: either to exploit the situation to his own 2019 announced a significant reduction in visa
advantage in view of the upcoming general fees for Pakistanis.
elections or to act like a statesman who has  A request for reducing non-pilgrimage visa fees
vision for the betterment of his country and the was made by the Pakistan government to Saudi
region. Òne is to act like a typical politician and authorities a few days ago.
stage his reactions and policy while keeping an  The embassy said the implementation on the
eye on the next election. Alternatively, he has new fee structure was already started from
the option of being a statesman who thinks Friday (Feb 15).
about his region, his country`s poverty, the  The fee for a single-entry visit visa had been
betterment of his country, as well as regional reduced from 2,000 to 338 Saudi riyals. In dollar
betterment. terms, this is equal to a reduction from $533 to
 While assuring of Pakistan`s cooperation on the $90.
matter, the foreign minister asked India to probe  The fee for multiple-entry visit visa has also been
the incident and share àctionable evidence` so slashed from 3,000 to 675 Saudi riyals, which in
that the matter could be pursued accordingly. dollar terms, amounts to a reduction from $800
2. Afghan Taliban may meet Saudi crown prince to $180.
 Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammad bin 4. Akhtar Langove named Balochistan PAC
Salman is likely to meet Afghan Taliban chairman
representatives during his visit to Pakistan  Members of the Balochistan Assembly both from
starting on February 17, 2019, government opposition and treasury benches on February 16,
sources said, part of efforts to broker an end to 2019 unanimously nominated Akhtar Hussain
Afghanistan`s 17-year-old war. Langove of the Balochistan National Party-
Mengal (BNP-M) as chairman of the Public used to broaden the Jammu highway where the
Accounts Committee (PAC). attack occurred.
 Ten members from the parties in the ruling  The newspaper also noted that India`s options
coalition and seven from the opposition will be for putting diplomatic pressure on Pakistan were
inducted in the standing committees of the limited, so were its options for a military
provincial assembly. The government and response.
opposition had unanimously finalised the  `Pakistan is largely shielded by its alliance with
standing committees and decided to appoint Mr China, which has used its veto power at the
Langove as PAC chairman. United Nations Security Council to protect it,`
 The BNP-M and other opposition parties will said the NYT report while explaining why India
chair committees of Public Health Engineering, did not have too many options for diplomatically
Communication and Works, Irrigation and Social isolating Pakistan.
Welfare and Agriculture departments. 7. India`s fastest train breaks down a day after its
5. FIA arrest FPSC Officers for CSS 2019 Papers launch
Leakage  India`s first semi-high speed train broke down on
 Khalid Hussain Mughairi, Assistant Director / In February 16, 2019 after colliding with a cow on
charge, Federal Public Service Commission the tracks, a day after Prime Minister Narendra
(FPSC) Balochistan was arrested by FIA Modi inaugurated the new passenger service.
Balochistan February 16, 2018.  The Vande Bharat Express, touted as India`s
 He was allegedly involvement in the leakage of fastest train and built under the Modi
CSS papers. An FIR against the accused was government`s flagship `Make in India`
lodged by FIA Lahore while FIA Balochistan programme, made its first journey Friday from
obtained his four-day transit remand. New Delhi to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi.
6. Pulwama explosives obtained locally, says  But on its return to the capital the next day a
Indian commander collision with a cow disrupted electricity supply
 Ìt is not possible to bring such massive amounts to four carriages and damaged the brake system,
of explosives by infiltrating the border, says an according to Indian Railways.
Indian military commander, Lt Gen D.S. Hooda.  The train later experienced technical issues and
 India blames Pakistan for February 14, 2019`s was stranded on the wayto Delhi.
suicide bombing in Pulwama that killed over 40  The train reached the capital `safely` ahead of its
soldiers in India-held Kashmir. Pakistan has first commercial journey on Sunday, she added.
strongly rejected the Indian claim, urging New  Cattle obstructions on roads and rail tracks are
Delhi to avoid such `sad and baseless knee-jerk common in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh
reactions`. state where Saturday`s collision happened.
 The Indian media reported that the suicide car- 8. UK and Russia hold first talks in over a year
bomber Aadil Ahmad Dar used more than 750  Junior foreign ministers from Britain and Russia
pounds of explosives against the military convoy met in Germany on February 16, 2019 in the
he targeted. highest-level contact between the two countries
 Gen Hooda, who commanded the Indian army`s since an alleged nerve agent attack in Britain last
Northern Command during a similar crisis in March froze diplomatic relations.
September 2016, told The New York Times on  Britain`s Minister for Europe Alan Duncan held
February 16, 2019 that `the material may have talks with Russia`s First Deputy Foreign Minister
been taken from stashes of explosives` being Vladimir on the margins of the Munich Security
Conference, according to the foreign office in bowler Ali Shafiq made a fine debut in the
London. competition with a brilliant spell of 2-11) that
 Àlan underlined that we have deep differences, fetched him the man-of-the-match award, while
and the Russian state would need to choose a the evergreen Afridi (2-18) and Junaid Khan (2-
different path and act as a responsible 33) combined to curtail Islamabad to 125-7 in
international partner before there can be a their 20 overs after Malik opted to field first.The
change in our current relationship with Russia,` only notable contribution for the champions was
it said in a statement. Duncan added his own provided by opener Luke Ronchi, who slammed
reaction on Twitter, alongside a photo of the 55 from 33 deliveries with five sixes and a four in
pair. an otherwise insipid batting effort.
 `While we remain open to a different  But Multan then found the going tough before
relationship with Russia, we will continue to Malik calmed their dugout by taking the
stand with our allies and partners in expecting responsibility upon himself to see his team over
Russia to play its full part in upholding the rules- the line in the company of Afridi.
based international system,` he said.  The skipper scored an undefeated 31 with his 29-
9. Shaheen, Haris lead Lahore to win over Karachi ball knock featuring two sixes. But Malik had to
 Lahore Qalandars, inspired by hostile bowling of rely on Afridi when 14 runs were required from
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, won the the final two overs. The former Pakistan stalwart
crucial clash against Karachi Kings in the HBL didn`t disappoint the Multan fans as he finished
Pakistan Super League at the Dubai International off Islamabad with a brace of consecutive sixes
Cricket Stadium on February 16, 2019 night. against the left-arm paceman Waqas Maqsood.
 Not even a brief rain interruption could prevent
Lahore from chalking up a thoroughly-deserved
first win by a handsome margin of 22 runs by T20
standards after losing to holders Islamabad
United on opening night of the fourth season of
the league on Thursday.
 Chasing 139 on a sluggish pitch, Karachi were
sent packing for 116 in 19.5 overs after reaching
90-3 from 15.2 overs when rain began. But upon
resumption Lahore were all over their old foes as
seven wickets tumbled without a trace.
 Shaheen was magnificent upfront. First he got
rid of the dangerous Liam Livingstone by
uprooting his middle stump and then returned in
middle overs to remove Colin Ingram.
10. Veterans Malik, Afridi unite to sink champions
 Multan Sultans needed the experienced hands of
their skipper Shoaib Malik and retired Pakistan
star Shahid Afridi to chalk up a nervy fivewicket
victory over HBL Pakistan Super League holders
in Dubai on February 16, 2019.
 In a low-scoring afternoon fixture at the Dubai
International Cricket Stadium, 22-year-old pace
 The first meeting of the SCC would be held
February 18, 2019 during the Saudi crown prince`s stay in the
1. Saudi Crown Prince accorded rousing reception country.
 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman 3. Four FC men martyred in Panjgur attack
arrived here on February 17, 2019 on his first  Four personnel of Frontier Corps were martyred
official visit to Pakistan as the heir to the throne in an attack in Panjgur district of Makran division
amid high security. on February 17, 2019.
 Seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs)  Unidentified armed men opened fire on FC
envisaging over $20 billion of Saudi investment personnel during the change of shifts at two
were signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia check-posts located in a mountainous area on
in different fields at a ceremony soon after his the outskirts of Panjgur town.
arrival in the federal capital.  Attackers took away weapons of the FC men.
 The issues of immigration clearance of Haj  Soon after receiving information about the
pilgrims, over 2.5 million overseas Pakistanis in attack security forces rushed to the scenes of the
Saudi Arabia and over 3,000 Pakistani prisoners occurrences.
in Saudi jails were also discussed and the crown  They shifted the bodies to the hospital and
prince assured Prime Minister Imran Khan, launched a search operation in the area to arrest
during a reception at PM House, that he would the attackers.
do his best to address these problems.  The deceased were identified as Lance Naik
 Prime Minister Khan held aone-on-one meeting Abdul Rehman, Sepoy Nasibullah, Sepoy Noman
with Prince Mohammad followed by the and Haq Nawaz.
inaugural session of the Supreme Coordination 4. JeM remains a banned entity since 2002:
Council (SCC), a body to boost bilateral Pakistan
cooperation in different fields. The meeting was  The Foreign Office has said that Jaish-e-
co-chaired by the prime minister and the crown Mohammad (JeM) remains a proscribed entity in
prince. Pakistan since 2002 and the country is
 Later, a reception was hosted in the honour of implementing its obligations on sanctions.
the crown princeat PM House.  FO spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal, in a
 According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan`s statement in response to claims made by the
highest civil award, Nishan-i-Pakistan, will be Indian external affairs ministry on Feb 15 about
conferred on the crown prince at an investiture Pakistan foreign secretary`s briefingto
ceremony at the Presidency on February 18, diplomatic corps, said Pakistan had rejected
2019. Indian allegations because these were made
2. Supreme Coordination Council set up within a short time following the attack in
 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Pulwama and without carrying out any
February 17, 2019 said that visa relaxation investigation.
announced by the government for Saudi  `These knee-jerk and pre-conceived accusations
businessmen would boost economic activities in were nevertheless consistent with well-
Pakistan. rehearsed tactics from Indian playbool( after
 The minister said a high-powered Supreme such incidents in the past,` Dr Faisal said. As for
Coordination Council (SCC) had been established Indian assertion about `JeM`s claims of
to boost political, diplomatic and trade ties responsibility` and `video of the attacker`, he
between the two countries. questioned the selective and self-serving
standards that India adhered toin this respect.
