Manila                                                                                                                                                                                                   (PNA)                                                                                                                                                                                                     30 May 2018

The Senate unanimously approved on third and final reading early Thursday morning its version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), following marathon deliberations that started Wednesday afternoon prior to the closing of the Second Regular Session of the 17th Congress.

The chamber approved Senate Bill 1717, or the Act Providing for the Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, with 21 affirmative votes and no negative votes after ending deliberations at around 1 a.m.

Only Senators Manny Pacquiao and Leila de Lima, who is currently detained, were not present during the final deliberations and thus were not part of the voting.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved its own version of the BBL Wednesday afternoon with a vote of 227 – 11 with two abstentions.

Once enacted, the BBL would serve as the enabling law of the 2014 landmark peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro aims to grant greater autonomy to the Bangsamoro region.

The proposed act would establish a new autonomous political entity known as the Autonomous Region of the Bangsamoro that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The approval of both chambers of Congress came after President Rodrigo Duterte certified the measure as urgent.

The President’s certification was vital in the proposed bill’s passage as it did away with the 3-day period between the second and third readings before it gets passed.

After approval on third and final reading, the bill would go through bicameral conference committee meetings to reconcile the conflicting provisions of the two legislative chambers.

Finally, the final version of the bill would be ratified in plenary by both chambers before being sent to the Office of the President for Duterte’s signature.

After the voting, Senate President Vicente Sotto III immediately appointed Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who sponsored the BBL in the chamber, to head the Senate panel at the bicameral conference committee.

Other members appointed to the bicam are Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, as well as Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Francis Escudero.

The bicameral conference committee is expected to tackle the conflicting versions during the 6-week recess with the aim of ratifying the final version of the BBL on July 23 -- the first session day of the 3rd Regular Session of the current Congress and the same day when President Duterte will deliver his 3rd state of the nation address.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                       26 May 2018

Vodafone Qatar helped close to 100 people get in touch with their loved ones back home as part of their Ramadan campaign to keep “Shukran” going and as one of the several corporate social responsibility activities that the Company is doing throughout the holy month.

Vodafone’s “Shukran” campaign, meaning thank you in Arabic, aims to spread positivity throughout the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to encourage the country to show their appreciation for everything and everyone in their lives.

Shoppers at Safari Mall on Thursday and Friday were delighted to get the opportunity to call their loved ones for free via a specially designed Vodafone phone booth, equipped with a Vodafone powered mobile phone.

Many of the shoppers had not talked to family and friends for weeks and were moved by the experience. International calls were made to countries including India, Nepal, Ethiopia, Oman and the USA.

Mohammed Al Yami, Director of External Affairs, Vodafone Qatar said: “This was not only an opportunity to help people call their loved ones but also for us to say ‘Shukran’ to the people helping to build this country. ‘Shukran’ is a small gesture that can go a long way and we hope people will carry on the message and spread the positivity during the holy month and beyond.”

Vodafone Qatar will give hundreds more the opportunity to call their loved ones on Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June at Plaza Mall followed by Thursday 7 and Friday 8 at Al Khor Mall. This will take place on all days between 0800 PM to midnight.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      28 May 2018

Qatar Airways has launched an exciting new on-board dining experience for its Premium customers, starting with its European routes. The new concepts include newly-designed tableware, in-flight dining menus, cutlery and chinaware that are specially crafted to meet travellers’ high expectations and elevate their experience on board the airline’s award-winning aircraft.

Qatar Airways has also put a greater focus on featuring regional influences within the menu design process, which now sees the inclusion of new signature dishes to the in-flight menu based on route destinations, such as the offering of porcini and truffle risotto on Italian sectors. Traditionally prepared Arabic main dishes such as kabsa, biryani and flame-grilled meats, which offer a taste of the Middle East, will feature as a choice option across most routes.

