June 23, 2021 – Page 3 – Newswire Pakistan

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Vulnerable groups hit hardest by pandemic in 2020 in Punjab

Lahore, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)’s annual report on the state of human rights in 2020 underscores the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the shortcomings of the healthcare sector, both in terms of preparedness and access to facilities. This was especially dangerous in Punjab’s jails where overcrowding and substandard hygiene exacerbated an already fraught situation for vulnerable inmates.

Factory workers and daily-wage earners were among the hardest hit, with hundreds of thousands of lay-offs taking place during the lockdowns. Students were compelled to protest when online classes served to benefit only those living in areas with a stable digital infrastructure. However, actions to curtail such public assemblies were erratic, with political gatherings facing more restrictions than large religious congregations or protests by ordinary citizens.

The passage of the Punjab Textbook and Curriculum Amendment Bill and the Punjab Tahaffuz-i-Bunyad-i-Islam Bill 2020 led to public outrage as yet another move to tighten restrictions on freedoms of expression, thought and belief in the guise of protecting religion.

No inroads were made in tackling the backlog of court cases – 188,176 in the Lahore High Court by end-December 2020. HRCP also documented the imposition of the death penalty in 91 instances, involving 148 victims. In an encouraging development, no executions were, however, carried out.

Law enforcement in Punjab was marred by frequent internal transfers and infighting within the police force. Citizens complained that it was increasingly difficult to register first information reports, especially in cases where relatives had been killed in police ‘encounters’ or in custody, or in cases of illegal land acquisition by influential people. The National Accountability Bureau also came under fire for making allegedly politically motivated arrests.

Reports of cases of child abuse continued unabated, with Punjab accounting for over 57 percent of all reported cases. Religious minorities faced persistent marginalisation over the year, with accusations of blasphemy and forced conversions. Police data indicates that 487 blasphemy cases were registered in Punjab alone. On a positive note, the Punjab government took measures to prevent hate speech on social media, which helped ensure a peaceful Muharram – over 4,000 such websites were blocked and action taken against their operators for inciting sectarian violence.

The gang-rape of a woman on the Lahore-Sialkot motorway in September 2020 elicited outrage and wide public condemnation, especially after the capital city police officer came under fire for ill-advised comments implying that the woman was indirectly to blame. In an important development, however, women’s rights activists challenged the archaic and demeaning ‘two-finger test’ for virginity in the Lahore High Court, winning their case in November.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Senate demands end of India’s illegal annexation on occupied Kashmir

Islamabad, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution on Wednesday condemning the Indian government’s grossly illegal actions in occupied Kashmir and demanded reversion to the pre 5th August, 2019 status by ending the annexation there, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in Daily Factsheet.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during 6th sitting of 312th session:

Members’ Participation

The House met for three hours and 55 minutes; however, the proceedings remained suspended for 20 minutes due to prayer break.

The sitting started 04:05 pm against the scheduled time of 04:00 pm.

The chairman presided over the proceedings for an hour and 25 minutes, while the remaining proceedings were chaired by the deputy chairman.

The leader of the House attended the entire sitting.

The leader of the opposition was present for three hours and 10 minutes.

As many as 40 lawmakers (40 percent) were present at the outset and 18 (18 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PTI, PML-N, PML-F, PML-Q and MQMP attended the sitting.

One out of four minority lawmakers were also present.

Output

The House passed the Pakistan Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2021 while another bill – the Privatization Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was referred to the relevant committee.

Tabled by a PTI lawmaker, the House unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Indian government’s grossly illegal actions against the oppressed people of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It demanded reversion to the pre 5th August, 2019 status of IIOJK by ending the annexation.

Representation and Responsiveness

Eight lawmakers participated in the budget discussion consuming two hours and 50 minutes of the proceedings.

Order and Institutionalization

The House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 04:00 pm.

Transparency

‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.

The attendance of lawmakers is available on Senate website.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Explanation is satisfactory, rules should also be made together with Law Department of an autonomous department according to the act: Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi

Lahore, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):Meeting of the Special Committee No 13 was held under chairmanship of Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi in the Punjab Assembly here today (Wednesday). Meeting was participated by Law Minister Mohammad Basharat Raja, MPAs Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan, Sajid Ahmad Khan, Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Syed Usman Mahmood, Nawabzada Waseem Khan, Mian Shafi Mohammad, Malik Jamshed Altaf, Ms Sonia, Secretary Punjab Assembly Mohammad Khan Bhatti and D. G. Parliamentary Affairs Inayatullah Lak.