 Pointing out a clear dichotomy in Indian position, 6. Saudi Arabia signs warship deal with French
the FO spokesperson said: Òn one hand, India firm
accepted the unverified social media content as  Saudi Arabia signed a preliminary agreement on
gold standard. In contrast, India chose denial February 17, 2019 with France`s Naval Group to
when confronted with voluntary confessions and build warships in the kingdom, as part of its
acceptanceof responsibility by its serving naval efforts to develop domestic manufacturing
commander Kulbhushan] Jadhav for capabilities.
perpetrating terrorist violence in Pakistan.  Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the
5. FATF group to review Pakistan`s performance kingdom`s state defence company, made the
today (February 18, 2019) announcement at the IDEX military exhibition in
 A four-member Pakistani delegation will be Abu Dhabi, a show piece event for Saudi Arabia`s
witnessing on February 18, 2019 a review in Paris close ally the United Arab Emirates.
of its performance by an expert group of the  Saudi Arabia, among the top five defence
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on its spenders in the world, has been fighting a costly
compliance with global guidelines against terror war in Yemen since 2015 in support of the
financing and money laundering. internationally recognised government against
 The Pakistani delegation is led by Finance the armed Houthi movement.
Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan  The latest agreement includes building warships,
 The Asia-Pacific Group (APG), an associate firm frigates, corvettes and related items in Saudi
of the Paris-based FATF, will present Pakistan`s Arabia through a majority SAMI-owned joint
report and responses to queries it was asked last venture with the French firm.
month to the International Country Risk Guide 7. Iran launches sub capable of firing `cruise
(ICRG) Political Risk Services(PRS) group. The missile`
FATF plenary and its various group meetings will  Iran on February 17, 2019 launched a new
be held from Feb 18 to 22. locally-made submarine capable of firing cruise
 `Pakistan is not a member of the ICRG-PRS group missiles, state TV said, in the country`s latest
and hence it will not formally participate in the show of military might at a time of heightened
meeting,` a senior government official said, tensions with the US.
explaining that the APG was taking the Pakistani  The launch ceremony, led by President Hassan
delegation along to be present on the sidelines Rouhani, took place in the southern port city of
for any input if required on the spot. The APG Bandar Abbas.
and the Pakistani team had a preliminary session  `Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully self-
on Sunday to review Pakistan`s updates. reliant on land, air and sea,` Rouhani said.
 The Pakistani delegation is led by Finance  Named the Fateh (Farsi for `Conqueror`), Fars
Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan and comprises the news agency said the new submarine is Iran`s
director general of the Financial Monitoring Unit first in the semi heavy category, filling a gap
(FMU), a director of the foreign affairs ministry between the light Ghadir class and the heavy Kilo
and a legal expert. The delegation would class submarines that the country possesses.
separately engage with members of the FATF 8. Indian group walks away from PSL deal
and ICRG for diplomatic efforts to counter Indian  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on
moves to tarnish Pakistan`s image by February 17, 2019 that IMG Reliance had refused
propagating allegations of its involvement in the to telecast matches of the HBL Pakistan Super
recent killing of its paramilitary personnel in League from February 18, 2019 onwards.
India-held Kashmir.
 The announcement of the new broadcast incisive bowling of Sohail Tanvir and Fawad
partner is likely to be made on February 18, 2019 Ahmed and the belligerence from the bats of
following the signing of a fresh agreement. Shane Watson and Umar Akmal.
 `We have been informed by IMG Reliance that
they will be unable to partner with us for the
remaining PSL season 4 games and PCB has
reserved all its rights. The PCB always had a
contingency plan in place and we are confident
we will be in a position to announce the new
partner on Monday after the completion of
formalities,` Wasim Khan, the PCB`s managing
director, said in a statement.
 The PCB has also noted the recent turn of events
and expresses its extreme disappointment as we
have always believed and emphasised that
sports and politics should be kept apart.
 History tells us that sports, particularly cricket,
have always played a key role in building bridges
between people and countries.
9. Hasan, Wahab in devastating form as Peshawar
rout Lahore
 It was a one-way traffic in the HBL Pakistan Super
League on February 17, 2019 night as Hasan Ali
and Wahab Riaz combined to help Peshawar
Zalmi steamroll Lahore Qalandars by seven
wickets at the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium.
 A.B. de Villiers, the retired South African legend,
must have wished for a happier ending rather
than a crushing defeat on his 37th birthday.
 Leading the side in the absence of injured
Mohammad Hafeez, de Villiers just watched
helplessly as Lahore were blown away inside 16
overs for only 78 the second lowest total in PSL
history after their own 59 last year, also against
Peshawar.
10. Watson, bowlers star as Quetta drub Islamabad
 Quetta Gladiators put another clinical
performance to early pace in the HBL Pakistan
Super League by cruising to a seven-wicket win
over defending champions Islamabad United in
Dubai on February 17, 2019.
 Quetta`s second straight triumph at the Dubai
International Cricket Stadium was set up by
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and
February 20, 2019 the World Food Programme (WFP) in Islamabad.
1. Pakistan ready to discuss terrorism with India  Out of the total $10.6m, $3.5m will be used for
 Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 19, 2019 early identification and treatment of 155,000
renewed call for dialogue with India over acutely malnourished mothers and children in
terrorism and other contentious issues and his Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including families who
government`s offer for cooperation in the have been displaced from Afghanistan and
Pulwama attack investigation. vulnerable host populations. `WFP is extremely
 However, the Prime Minister also asked India to grateful for the continued partnership and
review its policy on Kashmir that had failed to generosity of the Japanese government in
work till this day and introspect why the youth in providing emergency life-saving nutritional
the India-held valley had reached a stage where support for malnourished mothers and children.
they didn`t fear death any more. We are proud to be working together to support
 Mr Khan expressed these views in a nearly six- some of Pakistan`s most vulnerable families,`
minute-long televised policy statement on the said WFP representative Finbarr Curran.
situation arising out of last week`s attack in the  The Japanese contribution also includes $3.55m
Pulwama area of India held Kashmir that left 44 towards the UNDP`s `Stabilisation through
personnel of Central Reserve Police Force dead. Inclusive Livelihoods` initiative in the tribal
It was one of the deadliest attacks in the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is being
occupied valley in nearly two decades after implemented in close collaboration with the
which recldess statements by the Indian Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the
government and political leaders as well as erstwhile Fata secretariat.
media created war hysteria in India. 3. Pakistan asks UN to help de-escalate tension
 The prime minister said India was stuck in the with India
past and regretted that instead of agreeing to  Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on
dialogue `Pakistan has been made the whipping February 19, 2019 wrote a letter to UN Secretary
boy`. He hoped that despite the apparent General Antonio Guterres drawing his attention
escalation better sense would prevail and India to the deteriorating security situation in the
would agree to resolve the issue through region resulting from the Indian threat of use of
dialogue. force against Pakistan.
 Recalling Indian refusal to return to talks, PM  The appeal came a day after Islamabad
Khan said: `Whenever we ask India to start a requested Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin
bilateral dialogue, it always lays a precondition Salman to represent Pakistan`s point of view
of discussing terrorism. over the Kashmir issue during his visit to India.
2. Japan to provide $10.6m grant for fight against  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should
malnutrition avoid putting regional peace at stake for political
 The Japanese government announced on point-scoring in the upcoming Indian elections
February 19, 2019 a grant assistance of $10.6 without first investigating the attack on security
million for Pakistan to fight malnutrition, forces in the Pulwama area of occupied Kashmir.
improve livelihood and increase resilience to 4. Pak Navy opens ROPME Sea Area Hydrographic
natural disasters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh Commission meeting
and Balochistan.  Three days 8th ROPME Sea Area Hydrographic
 The latest assistance is part of a partnership that Commission (RSAHC) meeting being hosted by
the Japanese government signed with the United Pakistan Navy was inaugurated by Vice Chief of
Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat as never be used for what was never about
chief guest. counselor access, but rather political point
 Representatives of member states and scoring. In what he termed India`s àll or nothing`
International Hydrographic Organisation as well strategy, Pakistan`s top legal eagle maintained
as Pakistan’s MoD and MoPDR attended the burden of proof on India had still not been
inaugural session. Rear Admiral (Retd) Mustafa disposed of.
Iptes, Director International Hydrographic  It was ironic, how yesterday was a `wasted
Organisation was also present during the opportunity` for India, as it failed to answer key
ceremony. questions, given that it had pleaded for a second
5. UN offers help in defusing Pakistan-India round of hearing, he said. Òutrageous, offensive
tensions position to adopt` by not deeming it necessary to
 Expressing deep concern àt the increase in respond in the very least.
tensions between India and Pakistan`, UN 7. US states sue Trump over border wall
Secretary General Antonio Guterres has asked emergency
both sides to exercise maximum restraint and  Sixteen US states sued President Donald Trump`s
offered his `good offices` to ease the crisis. administration over his decision to declare a
 `The secretary general stresses the importance national emergency to fund a wall on the
for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and southern border with Mexico, saying the move
take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions. violated the constitution.