New signature warm desserts will be introduced to passengers in the Business Class cabin, in addition to a luxurious afternoon tea experience on board selected routes. Attention to detail has been given to every new concept, from the mini condiment grinders dispensing ground black peppercorns and Himalayan pink salt, to tableware such as the linen-lined bread baskets that house a freshly baked trio of bread.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “Qatar Airways is thrilled to introduce a whole new on-board dining experience that will push the boundaries of Premium travel for our esteemed passengers. Every new concept was designed and produced with the highest attention to detail and quality, to meet the exacting standards of our passengers.

“Qatar Airways is collaborating closely with local farms and suppliers to produce products for our specific needs, promoting a ‘farm-to-table’ approach. Our in-flight dining menus are designed to align with the four seasons, better incorporating the use of locally-grown produce and tapping into authentic foods of local provenance delivering the very highest international standards.”

The national carrier of the State of Qatar has recognised the emerging trend of its travellers being more aware of their dietary needs and expressing interests in healthier food options. Qatar Airways supports its customers’ desires and will now feature lighter options, such as fresh crisp salads, woodland berries, warm breakfast oatmeal and more. Healthier drink options such as “cold pressed” juice with great flavour combinations will also be available on selected menus to revitalise during a long flight.

The airline has also improved its indulgent treats, including an enhanced caviar service offering for First Class passengers, which is perfectly accompanied with a Balik-style salmon and showcased on a bespoke crystal plate.

Qatar Airways launched a highly-successful pre-select dining option last year, whereby passengers travelling in First and Business Class are able to pre-select one main course from the à la carte on-board menu as far as 14 days in advance and up to 24 hours before take-off. This is in addition to the existing Dine-on-Demand service already available for valued First and Business Class passengers. The pre-select service enables First and Business Class passengers to now enjoy even more choice and freedom to create their own personalised dining experience while travelling on selected long-haul flights from Doha.

To pre-select a meal, passengers simply need to log into ‘My Trips’ on the Qatar Airways website and choose from the seasonal menu available on their flight. Meals can also be ordered through the Qatar Airways mobile app.

The Pre-Select Dining option complements the airline’s award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite, which offers an unparalleled level of luxury and privacy on board a Business Class cabin. First and Business Class passengers can now board their flight in the comfort and knowledge that their pre-selected dish is reserved and waiting for them whenever they are ready to dine, giving them more time to relax and enjoy the airline’s superior on-board entertainment and amenities.

As well as enjoying unrivalled five-star service, premium customers can also be pampered with amenities from world-class brands such as BRIC’S, Nappa Dori, Monte Vibiano and The White Company. Meanwhile all passengers have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, which offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

The award-winning airline has received a record number of accolades recently, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition. In addition to being voted Best Airline by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge'.

Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                                            28 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (Daily Dawn)

Former Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk was announced as the caretaker prime minister on Monday.

The announcement was made by Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah at a press conference in Islamabad following a meeting between himself and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who was also present at the press conference along with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

"No one's name was discarded," Shah explained. "We have chosen his name on the basis of merit. We took our parties into confidence and decided upon this name."

"We are happy that the government was able to complete its five-year term. We expect that the elections will be free and fair," Shah said, adding that the NA speaker had played a major role in both parties reaching an agreement.

"We expect that the elections will be free and fair," he said.

"All the names under consideration were credible," PM Abbasi said. "Every name was discussed, and this name was decided upon. It’s a name no one can point fingers at," he added.

Today's announcement comes after weeks of deadlock between the PML-N and the opposition over the name of the caretaker PM. Despite a number of meetings over a period of six weeks, there appeared to be a lack of consensus between both parties, with many believing the issue would be sent to a parliamentary committee for deliberation.

Nasirul Mulk: politically neutral?

Justice Nasirul Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat. He completed his degree of Bar-at-Law from Inner Temple London and was called to the Bar in 1977.

His father, Kamran Khan, was a businessman known for his philanthropic work in Swat. The dapper Mulk is fond of playing golf and is often seen taking constitutionals in the Margalla hills.

When the now-retired Mulk took oath as the 22nd chief justice of Pakistan in 2014, members of the legal fraternity said the appointment would bring honour, dignity and quiet grace.