In the meeting all concerned officers presented written explanation regarding non-implementation of the 1122 law passed by the Punjab Assembly which Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi termed as satisfactory. It was unanimously decided in the Committee meeting that together with the Law Department Rescue-1122 Rules be made in accordance with the Act and presented to the Committee at the earliest which will be reviewed by the Committee. Decision about MPA Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan’s privilege being breached on no implementation of Rescue 1122 law will be taken in the committee meeting unanimously afterwards.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Williamson salutes New Zealand heart after Final success

Dubai, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):New Zealand captain Kane Williamson credited his side’s heart and fighting spirit for helping them reach the pinnacle of Test cricket by winning the first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final.

On an entertaining final day’s cricket at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, New Zealand’s bowlers skittled India for 170 to leave them hunting 139 for victory.

This was no formality on a lively surface but despite both Black Caps openers falling to Ravichandran Ashwin, the experience of Williamson (52 not out) and Ross Taylor (47 not out) saw them battle home with eight wickets to spare.

It was just the second major international trophy won by New Zealand in their history, following their ICC Knock Out triumph back in 2000, leaving the skipper – who also praised the ICC’s provision of a reserve day that allowed a result to be reached on day six – ecstatic.

“It was the pinnacle – being involved in the Final against a formidable side like India,” said Williamson.

“They certainly showed their quality and for us, it was a lot of heart that allowed us to stay in the game for long periods.

“A lot of credit to the way our group adjusted and stayed in the battle because it was a battle. No-one with the bat got momentum at any point in time – the ball kept going past the outside edge and there were always opportunities.

“To have the sixth day as back-up due to weather was a good initiative and to see both teams have a real opportunity to win meant for a fantastic game.

“It’s a proud moment in our history and a proud moment as a team to stick to what we do well and come away with the win, which is a really great feeling.”

It was fitting that Williamson and Taylor – two of New Zealand’s most experienced batsmen who have played almost 200 Test matches between them – saw the Black Caps over the line with an unbeaten partnership of 96.

And the captain admits having such a veteran alongside him at the crease helped take the pressure off.

“It was fantastic to be part of a partnership and contribution like that,” added Williamson. “With Ross being our most experienced player and a leader in the group, it was nice to be able to soak up some of the pressure.

“Having an experienced head like Ross out there was helpful. It was a really special feeling to be there at the end together and to tick the runs off.

“Even though it was only 130-odd, on that surface you never felt comfortable.”

India struggled for runs on a seaming wicket throughout the contest but battled hard until the very end and made New Zealand work to reach their fourth innings target.

And skipper Virat Kohli paid tribute to the Black Caps’ pace bowlers, who restricted India’s formidable batting line-up – taking the final eight wickets for just 100 runs on day six.

“They were very consistent, they’re a very effective side, we’ve seen that over the years, and they’re a very structured side,” said Kohli.

“They like to play their cricket in a certain manner, so you have to find ways to disrupt that. If you don’t put their bowlers under pressure then they have the fitness and the consistency to keep bowling in the same areas and bowling all day.

“The more momentum you give them, invariably they get the breakthroughs they want. We need to focus on scoring runs and not worry about getting out in testing conditions.

“That’s the only way you can put the opposition under pressure, otherwise you’re just literally standing there, hoping you don’t get out and eventually you will because you’re not being optimistic enough.

“You have to take more risks, and calculated risks, and be confident about taking them.”

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Balochistan Assembly consumes 91pc of its proceedings on budget debate

Islamabad, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Provincial Assembly of Balochistan consumed 91 percent of its proceedings in debate on the provincial annual budget for the financial year, 2021-2022, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet on Wednesday.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during fourth sitting of the budget (40th) session:

Members’ Participation

The House met for two hours and 28 minutes.

The sitting started at 05:32 pm against the scheduled time of 04:00 pm.

The speaker presided over the entire sitting, while the deputy speaker was also present.

The leader of the House (Chief Minister) was absent.

The opposition leader did not attend the sitting.

As many as fourteen MPAs (22 percent) were present at the outset and thirteen (20 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of BNP-A, PTI, JWP and HDP attended the proceedings.

As many as one out of three minority lawmakers was present.

Representation and Responsiveness

Seven lawmakers participated in debate on provincial budget for two hours and 14 minutes.

Order and Institutionalization

All opposition remained absent from the proceedings of the House.

The House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 04:00 pm.

Transparency

‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.