His good offices are available if accepted by both  Trump announced the emergency on Friday in
sides,` said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for order to bypass Congress, which approved only
the UN secretary general, while responding to a a quarter of the $5.6 billion he wanted for the
question at a media briefing. wall in a spending bill.
 Pakistan has accepted such offers by the UN  But the lawsuit, filed in a federal court in
chief in the past, but India has been reluctant to California, said the president`s order was
involve the world body in an issue that it terms a contrary to the constitution`s presentment and
bilateral dispute. appropriations clauses, which outline legislative
6. ICJ asked to dismiss India`s plea seeking spy`s procedures and define Congress as the final
acquittal arbiter of public funds, respectively.
 `We have caught you,` a fervent Khawar Qureshi 8. France, Germany float idea of EU council veto
said as he warned India that it could no longer  France and Germany on February 19, 2019
dismiss or `play fast and loose with the truth` on suggested giving the European Council, which
February 19, 2019, the second day of the four- includes member states’ leaders, the right to
day hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the override the decisions of the European
Peace Palace. Commission on competition in some situations,
 In what is to be unprecedented, Khawar Qureshi to boost the European companies’ ability to
Queen`s Counsel invited the International Court compete internationally.
of Justice (ICJ) to declare India`s application  “We must continue to argue for a fairer and
inadmissible. Ì appreciate that this is the first more effective global level playing field, but in
time it will happen, quipped Qureshi, but based the meantime, we need to ensure our
on India crossing all `red lines for conduct` and companies can actually grow and compete. This
manifesting àbuse of rights, lack of good faith, entails changes to existing European
illegality, lack of clean hands and competition rules. France and Germany suggest
misrepresentation` the top UN court should examining different options… Consider whether
a right of appeal of the Council which could he `was tired` Lagerfeld left many younger
ultimately override Commission decisions could creators in the dust well into his 80s, turning out
be appropriate in well-defined cases, subject to collections season after season for Fendi and his
strict conditions.” the manifesto, published by own label, as well as Chanel the world`s richest
the German finance ministry, read. brand. With his powdered white pony tail, black
9. New map of universe shows 300,000 more sunglasses and starched high-collared white
galaxies shirts, Lagerfeld was as instantly recognisable as
 The known universe just got a lot bigger. A new his celebrity clients.
map of the night sky published on February 19,
2019 charts hundreds of thousands of previously
unknown galaxies discovered using a telescope
that can detect light sources optical instruments
cannot see.
 The international team behind the
unprecedented space survey said their discovery
literally shed new light on some of the universe`s
deepest secrets, including the physics of black
holes and how clusters of galaxies evolve.
 `This is a new window on the universe,` said Cyril
Tasse, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory
who was involved in the project.
 `When we saw the first images we were like:
`What is this?!` It didn`t look anything at all like
what we are used to seeing.
 More than 200 astronomers from 18 countries
were involved in the study, which used radio
astronomy to look at a segment of sky over the
northern hemisphere, and found 300,000
previously unseen light sources thought to be
distant galaxies.
10. Iconic fashion designer Lagerfeld dies
 The fashion world was plunged into mourning on
February 19, 2019 by the death of legendary
designer Karl Lagerfeld, the rapier-witted dandy
who ruled over the industry for half a century.
 Chanel, the iconic French fashion house he led
for nearly four decades, confirmed his passing at
the age of 85, prompting an unprecedented
outpouring of emotion from designers and
celebrities.
 Speculation about the state of health of the man
they called the `Kaiser` had been rife since he
missed Chanel`s Paris haute couture week show
last month, with the world`s richest brand saying
and targeting of Kashmiri students in India after
February 21, 2019 the Pulwama attack`.
1. NAB arrests Sindh Assembly speaker on graft  The resolution `stresses that India`s smear
charges campaign should not delude and obscure the
 The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on real issues of the human rights nightmare and
February 20, 2019 arrested Sindh Assembly humanitarian emergency prevalent in IoK due to
Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani in connection with the Indian atrocities`.
corruption allegations.  The NA èmphasises that no one should
 According to NAB officials, Mr Durrani faces an underestimate Pakistan`s resolve to defend itself
inquiry for accumulating assets beyond his against any act of aggression`.
known sources of income as well as allegations 3. India suspends bus service to AJK
that he had embezzled public funds.  India halted a key bus service with Azad Jammu
 The Sindh Assembly speaker was reportedly and Kashmir, cutting the only land route linking
arrested at a hotel in the capital. He was in the the divided Himalayan region, Pakistani and
hotel for over two days and did not go out. NAB Indian officials said on February 20, 2019.
officials were waiting outside the hotel to arrest  Indian authorities suspended the bus service this
him. According to a spokesman for the anti- week without explanation.
corruption watchdog, the Karachi NAB  The development comes amid escalated
collaborated with the Rawalpindi NAB and tensions between the two countries in the wake
intelligence wing of the NAB headquarters to of last week`s deadly suicide bombing in India-
ensure his arrest. held Kashmir against paramilitary troops. Over
2. Unanimous NA resolution against India passed 40 Indian soldiers were killed in February 14,
 The NA unanimously passed the resolution, 2019`sattack,whichNew Delhi blamed on
stating that `this House strongly rejects the Islamabad.
baseless Indian allegations seeking to link the  Pakistan condemned the attack and cautioned
attack on the convoy of Central Reserve Police India against linking it to the bombing without an
Force in Pulwama, Indian occupied Jammu and investigation.
Kashmir (IoK) to Pakistan without investigation  An Indian official confirmed the bus service was
and any shared of evidence`. halted on Monday. He spoke on condition of
 The house `condemns Indian kneejerk reaction anonymity because he was not authorised to talk
where instead of introspection on its repressive to reporters.
policies against the people of IoK denying their 4. India alters demand from Jadhav`s acquittal to
right of self-determination, India has again retrial in civilian court
sought to shift the blame to Pakistan through  Senior lawyer Harish Salve representing India in
baseless polemic and provocative rhetoric`. the Kulbhushan Jadhav case before the
 The NA `recalls the statements by heads of all International Court of Justice replied to
political parties and the prime minister`s Pakistan`s submissions on February 20, 2019, the
statement of 19 February 2019, offering third day of the four-day hearing, at the Peace
Pakistan`s assistance to India in investigations of Palace in The Hague, seat of the Court.
this attack and to take action on actionable  India`s reply, which was afforded one and a half
intelligence or evidence`. hours by the principal judicial organ of the UN,
 The house also `strongly denounces the commenced with taking a strong exception to
continuing reprisal attacks on Kashmiris in IoK the `scathing attack` made on India by Pakistan
on Tuesday. The transcript peppered with words
such as `shameless` (used five times), friends to talk out their differences, including
`disgraceful` (used four times) and `nonsense` their problems with terrorism.
(used five times) ought to be taken a notice of,  While the visiting Saudi Crown Prince
argued a solemn Salve. He admonished Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Indian Prime
Pakistan`s counsel for hammering the proverbial Minister Narendra Modi appeared before the
table, as the saying goes Ìf the facts are against media and denounced terrorism in general
you, hammer the law. If the law is against you, terms.
hammer the facts. If the fact and the law are  The Indian account of the incident was at
against you, hammer the table. variance with what the delegation had heard
 Queen`s Counsel Khawar Qureshi representing from the Pakistani side in Islamabad.
Pakistan took this correspondent aside later and  Ìn Pakistan, they told us they have nothing to do
inquired `have you heardany explanation by with the incident, and they do not control those
Salve by way of response to any of the points elements.
we`ve raised yesterday?` It was for a second time 7. Germany launches push to halve food waste by
during the course of these hearings that India`s 2030
lawyer branded Pakistan`s queries  Germany launched a drive on February 20, 2019
ìnappropriate and irrelevant` and an ìnternal to halve food waste by 2030 as research shows
matter` of India. He did, however, for the first every consumer on average throws away 55
time talk about the demand from Pakistan to kilogrammes (120 pounds) of edibles a year.
prove Kulbhushan Jadhav`s Indian nationality  The new strategy would target households,
before consular access could be granted. producers, retailers and the restaurant industry
5. Would be wonderful if India, Pakistan get along, to get them to cut down the 11 million tons of
says Trump food wasted a year.
 US President Donald Trump has said that it  The new push would aim to help Germany meet
would be wonderful if Islamabad and New Delhi UN and EU targets and reduce its climate
got along instead of once again facing a `horrible footprint.
situation` triggered by the recent suicide attack  New research will look to develop “intelligent
in India occupied Kashmir. packaging” that could use a colour gradient to
 At a separate news briefing, the US State indicate whether food is still edible or past its
Department urged Pakistan and India to avoid use-by date.
further escalation. 8. China says it will engage with India on JeM
 Ì have seen it. I have watched. We will have a leader issue
comment at the appropriate time,` said  Following the latest escalation of tensions
President Trump in reply to a question on the between Pakistan and India, China on February
consequences of the Pulwama attack. Ìt would 20, 2019 called for restraint and said it would
be wonderful if they [Pakistan and India] got engage with India on the issue of listing of Jaish-
along. e-Mohammad leader Maulana Masood Azhar as
 At a White House news briefing, the US president a global terrorist by the United Nations.
had said he had received à lot of reports` on the  `China hopes that Pakistan and India can exercise
attack and its impact. restraint, engage in dialogues and realise an
6. Saudis pitch for Pakistan-India de-escalation early `soft landing` of this issue,` Chinese Foreign
 Saudi Arabia on February 20, 2019 urged India Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said ahead of
and Pakistan to deescalate their tensions as it the next week`s trilateral foreign ministers`
threatens world peace, and encouraged both its meeting between China, India and Russia.
 Since last week`s Pulwama attack, India has  It was final New Zealand outing before the
stepped up efforts for listing of JeM chief Cricket World Cup and players were desperate to
Masood Azhar by the UN. impress coach Gary Stead even though the
 The JeM claimed the Pulwama attack on Central fixture was a dead rubber.
Police Reserve Force bus in which 44 security  Paceman Tim Southee, overlooked in New
personnel were killed. China, it should be Zealand`s past six ODIs, took six for 65 to
recalled, has been maintaining a technical hold guarantee himself almost certainly a berth at the
on Azhar`s listing. tournament.
9. Clinical Gladiators whip Sultans for third win
 The Quetta Gladiators` fairytale run in the HBL
Pakistan Super League continued on February
20, 2019 with another rollercoaster
performance as they thumped Multan Sultans by
eight wickets in the opening game of the second
leg at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
 Having cruised to easy wins in the first leg against
Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, the two
sides which contested the final in Karachi last
year, Gladiators were just too powerful for the
Sultans. The latter managed 160-9 after Sarfraz
Ahmed made a hattrick of winning the toss and
opdngforthechase.
 Shane Watson and Rilee Rossouw both crossed
60s against a depleted Sultans bowling, which
was crippledby a hamstring injury to emerging
seamer Ali Shafiq early in the innings before the
Gladiators romped home to a third successive
win.
10. Southee, Taylor help NZ whitewash Bangladesh
 Tim Southee snared a six-wicket haul and Ross
Taylor tore up the record books as New Zealand
dominated Bangladesh to seal a 3-0 series
whitewash with an 88-run victory in the final
One-day International at the University Oval on
February 20, 2019.
 Sabbir Rahman`s gallant maiden ODI century
saved Bangladesh from total humiliation after
they lost three wickets with just two runs on the
board chasing New Zealand`s imposing target of
331.
 The tourists were 242 all out in 47.2 overs after
the Black Caps were sent into bat and made
3306.
 The UN secretary-general is grateful to Major
February 22, 2019 General Wang for his exemplary service and
1. India fails to answer critical questions in Jadhav contribution to the work of MINURSO.
case: Pakistan  Maj Gen Rehman has 30 years of national and
 Thursday was the last day of the Kulbhushan international military leadership experience,
Jadhav case hearing at the Peace Palace in The including as commander of military formations
Hague. on operations and directing staff appointments
 Khawar Qureshi, representing Pakistan, began at command, staff and war college levels.
his final rebuttal before the International Court  He possesses a range of experiences in other
of Justice (ICJ) by an unapologetic explanation of leadership roles, including as a military observer
why Pakistan had to resort to `trenchant in the then United Nations Organization Mission
observations` in its rejoinder regarding India. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Articulate and not one to mince his words, (MONUC).
Qureshi once again chastised India for living in  From 2015 to 2016, he served as senior national
`wonderland` and persisting to the very end in representative in the United States Central
seeking to `distract and deflect attention from its Command Headquarters (CENTCOM) in Florida.
failure to answer critical questions by levelling Most recently, Maj Gen Rehman served as the
accusations against Pakistan`. commander of an infantry brigade from 2016 to
 India claims this case is only about denial of 2017 and of an infantry division from 2017.
consular access whereas ìt`s far from it`, claimed 3. PIA starts flights for Sharjah, Al-Ain from
an uncharacteristically unrushed Qureshi. He Peshawar
found it absurd how India was reduced to  The Pakistan International Airlines launched its
equating the words of the Lahore High Court Bar flight service from Peshawar to Sharjah and Al-
Association secretary to the official position Ain, United Arab Emirates.
taken by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He  Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager of
addressed what he termed as India`s `Kidnap Bacha Khan International Airport, Obaidur
Fiction` by highlighting Dr Mittal`s failure to Rehman Abbasi, was the chief guest at the
identify any attempt by India to engage with inaugural ceremony and saw off passengers
Iranian authorities regarding Kulbhushan from Peshawar to Sharjah.
Jadhav`s alleged kidnapping. `Providing  The introduction of Peshawar-Sharjah and
explanation will expose the fiction,` claimed Peshawar-Al-Ain flights were a longstanding
Qureshi. demand of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
2. Pakistani General to lead UN Force in West and the new management of PIA fulfilled this
Sahara demand. He said that expansion of BKIA,
 United Nations Secretary General António Peshawar, which was a state-of-the-art project,
Guterres has appointed Major General Zia-ur was in final stages and arrival facility would be
Rehman of the Pakistan Army as Force opened for passengers by the end of March.-
Commander of the United Nations Mission for Bureau
the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). 4. Pakistan says it has no concern if India diverts
 In a press statement issued by the United water
Nations office, Maj Gen Rehman succeeds Maj  In response to an Indian minister`s statement
Gen Xiaojun Wang of China, whose tour of duty that his country has decided to stop the flow of
ended on Feb 17. water to Pakistan from its share in the rivers
under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), Pakistan
says it has no concern if India diverts water of Chinese capital following visits to Pakistan and
eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej and Beas). India.
 Secretary of Pakistan`s Ministry of Water  The tour has allowed him to show that Riyadh
Resources Khawaja Shumall said: `We have still has allies after the grisly murder of Saudi
neither concern nor objection if India diverts journalist Jamal Khashoggi a fierce critic of
water of eastern rivers and supplies it to its Mohammed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul
people or uses it for other purposes, as the IWT tarnished the image of the kingdom and the
allows it do so. prince.
 As issuance of harsh statements by Indian  The Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing`s
authorities continues after the terrorist attack in ambitious Belt and Road global trade
Pulwama, Nitin Gadkari, India`s transport and infrastructure initiative will be on the agenda, as
water resources minister, said in a Twitter the two countries look to improve their
message earlier on Thursday: Ùnder the economic ties.
leadership of Honourable PM Sri Narendra Modi, 7. US, China sketch outlines of deal to end trade
our Government has decided to stop our share war
of water which used to flow toPakistan. We will  The United States and China have started to
divert water from Eastern Rivers and supply it to outline commitments in principle on the stickiest
our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. issues in their trade dispute, marking the most
5. Punjab unveils new education policy significant progress yet toward ending a seven-
 Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar February month trade war, according to sources familiar
21, 2019 unveiled government’s school with the negotiations.
education policy titled ‘The New Deal 2018-23’.  The world`s two largest economies have slapped
 Under the new policy, the children up to primary tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars
level will be educated in Urdu while English of goods, slowing global economic growth, skiing
language will also be taught at this level as a supply chains and disrupting manufacturing.
subject.  The broad outline of what could make up a deal
 Out-of-school children will be educated through is beginning to emerge from the talks, the
Insaf Afternoon School Programme. Similarly, sources said, as the two sides push for an
integrated management information system is agreement by March 1. That marks the end of a
also being introduced. Necessary amendments 90-day truce that Trump and Chinese President
will be made to the relevant act for free and Xi Jinping agreed to when they met in Argentina
compulsory education.” late last year.
 a total of 12 million children at the primary level 8. Australian researchers reveal new tool to track
had been enrolled in 52,000 schools and the infectious diseases
government wanted to secure their future  Australia’s peak scientific body has developed a
through a composite strategy tool to track how infectious diseases spread
6. Saudi crown prince arrives in China throughout the country.
 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  The tool, which is part of the Disease Networks
arrived in Beijing on February 21, 2019 as the and Mobility (DiNeMO) project being
monarch aims to seal partnerships on a high- undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and
profile Asia tour following a diplomatic crisis Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO),
over a journalist`s brutal murder. identifies and tracks new cases of infection with
 Mohammed is expected to meet Chinese a disease to its original source in Australia.
President Xi Jinping on his two-day trip to the
 Dean Pail, a researcher from the CSIRO, said that
with the new tool the DiNeMo project could
provide real-time alerts and a surveillance
system for infectious diseases, protecting
Australians against the increasing risk of dengue
fever and measles.
9. World’s biggest bee found alive
 The world’s biggest bee has been re-discovered,
after decades thought lost to science. The giant
bee - which is as long as an adult’s thumb - was
found on a little-explored Indonesian island.
 After days of searching, wildlife experts found a
single live female, which they photographed and
filmed. Known as Wallace’s giant bee, the insect
is named after the British naturalist and explorer
Alfred Russel Wallace, who described it in 1858.
Scientists found several specimens in 1981, but
it has not been seen since.
February 22, 2019: National Current Affairs
10. Hasan, Imam steer Zalmi to victory
 Peshawar Zalmi juggernaut exhibited its true
class in overcoming a tough start before
completing a resounding 44-run victory over a
clueless Karachi Kings in an HBL Pakistan Super
League fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on
February 21, 2019.
 Put in to bat after Imad Wasim won the toss on
a lethargic pitch, Zalmi recovered from the early
demise of Kamran Akmal (0). But Imam-ul-Haq
and Umar Amin steadied the ship with a
partnership of 44.