The attendance of lawmakers was not available to the observers and media.

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021

Williamson and Taylor steer New Zealand to historic victory

Dubai, June 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):A brilliant performance by New Zealand’s seamers and a composed run chase by Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor ensured the Black Caps made history by beating India to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.

New Zealand entered the reserve day of the Final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton eyeing victory and their bowlers delivered in style to skittle India for 170 before Williamson and Taylor steered a successful chase of 139 to secure a memorable eight-wicket win.

With India starting the day at 64 for two in their second innings, a lead of 32, all four results were still possible but the Black Caps’ pace quartet of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner combined to take the final eight wickets for the concession of just 106 more runs.

That gave them at least 53 overs to chase down 139 and, despite some early Ravichandran Ashwin-induced wobbles, their two most senior batsmen saw them over the line to become the first-ever winners of the ICC World Test Championship.

After rain had wiped out two of the first five days of this Test match, the ICC implemented the use of its reserve day to increase the chances of a result, with 98 overs due to be bowled on day six.

While both sides still had designs on securing the win, Jamieson quickly put New Zealand on the front foot in the morning session as he got India captain Virat Kohli to nick behind for 13 and forced Cheteshwar Pujara to bottom edge to Taylor at slip shortly after.

Although the dangerous Rishabh Pant, who was dropped by Southee on five, counter-attacked, a fifth Indian wicket fell before lunch when Ajinkya Rahane (15) was caught behind by BJ Watling off Boult.

The 35-year-old Watling – playing his final Test match of a distinguished international career – dislocated his right ring finger during the morning session but gamely battled on behind the stumps and took his third catch of the innings to remove Ravindra Jadeja after lunch and reduce India to 142 for six.

The unorthodox Pant had shown his class when whipping Jamieson through mid-on for four before charging down the pitch to Wagner and punching the ball through mid-off for another boundary, so him finally being dismissed for 41 felt like a huge moment for New Zealand.

Pant danced down the track once again, aiming to hit Boult over long-on but instead got under the ball and Henry Nicholls took a good catch over his shoulder with India still only on 156.

The Indian tail was then quickly dispatched as Boult had Ashwin caught by Taylor two balls later and Southee ended with innings-best figures of 4/48 by dismissing Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, both caught by Tom Latham, as India were all out for just 170.

It was the first time since 2018 that no Indian batsman reached a half-century in either innings of a Test match and a target of 139 looked eminently chaseable for New Zealand.

A circumspect start by the Black Caps allowed openers Latham and Devon Conway to see out the eight overs before tea unscathed, as they reached 19-0 at the interval.

But scoring was slow and the pressure eventually told as Latham came down the wicket, saw Ashwin’s delivery beat the bat and Pant smartly stumped him to make the score 33 for one.

India thought they had the key wicket of Williamson for just one when he was given out LBW by umpire Michael Gough, again off Ashwin, only for the decision to be overturned on review.

Ashwin did trap Conway LBW shortly after to become the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship and reduce the Black Caps to 44/2 but Taylor (47 not out) and Williamson (52 not out) rebuilt by keeping the scoreboard ticking and punishing the bad balls.

Taylor in particular crunched a couple of wider balls through the off-side for four and when Pujara dropped him at slip off the bowling of Bumrah, with 55 runs still needed, the writing appeared to be on the wall.

And so it proved, as the two veteran New Zealanders hit another gear to reach the target inside 46 overs, despite a Williamson skier hitting the ground with the Black Caps approaching single figures needed.

Fittingly, the New Zealand skipper reached the half-century mark, bringing up his 50 with a boundary, while Taylor flicked the winning runs through the leg-side to win New Zealand’s second major international trophy, following their ICC Knock Out triumph back in 2000.

Scores in brief:

New Zealand beat India by eight wickets, at the Hampshire Bowl, Southampton.

India 217 in 92.1 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 49, Virat Kohli 44; Kyle Jamieson 5/31, Neil Wagner 2/40)

New Zealand 249 in 99.2 overs (Devon Conway 54, Kane Williamson 49, Tom Latham 30, Tim Southee 30; Mohammed Shami 4/76, Ishant Sharma 3/48)

India 170 in 73 overs (Rishabh Pant 41, Rohit Sharma 30; Tim Southee 4/48, Trent Boult 3/39, Kyle Jamieson 2/30)

New Zealand 140/2 in 45.5 overs (Kane Williamson 52 not out, Ross Taylor 47 not out; Ravichandran Ashwin 2/17)