 Kings put the 2017 champions in real strife by
taking three wickets for one run in seven balls,
leaving their rivals tottering at 48 for four.But
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq stood firm and
with Liam Dawson, resurrected the faltering
Zalmi innings in a 52-ball stand that yielded 76
runs. The left-handed Imam, who was named
Man of the Match, crossed 50 for the ninth time
in T20 cricket before he saw Usman Khan
Shinwari hold a high return to dismiss Dawson
for a 33-ball 43 (four fours and one six).
that killed at least 40 Indian security personnel in
February 23, 2019 Pulwama in India held Jammu and Kashmir and
1. Army chief warns India against `misadventure` noted that similar actions in many other
 Army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, during a visit to countries proved that terrorism continued to
the Line of Control (LoC) on February 22, 2019, threaten societies and citizens around the world.
warned India against aggression, saying any 3. Pakistan warned against deadly wheat pest
misadventure would receive resolute response  The International Maize and Wheat
from his troops. Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) has cautioned
 Gen Bajwa visited the LoC to review the state of Pakistan to take steps to protect its crops from
preparedness and morale of the troops, a day the `fall armyworm` (FAW), a devastating pest
after the National Security Committee that has been identified for the first time on the
authorised the armed forces to respond to any Indian subcontinent.
Indian aggression with full force. The top  Director-General, CIMMYT, Dr Martin Kropff,
commander`s visit signaled the highest level of now visiting Pakistan, held a meeting with
preparedness to the adversary. Minister for National Food Security and Research
 War hysteria in India in the aftermath of last Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan on Thursday and
week`s attack on Indian security forces in offered cooperation of the Mexico-based
occupied Kashmir`s Pulwama area has led to organisation in tackling the prevalent threat of
fears that India may undertake military action to FAW in Pakistan.
deflect public attention from internal problem s.  Native to the Americas, the pest is known to eat
 Speaking to the troops on the frontlines in over 80 plant species, with a particular
Chirikot and Bagsar sectors, Gen Bajwa said: preference for maize, a main staple crop around
`Pakistan is a peace-loving country but we will the world.
not be intimidated or coerced. Any aggression or 4. UNSC urges all states to help India probe
misadventure shall be paid back in same coin`. Pulwama attack
2. FATF to keep working with Pakistan on terror  The United Nations Security Council has urged all
financing states to `cooperate actively` with New Delhi for
 Noting `limited progress` on January 2019 bringing to justice all those who were
milestones, the Financial Action Task Force responsible for last week`s attack on soldiers in
(FATF) has expressed concern over Pakistan`s Pulwama, India-held Kashmir.
inability to demonstrate understanding of terror  Security Council President Anatolio Ndong Mba
financing risks posed by seven proscribed issued a statement on February 21, 2019
organisations and elements linked to Taliban. condemning the attack and expressing solidarity
 The Paris-based global watch-dog against with the Indian nation and the government. `The
international financial crimes also urged members of the Security Council underlined the
`Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, need to hold the perpetrators, organisers,
particularly those with timelines of May 2019`. financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible
 The FATF plenary session and meetings of its acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to
various groups were held from Feb 18 to 22 to justice,` said the statement.
review performance of 14 countries having  In Islamabad, the National Security Committee
strategic deficiencies in their systems to counter (NSC) decided on February 21, 2019 to proscribe
money laundering and terror financing. the Jamaat ud Dawa and its charity wing, Falah-
 The FATF expressed grave concern and i-Insaniat Foundation, as part of measures to
condemned the violent terrorist attack last week
tighten the noose around extremist and militant consequences. But at a meeting this week the
groups in the country. watchdog concluded that Iran had not done so.
5. FATF chief criticised for failing to take action  Marshall Billings lea, US assistant Treasury
against Modi Secretary for terrorist financing, who chaired the
 The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on FATF meeting, said Iran had until June before
February 22, 2019 criticised the Financial Action countermeasures would automatically kick in.
Task Force (FATF) president for refusing to take 7. S. Arabia strikes $10bn deal with China
action against Indian Prime Minister Narendra  Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
Modi on a complaint lodged by the committee cemented a $10 billion deal for a refining and
chairman, and asked why the international body petrochemical complex in China on February 22,
was taking action against Pakistan. 2019, after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping.
 The committee, in a meeting held at the  The Saudi delegation, including top executives
Parliament House and chaired by Senator from state owned oil company Saudi Aramco,
Rehman Malik, condemned the announcement arrived on February 21, 2019 on an Asia tour that
by India`s minister for water that his country has already seen the kingdom pledge investment
would block water flow (of three rivers) to of $20bn in Pakistan and seek to make additional
Pakistan. investments in India`s refining industry.
 `The committee appeals to the World Bank to  Saudi Arabia signed 35 economic cooperation
take notice of this blockade of water flow by agreements with China worth a total of $28bn at
India, which is a violation of the Indus Waters a joint investment forum during the visit, Saudi
Treaty, signed in 1960,` a resolution adopted by state news agency SPA said.
the committee said.  `China is a good friend and partner to Saudi
 The Senate committee also approved another Arabia,` President Xi Jinping told the crown
resolution rejecting India`s`baseless allegations prince in front of reporters.
and threats` against Pakistan after the Pulwama  `The special nature of our bilateral relationship
attack. renects the efforts you have made,` added Xi,
6. FATF gives Iran till June to comply with anti- who has made stepping up China`s presence in
money laundering rules the Middle East a key foreign policy objective,
 Iran has until June to fix its anti-money despite its traditional low-key role there.
laundering and terrorism financing rules or face 8. US, Russia seeking UN travel waivers for Taliban
increased international scrutiny of its banks, a  The United States and Russia have agreed to
global watchdog said on February 22, 2019. explore options for securing UN travel waivers
 Foreign businesses say Iran`s compliance with for Taliban negotiators to participate in peace
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) rules is key if talks.
it wants to attract investors, especially after the  US Special Representative for Afghanistan
United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran last Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted that the
year. issue was discussed at a meeting he had with his
 France, Britain and Germany have tied Iran`s Russian counterpart Zamir Kabulov in Ankara on
compliance and removal from the FATF blacklist Friday.
to a new channel for non-dollar trade with Iran  `We agreed that all-inclusive intra-Afghan
designed to avert US sanctions. dialogue is essential to advance peace efforts,`
 Last October the Paris-based FATF gave Iran until he wrote. `We will explore options for securing
February to complete reforms that would bring UN travel waivers for Taliban negotiators to
it into line with global norms, or face participate in peace talks.
 According to these tweets, the US and Russian birthday gift for himself. Sami turns 38 on
peace envoys also agreed that to `move forward, Sunday.
Afghans should name a unified, inclusive &  Wahab Riaz, who hanged an eight-ball 20 and
national negotiating team that includes the had threatened to stop United moving up the
Afghan government and other Afghans. ladder into third place, was nicely caught in the
9. De Villiers, Wiese keep Qalandars afloat in covers by Sahibzada Farhan. The decision
incredible finish needed the TV umpire`s help to make sure that
 Lahore Qalandars pulled off a miraculous win the catch was taken.
from the jaws of defeat in the HBL Pakistan Super
League on February 22, 2019 while riding on the
brilliance of A.B. de Villiers and David Wiese to
get over the line in a last-ball thriller at the
Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
 In a remarkable Match 10 that saw the magical
figure of 200 twice being posted, the Qalandars
stunned Multan Sultans by six wickets. De Villiers
and Wiese came together when the Sultans had
almost wrapped up the encounter after educing
the Qalandars to106-4in the13thover.
 The target of 201 looked beyond the Qalandars
when Brendan Taylor pulled up his hamstring in
that same over.
 But de Villiers and Wiese were not giving in
without a fight.
 And fight they did in a breathtaking period of
play during they added 96 in mere 44 balls.
10. United bounce back to beat Zalmi
 For the second match running in the HBL
Pakistan Super League on Friday, a struggling
side bounced back to improve its playoff
aspirations as holders Islamabad United
defeated Peshawar Zalmi at the Sharjah Cricket
Stadium.
 The architects behind United`s resurgence were
Mohammad Musa Khan and Mohammad Sami,
two pacemen at different stages of their
cricketing career.
 The 18-year-old Musa marked his maiden
appearance in the glitzy world of Twenty20
cricket with a magnificent return of three
wickets for 25 runs.
 Sami, the former Pakistan player, put the icing on
United`s cake with a hat-trick as an early
reservoirs and other equipment for two major
February 25, 2019 dams.
1. Norway`s ex-PM asks world to help defuse Pak-  Justice Nisar retired in January, but the current
India tension panel of top judges have taken over the push.
 Former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne  Some politicians from opposition parties have
Bondevik on February 24, 2019 said that there dismissed the effort, calling it inappropriate and
was no doubt that human rights were being doomed to f ail.
violated in India-held Kashmir and urged the 3. Pakistan wants to change, says US envoy for
international community to play its role in religious freedom
defusing the tension between India and Pakistan  Pakistan has à desire to change` its ways and be
triggered by the Pulwama incident. removed from an American blacklist of countries
 Speaking along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir that infringe on religious freedoms, a US special
President Sardar Masood Khan at Kashmir envoy said on February 24, 2019 on a tour of a
House, he said that whenever India was asked by Middle East.
various nations to address the Kashmir issue it  Sam Brownback, the US ambassador-at-large for
said it was a bilateral issue. international religious freedom, said he travelled
 Ìf [for the sake of argument] it is a bilateral issue, to Pakistan to discuss Islamabad being newly
still dialogue should be started between the two placed on the blacklist, which can lead to a
countries over the issue of Kashmir. country facing economic sanctions.
 There cannot be military solution to the Kashmir  Pakistan, home to some 200 million people, has
dispute and, therefore, both parties should start blasphemy laws that carry death sentence for
a dialogue,` he suggested. convicts.
 He appealed to both countries to calm down the  The US put Pakistan on its religious freedom
situation, adding that the United Nations had blacklist in December, though US Secretary of
passed a number of resolutions about Kashmir as State Mike Pompeo held back on imposing
human rights were being violated there. sanctions on Islamabad.
 Ì suggest both countries should avoid use of  Mr Brownback, a Republican who served in the
force and a peaceful solution to the issue. The US Senate and later as the governor of Kansas for
international community should also play its role two terms, said he met Foreign Minister Shah
in addressing the matter,` he said. Mehmood Qureshi, who promised to appoint a
2. Pakistan looking for billions in donations to point person to handle the US concerns.
build dams 4. Last year saw highest number of Afghan civilian
 As Pakistan faces worsening water scarcity and deaths: UN
trouble sourcing international cash for  More civilians were killed in Afghanistan last
construction of hydropower dams it has turned year than in any of the previous nine years of the
to an unlikely source of cash: a fundraising increasingly bloody conflict, according to a UN
campaign backed by the country`s top court report released on February 24, 2019, which
judges. blamed the spike in deaths on increased suicide
 Last year Mian Saqib Nisar, then the chief justice bombings by the militant Islamic State group and
of Pakistan, donated Rs1 million ($7,400) of his stepped up aerial attacks by US-led coalition
own money to start the drive, calling water forces.
shortages a major national threat.  In its annual report, the United Nations
 The drive aims to raise as much as staggering $14 Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said 3,804
billion towards the cost of installing water civilians were killed last year, the highest number
since the international organisation began defence minister in a flurry of late-night royal
tallying figures in 2009. Another 7,189 were decrees announced on state media.
wounded.  Princess Rima, the daughter of a former
 The report comes amid efforts to find a peaceful ambassador to the US, has been a leading
end to the 17-year war, which have accelerated advocate for women`s empowerment in the
since the appointment in September of US peace kingdom, which has faced criticism over the
envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is to begin another recent jailing of women activists.
round of talks with the Taliban on Monday in the  The princess previously worked at the kingdom`s
Gulf state of Qatar, where they maintain a General Sports Authority, where she led a
political office. campaign to increase women`s participation in
 UN envoy Tadamichi Yamamoto called the sports.
spiraling number of civilian casualties `deeply 7. Sentop elected Turkey’s new Parliament
disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Speaker
5. Okinawa votes against controversial US base  Turkish parliament on February 24, 2019 elected
move ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s
 Voters on the Japanese island of Okinawa have lawmaker Mustafa Sentop as its new speaker.
rejected the relocation of a controversial US  Sentop, a lawmaker from northwestern Tekirdag
military base, according to official results from a province, received 336 votes in the third round
non-binding referendum on February 24, 2019. of voting by the Grand National Assembly of 600
 With 99 per cent of ballots counted, some 72pc seats. In the third round of voting, a minimum of
had voted against the move with 19pcinfavour, 301 votes were needed to win the election.
according to the local government.  Good (IYI) Party’s candidate Imam Huseyin Filiz
 Opponents of the relocation -some 434,000-had received 33 votes.
turned out in sufficient numbers to meet the  A total of 542 lawmakers cast votes, while tree
threshold required for Okinawa Governor Denny votes were declared invalid.
Tamakito `respect `the result of the symbolic  The AK Party holds 291 seats in parliament, while
referendum, it said. the CHP has 142 seats, HDP 65 seats, the MHP
 For this to happen, one quarter of the eligible 49, IYI Party 39, Felicity (Saadet) Party 2, Turkish
electorate or around 290,000 people had to vote Workers Party 2, Democrat Party (DP) 1, and
for one of the three options: for or against Grand Unity Party (BBP) 1, and independent 3.
relocation or a third choice of `neither.` In any  Sentop, 51, was born in northwestern Tekirday
case, the vote is non-binding on the central province.
government and turnout was just above 50 8. Iranian submarine conducts first underwater
percent, raising questions about what effect the launch
referendum will have.  Over the past decade, the Islamic Republic has
6. Saudi Arabia names princess as first woman made major advances in developing its own
envoy submarines, as well as missiles to equip them.
 Saudi Arabia on February 23, 2019 named a The country had the chance to test these in
princess as its first woman ambassador to the recent drills that took place near the Strait of
United States. Hormuz.
 Princess Rima bint Bandar replaced Prince Khalid  The Iranian Navy’s Qadir-class submarine
bin Salman, the younger brother of the powerful performed a launch of a modified Nasr-1 anti-
crown prince who was appointed deputy ship cruise missile from a submerged state
during war games dubbed “Velayat-97” that
were held near the Strait of Hormuz. A video of  After two dot balls the former Pakistan left-arm
the launch was shown by the Young Journalists paceman`s next delivery sailed almost flat into
Club (YJC) news outlet. the crowd over midwicket from Pollard`s bat.
 According to Tasnim, the capability to conduct The fourth was effortlessly hoisted over long-off
underwater missile launches will reduce the before slower full toss was lifted high, wide and
visibility of Iranian submarines on enemy radars. handsome over the extra-cover region.
The original Nasr-1 missile is capable of striking
targets 35 kilometres away, but it’s unclear
whether the modified version, which is adapted
for underwater launches, has the same
capabilities.
9. Ingram blasts record PSL ton, keeps Kings hopes
alive
 Colin Ingram set ablaze the Sharjah Cricket
Stadium on February 24, 2019 night with a
buccaneering maiden century by an overseas
player in the HBL Pakistan Super League, which
catapulted Karachi Kings to a badly-needed
second win.
 The victory brought an end to Quetta Gladiators`
four match unbeaten sequence.
 The former South African left-hander hammered
an incredible 127 from only 59 balls with no less
than eight sixes and 12 boundaries to register
the highest individual score in PSL history with a
series of monstrous hits.
 Ingram`s astonishing innings eclipsed Sharjeel
Khan`s 117 for Islamabad United against
Peshawar Zalmi in Dubai in the inaugural edition
in 2016, while Kamran Akmal is the only other
batsman to reach triple figures in PSL history.
10. Hasan, Pollard star as Zalmi down Sultans
 It took a Kieron Pollard cameo for Peshawar
Zalmi to seal a tense five-wicket success after the
red-hot Hasan Ali had made life miserable for
Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League
clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on
February 24, 2019.
 After restricting the Sultans to 145 all out, Zalmi
almost gave it away in the run chase when they
were struggling at 115-4 still 31 short of the
target. But Pollard broke the shackles to smash
the giant Mohammad Irfan for four consecutive
sixes.
around 2.4 million of Afghan refugees living in
February 26, 2019 the country after repatriation of a large number
1. Dr Alvi confers Hilal-i-Imtiaz (M) upon Qatar of refugees in different times and phases under
navy commander UN arrangement.
 President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz 3. Singapore offers help in building 5m low-cost
(Military) upon Commander Qatar Emiri Naval houses
Forces Staff Major Gen (Sea) Abdullah Bin  Singapore on February 25, 2019 showed interest
Hassan Al-Sulaiti in a special investiture and offered Pakistan its expertise for building 5
ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on million low cost houses in the next five years.
February 25, 2019  The offer was placed by Mr Shamsher Zaman
 The President also appreciated Qatar’s decision Singapore`s ambassador to Jordan, vice
to extend visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistanis chairman of South Asia Business Group, and
and its approval for employment of 100,000 chairman of Middle East Business Group who
workers from Pakistan. The President was leading a 22-member trade and investment
appreciated regular participation of Qatar Emiri delegation.
Naval Forces in Pakistan Navy exercises “AMAN”.  Addressing business leaders at the Federation
 The Commander Qatar Emiri Naval Forces House, he noted that business atmosphere in
thanked the President and government of Pakistan has improved a lot. He stressed the
Pakistan on being awarded with Hilal-i-Imtiaz delegates would like to focus on infrastructure
(Military) and hoped that cooperation between sector, information technology and also provide
Navies of the two countries will continue to services in port management.
expand in future.  Singapore can be a centre for financing, services
2. Afghan refugees allowed to open bank accounts and expertise for Pakistan and the companies
 Months after the controversy over a proposal to there are excited by the PTI government`s
grant citizenship to Afghan refugees, Prime commitment to economic reform and increased
Minister Imran Khan on February 25, 2019 stability in the country.
directed relevant authorities to allow the 4. Pak-Iran global science conference begins on
registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan to open Feb 27
and maintain bank accounts in the country.  A global science conference being organised at
 While millions of Afghan refugees have been Karachi University (KU) would bring together
living in Pakistan for decades, they have been leading health and medical sciences` experts and
allowed to open bank accounts for the first time. help raise the status of Islamic world scientists
 The move came months after Prime Minister through capacity-building and creation of
Imran Khan`s statement about granting Pakistani network for the common benefit of humanity.
citizenship to the children of Afghan refugee  This was stated by Prof Iqbal Choudhary heading
shad stirred a controversy. As the opposition KU`s International Centre for Chemical and
parties protested against it, he had to provide an Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at a press conference
explanation that the government would consult held on the campus to brief journalists on the 5th
all political parties on it before taking a final Science and Technology Exchange Programme
decision. (STEP) International Conference.
 Pakistan is one of the largest refugee-hosting  Focused on `Health challenges of communicable
states in the world, by giving shelter to over 3.5 diseases and non-com-musicale diseases` this
million Afghans who had fled Afghanistan since year, the four day event is jointly organised by
Soviet invasion in 1979. Still there are said to be
Pakistan and Iran and will open at the ICCBS on as the landlocked, war-torn nation turns to
Feb 27. overseas markets to improve its economy.
 `Scientists from 40 countries, including Iran,  Officials said 23 trucks carrying 57 tonnes of
Lebanon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, dried fruits, textiles, carpets and mineral
Finland, Jordan, the US, Singapore and Sweden, products were dispatched from western Afghan
are expected to participate in the event. The city of Zaranj to Iran`s Chabahar port. The
Mustafa (PBUH) Science and Technology consignment will be shipped to the Indian city of
Foundation (MSTF) of Iran is playing a major role Mumbai.
in organising the event in Karachi, said Prof Iqbal.  At the inauguration of the new export route,
The event would provide a scientific platform for President Ashraf Ghani said Afghanistan was
scholars, institutions, and industries for an slowly improving its exports in a bid to reduce its
interactive exchange on knowledge sharing and trade deficit.
technology transfer, he said.  Chabahar port is the result of healthy
5. Work begins in earnest to end Afghan conflict: cooperation between India, Iran and Afghanistan
Khalilzad this will ensure economic growth.
 US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met the  The Iranian port provides easy access to the sea
Taliban`s top political leader in Doha on February to Afghanistan and India has helped developed
25, 2019, in what is believed to be the highest this route to allow both countries to engage in
level engagement between the US and the trade bypassing Pakistan.
Taliban since the months-long peace push 7. ICJ rules against UK in Chagos islands case
began.  Britain should quickly give up control of the
 Mr Khalilzad tweeted that he and Mullah Abdul Chagos archipelago, the Indian Ocean islands
Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Islamist that house the secretive US airbase at Diego
movement, had held a `working lunch` ahead of Garcia but are claimed by Mauritius, the
a fresh round of talks with the militant group as International Court of Justice said on February
the US seeks a way out of its longest war. 25, 2019.
 The arrival in Qatar late on February 24, 2019 of  Judges in The Hague said in a legal àdvisory
Mullah Baradar, seen as close to Taliban leader opinion` on a decades-old dispute that Britain
Haibatullah Akhundzada, has helped fuel had illegally split the islands from Mauritius at
speculation of a breakthrough. independence in the 1960s, after which
 Marathon talks last month saw the two sides thousands of islanders were deported.
walk away with a `draft framework` that  The court`s view is not binding but it carries a
included a Taliban vow to prevent Afghanistan heavy symbolic importance as it was specially
from becoming a haven for international tasked by the United Nations General Assembly
terrorist groups. to give its view on the row between London and
 There was no accord on a US withdrawal or a Port Louis over the fate of the island chain.
ceasefire, however, issues which have derailed  It also comes as a stunning blow to London in a
attempts at peace talks in the past, while the case that goes to the heart of historic issues of
government in Kabul has voiced increasingly decolonisation and current questions about
loud fears it was being sidelined from the talks. ` Britain`s place in the world as it prepares to leave
6. Afghanistan launches new export route to India the European Union.
through Iran 8. UAE to send its first astronaut into space in
 Afghanistan began exports to India through an September
Iranian port on February 25, 2019, official said,
 The first astronaut from the United Arab Pakistani athletes following a suicide bomb
Emirates will blast off into space on Sept 25 on a attack New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan.
trip to the International Space Station,  The 10 Reds Asian Tour event, scheduled to be
authorities announced on February 25, 2019. held in Bangalore next month, looks likely to be
 Either military pilot Hazza al-Mansoori or cancelled after organisers said they could not
engineer Sultan al-Neyadi will be the first Emirati guarantee Pakistani competitors would be
in space, part of an ambitious space programme allowed into the country.
for this Gulf Arab nation home to the world`s  It follows the International Olympic Committee
tallest building and the busiest airport for (IOC)`s suspension of talks with India on holding
international travel. major sports events last week after New Delhi
 But the two men, selected from over 4,000 refused to issue visas to two Pakistani shooters
applicants, say they aren`t worried after the to take part in a World Cup event.
recent failure of another Russian rocket carrying  Tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals have
astronauts to the space station. risen following a Feb 14 suicide attack in Kashmir
9. Green Book upsets favourites, wins best picture in which 40 Indian paramilitaries were killed.
Oscar
 The segregation era road-trip drama Green Book
was crowned best picture at the 91st Academy
Awards on February 24, 2019, delighting those
who see the film as a feel-good throwback but
disappointing others who ridicule it as an
outdated inversion of 1989 winner Driving Miss
Daisy.
 In a year when Hollywood could have made
history by bestowing its top award on Netflix
(Roma) or Marvel (Black Panther) for the first
time, the motion picture academy instead threw
its fullest support behind a traditional inter-
racial buddy tale that proved as popular as it was
divisive.
 But Peter Farrelly`s Green Book weathered
criticism that it was retrograde and inauthentic
to triumph over more acclaimed films and bigger
box-office successes.
 It was an unexpected finale to a brisk, host-less
ceremony that was awash in historic wins for
diversity, including Spike Lee`s first competitive
Oscar. More women and more individual black
nominees won than ever before.
10. India snooker event put off over Pakistan visa
row
 An Indian snooker tournament has been
indefinitely postponed in a row over visas for
 Information minister Shaukat Yousafzai told
February 27, 2019 reporters after the meeting that the police
1. Pakistan vows response to India àt time & department presented a proposal regarding the
place of our choosing` merger of the tribal districts into the existing
 Intrusion lasts nearly four minutes and eight police ranges of the province before the cabinet
enemy aircraft go up to four nautical miles into approved it during the meeting chaired by Chief
Pakistani airspace Minister Mahmood Khan.
 PAF scrambles jets immediately after intrusion,  South Waziristan district would be part of the
forcing Indian aircraft to flee Dera Ismail Khan Range, North Waziristan
 Response to Delhi's provocative action framed at district Bannu`s, Orakzai and Kurram districts
special NSC meeting chaired by prime minister Kohat`s, Khyber district Peshawar`s, Mohmand
 Acting Indian high commissioner summoned to district Mardan`s and Bajaur district Malakand
FO to receive protest over violation of Pakistan's region.
sovereignty and territorial integrity  The police department had also proposed the
 FM Qureshi speaks to Mike Pompeo, asks US to establishment a police station at subdivision
play role in dealing with escalation in South Asia level in merged districts, which the cabinet
 ISPR chief promises a 'surprise' for India approved.
whenever Pakistan responds  He said 25 police stations would be set up in
2. $75m loan deal signed for KP road project merged districts.
 The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and the 4. Army hands over Dir BHU to admin
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on February 26,  Following directives from high military officials,
2019 signed a $75 million loan agreement to security forces on February 26, 2019 handed
provide additional finance for Mardan-Swabi over charge of Basic Health Unit Maskini and
road improvement project. tourism department rest house to civil
 EAD Secretary Noor Ahmed and Khyber administration in Lower Dir district.
Pakhtunkhwa Communication & Works  Two weeks ago, Corps Commander Peshawar Lt
Department Secretary Mohammad Shahab Gen Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood had announced
Khattak along with ADB`s Country Director at a grand jirga held at Dir Scouts Fort at
Xiaohong Yang signed the (around Rs10.4 billion) Balambat that security forces would soon vacate
loan agreement. all government buildings being used by them for
 Under the agreement, the additional financing security reasons including schools and hospitals.
will help dualise Mardan-Swabi road with the 5. Provinces submit 100 projects to Chinese
reconstruction of a 42km stretch. experts for grants under CPEC
 The dualisation of Mardan Swabi road and  Provinces have submitted around 100 projects
rehabilitation of provincial highways will to the Chinese experts to secure grant for the
complement and enhance economic mobility of socioeconomic development under China-
the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
well as Central Asia Regional Economic  The provinces have submitted their
Cooperation Corridor. recommendations to 13 Chinese delegates who
3. Cabinet approves 25 police stations for tribal are currently visiting Pakistan. The Chinese
districts delegation is headed by Du Zhenli, comprising of
 The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Tuesday experts from socioeconomic development field.
approved a proposal to set up 25 police stations  The expert group is discussing implementation
in merged tribal districts of the province. of newly introduced sector of socioeconomic
development under China Pakistan Economic  Little was revealed of the motives of the 63-year-
Corridor (CPEC).The experts held a meeting with old, who was already disgraced after having
federal, provincial government officials and been convicted for drug smuggling and
Pakistani experts to identify pilot projects and its attempted credit card fraud.
implementation mechanism.  Prosecutor Geula Cohen confirmed to journalists
 The expert group will discuss the finalization of outside the Jerusalem district court that the
action plan with Pakistani experts, said the judge had accepted the plea bargain and issued
source. The finalization of action plan will help the sentence.
the government to launch pilot projects in the 8. Kim, Trump arrive in Hanoi ahead of nuclear
selective districts of the country. China has summit
agreed to extend Pakistan grant for Socio-  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US
Economic Development through China President Donald Trump arrived in Hanoi on
International Development Cooperation Agency February 26, 2019, ahead of a second summit
(CIDCA). closely watched for concrete steps to dismantle
6. Exhibition of Chinese maritime history opens Pyongyang`s nuclear programme.
 A major art exhibition celebrating China’s rich  After an initial historic meeting in Singapore in
maritime history opened on February 25, 2019 at June that produced only a vague statement
the University of Cyprus in Nicosia. about denuclearisation, analysts say the second
 The significant collection of works tells the story date must deliver more in the way of tangible
of China’s historic maritime exchanges in regions progress.
spanning from Asia and Africa to Europe and the  The summit itself is shrouded in secrecy and
Mediterranean. The event is organized within there was still no official word even on the venue
the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. when Trump touched down in Air Force One.
 The showcase titled, “Two Millenniums of  The two leaders were expected to have an
Maritime Silk Road”, will run for a week. Among informal dinner before more formal talks.
the highlights is a magnificent scroll, depicting 9. ICC slaps Jayasuriya with two-year ban for
the history of Chinese sea trade. All the works corruption
displayed show how contemporary artists give  Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has
their understanding and appreciation of modern been banned from all cricket for two years after
Chinese marine development. admit ting two breaches of the International
7. Israel`s ex-minister sentenced to 11 years for Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code, the
spying for Iran sport`s governing body announced on February
 An Israeli ex-minister was sentenced to 11 years 26, 2019.
in prison on Tuesday for spying for his country`s  The 49-year-old regarded as one of the greatest
main enemy Iran, with prosecutors saying the One-day International batsmen of all time and
plea bargain was necessary to avoid revealing was pivotal in winning the 1996 World Cup
secret information. accepted the punishment.
 Gonen Segev, who served as energy and  `This conviction under the Code demonstrates
infrastructure minister from 1995 to 1996, had the importance of participants in cricket
previously agreed to a plea bargain on charges of cooperating with investigations, said Alex
serious espionage and transfer of information to Marshall, ICC General Manager of the Anti-
the enemy. Corruption Unit in a statement. `Compelling
 Court hearings were held in secret due to the participants to cooperate under the Code is a
nature of the case. vital weapon in our efforts to rid our sport of
corruptors. These rules are essential to maintain
the integrity of our sport.
 Jayasuriya was charged in October after failing to
provide his mobile phones to the ACU.
 He was also accused of obstructing or delaying
any investigation into corruption in the game.
10. Sultans upstage United again for second win
 For the second time in this edition of HBL
Pakistan Super League, Multan Sultans had the
wood on Islamabad United when they consigned
the defending champions to a six-wicket
drubbing at the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium on February 26, 2019 night.
 The start of the second phase of the preliminary
round couldn`t have produced a better result for
Shoaib Malik`s struggling side, which had just
one victory in five first-round games.
 The solitary win came on Feb 16 when they
defeated United by five wickets.
 Malik`s decision to field was vindicated by a
sustained bowling effort from his bowlers. At no
stage did United look like posting a total that
they could defend.
 More than 150 domestic flights 110 of the
February 28, 2019 Pakistan International Airlines and 50 of private
1. Two Indian fighter jets downed, pilot captured airlines were either cancelled or delayed due to
 Pakistan has emphasised that it does not want the closure of airspace. And 50 international
further escalation of tensions with India after the flights from different airports of Pakistan were
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) engaged six targets in also affected.
India-held Kashmir and in a separate action  All airlines operating to and from Pakistan had
downed two intruding Indian fighter jets before been informed by the Civil Aviation Authority
arresting one of the pilots. (CAA) about the closure of airspace.
 The intrusion in Pakistani airspace by Indian Air  The country`s entire airspace has been closed
Force (IAF) aircraft happened for a second and a notice has been issued to all airlines to
consecutive day, as one of its planes had to `suspend their operations in Pakistan until
release payloads in Balakot area while being further notice`.
chased away in the early hours of Tuesday 3. Ahmad Hussain Shah won PK-30 by-poll
morning. The Pakistan military spokesman had  Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf candidate Ahmad
then promised `surprise` for India in response to Hussain Shah won by-election in the PK-30,
the IAF aggression. Mansehra, constituency on February 26, 2019.
 On February 27, 2019, the IAF jets entered  Announcing unofficial results of the by-election,
Pakistani airspace after the PAF strikes on the the returning officer said the PTl nominee
other side of the Line of Control (LoC) from secured 46,483 votes, while the runner-up was
Pakistani airspace for, what the Foreign Office PML-N`s Mazhar Ali Qasim with 39,945 votes.
and Army described as, demonstration of  There were seven candidates, including
Pakistan`s `right, will and capability for self- nominees of political parties and independents,
defence`. for the PK-30 seat, which had fallen vacant last
 The PAF strikes across the LoC were first year after the Supreme Court disqualified PML-
announced by FO spokesman Dr Mohammad N`s Mian Ziaur Rehman in a fake degree case.
Faisal through a tweet. `PAF undertook strikes  The Election Commission of Pakistan had set up
across LoC from Pakistani airspace. Sole purpose 186 polling stations for the by election.
of this action was to demonstrate our right, will 4. Govt revives blocked renewable energy
and capability for self defence. We do not wish projects
to escalate but are fully prepared if forced into  The government on February 27, 2019 decided
that paradigm,` he tweeted. to allow partial revival of renewable energy
 Shortly afterwards, Pakistan military spokesman projects blocked in March last year by the PML-
Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor announced the shooting N government subject to a revised tariff
down of IAF aircraft. He tweeted, ÌAF crossed mechanism and greater decisive role to National
LoC` af ter the PAF strikes in India-occupied Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) to
Kashmir (IOK). provide interconnection facility.
2. Flights disrupted as Pakistan closes airspace  It also provided an opportunity to the Sindh
 As Pakistan closed its airspace for more than 50 government to provide interconnection grid
hours from 12.30 pm on February 27, 2019 to facility for renewable projects (RE) projects that
5am on Friday for international and domestic it had issued letters of interest (LoI) but were
flights due to prevailing security situation, affected by the government`s decision of March
thousands of passengers have been affected due 2018.
to cancellation of their flights.
 The decision was taken at a meeting of the  The two-day get-together follows up on the
Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) presided leaders` initial historic meeting in Singapore in
over by Finance Minister Asad Umar. The June, where Trump launched his charm offensive
meeting also reviewed about 20 per cent to try and get Kim to give up his nuclear arsenal.
increase in revenue collection by power  Shaking hands and smiling in front of a bank of
distribution companies through increase tariff, US and North Korean flags, they briefly took
fuel price benefit, loss reduction and better questions from reporters before starting one-to-
recovery. one talks, then the dinner.
5. Islamabad apprises OIC of reservation over 7. Nepalese tourism minister among 7 killed in
invite to India chopper crash
 Pakistan officially conveyed to the Organisation  Nepal`s tourism minister Rabindra Adhikari was
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on February 27, among seven people killed on February 27, 2019
2019 that it may have to boycott the upcoming when a helicopter crashed in the country`s hilly
OIC`s foreign ministers conclave if the invitation east.
extended to the Indian external affairs minister  Rescue workers retrieved the bodies of Adhikari,
to be guest of honour at its inaugural session is 49, the pilot and five other passengers from a
not withdrawn. hillside in Taplejung district where the Air
 In a letter written to OIC Secretary General Dr Dynasty chopper went down. `The respected
Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Foreign minister`s body has been identified.
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan  The minister`s personal bodyguard has been
had asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to identified as among the dead. The owner of the
withdraw the invitation to Indian external affairs helicopter company was also aboard but his
minister or else it would be compelled to body has not been formally identified.
reconsider its decision to attend the meet. 8. Ex-military ruler re-elected as Nigerian
 Mr Qureshi`s letter invites OIC`s attention president
towards the deteriorating security situation in  Nigeria`s President Muhammadu Buhari on
the region after violation of the Line of Control February 27, 2019 said his re-election was `free
(LoC) by India. He said Indian planes intruded and fair`, after his beaten rival denounced the
Pakistani airspace from Muzaffarabad sector of results as a `sham` and promised a legal
Azad Jammu and Kashmir and were forced to fly challenge that could dominate politics for weeks.
back by the Pakistan Air Force.  The 76-year-old onetime military ruler`s victory
6. Trump, Kim begin summit on optimistic note was confirmed late on February 26, 2019, after
 US President Donald Trump and North Korean rescheduled polling blamed on logistical
leader Kim Jong Un smiled, shook hands and difficulties.
dined on February 27, 2019 in Hanoi, expressing  Buhari`s winning margin over his nearest
optimism that their highly personal brand of challenger, Atiku Abubakar, was 3.9 million votes
diplomacy would lead to a deal on the more than enough to ensure he remained head
totalitarian state`s nuclear weapons. of Africa`s most populous nation and leading oil
 At the start of around two hours of talks and producer for the next four years.
dinner at a luxury hotel in the Vietnamese 9. Doctor performs first 5G surgery
capital, Trump predicted a `very successful`  Nextgeneration wireless technology is taking the
summit, due to resume on Thursday and end in medical world a step closer to robots performing
a still unspecified signing ceremony. remotely-controlled surgery, a doctor in Spain
said on February 27, 2019 after carrying out the
world`s first 5G-powered telementored
operation.
 Doctors have telementored surgeries in the past
using wireless networks but blazing fast 5G
increases image quality and definition which are
crucial for medical teams to take decisions with
as much information, and as few mistakes, as
possible.
 `This is a first step to achieving our dream, which
is to make remote operations in the near future,`
said Doctor Antonio de Lacy, after providing real-
time guidance via a 5G video link from a
Barcelona congress centre to a surgical team
which operated on a patient with an intestinal
tumour about five kilometres away at the
Hospital Clinic.
 5G greatly reduces latency the time it takes to
get a response to information sent of wireless
networks so images and data are relayed almost
instantly.
10. Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United won
 Inspired Sandeep Lamichhane`s brilliant spin
bowling, Lahore Qalandars improved their
playoff aspirations in the HBL Pakistan Super
League when they crushed Quetta Gladiators by
eight wickets at the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium on February 27, 2019
 In another match an Asif Ali special made the
difference between winning and losing in the
HBL Pakistan Super League as defending
champions Islamabad United bounced back from
a seemingly tough situation to hand Karachi
Kings a five-wicket defeat.
 Chasing a relatively challenging 169 at the Dubai
International Cricket Stadium, United were
down and out at 47-3 after seven overs.

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