Why quiet grace? Because, they say, Justice Mulk seldom interjects court proceedings with questions to the counsel unless necessary. A judge who never loses his temper, he extends equal opportunity to the lawyers, but is firm about not allowing the contesting sides to get sidetracked by entering the political arena.

"He is a good administrator and a disciplined judge who knows how to manage courts," Advocate Hafiz S.A. Rehman commented at the time.

"He was a teacher who had complete command of his subject and avoided controversies," recalled a former student of Justice Mulk in the Khyber Law College of Peshawar University. "He always came into the classroom well prepared."

He has also delivered lecturers in Khyber Law College, Peshawar and Peshawar University besides delivering lectures as a guest speaker at the N.W.F.P. Provincial Services Academy, Peshawar.

He is remembered for the way he conducted a contempt case against then prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

He convicted the then Chief Executive for 30 seconds while maintaining the dignity and honour of the court, and left the disqualification issue open to the Election Commission of Pakistan and the then speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Fehmida Mirza.

Justice Mulk is one of the seven judges who signed a restraining order on Nov 3, 2007, when retired Gen Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and forcibly sent the judges home.

Justice Mulk later joined the judiciary on Sept 20, 2008, under the Naek formula when he took a fresh oath as a judge of the Supreme Court with his seniority intact.

Justice Mulk dissented from a majority judgement while deciding an appeal filed by Mukhtaran Mai for the enhancement of the sentence of her rapists and against their acquittal.

He partially accepted Mukhtaran Mai’s appeal by setting aside the high court’s verdict of the acquittal of the accused on April 21, 2011.

While hearing missing persons’ cases, Justice Mulk has always stood firm as a result of which a number of disappeared persons have surfaced.

Justice Mulk resigned from the post of the acting Chief Election Commissioner the day he was designated as the next Chief Justice.

He has also held the office of the Chairman of the enrolment committee of the Pakistan Bar Council as well as the Chairman of the building committee of the under-construction Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) complex being built at a staggering cost of Rs. 650 million.

27 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (Hindustan Times)

A Rohingya refugee camp in Nuh district of Haryana was gutted after a massive fire broke out on Sunday. Although no casualties have been reported so far, houses of at least 55 families were razed to the ground in the fire that started at around 3 pm.

Rohingya refugees have been living on a plot of land near Chandeni area of Ferozepur Namak village in the district since 2012. Residents say that the damage was already done by the time fire tenders reached the site.

Coming more than a month after a Rohingya refugee camp was destroyed in Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj area, the incident, once again, raises questions on the lack of safety measures in these camps. The houses of as many as 250 Rohingya refugees were destroyed in the Kalindi Kunj camp.

“The incident took place around 3pm in the afternoon. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of short-circuit. Ten fire tenders were pressed into service,” SHO Nuh, inspector Sanjay Kumar said.

Residents of the camp in Nuh say that the effect of the fire was exacerbated by the heat and wind.

“Our houses have been burnt down to ashes. Nothing is left now. Everything is lost,” said Jafarullah , a resident of the camp.

Ali Johar, a Rohingya youth leader and a resident of the Kalindi Kunj camp that had earlier caught fire, said such incidents were bound to happen with the poor living conditions.

“Unless basic necessities are provided, we will continue to witness such incidents. Time and again, we have apprised the UNHCR of the poor living conditions in the camp and how the camp is susceptible to fires. So far, no concrete steps have been taken to improve the situation,” said Johar.

Expressing concern over the accident, MLA Nuh, Zakir Hussain said that immediate relief should be provided to those affected.

“The government should compensate for the loss and temporary shelter should be provided to the refugees. They should be rehabilitated as soon as it is possible since it is the month of Ramzan and they would need a space for fasting and praying. Basic food and shelter facilities should be extended to them,” said Hussain.

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority community from Myanmar. According to the UNHCR, Rohingya refugees are spread across six locations in India — Jammu, in Haryana’s Nuh district, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chennai.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                       25 May 2018

Qatar based Faisal bin Qassim AlThani Museum has announced recently launching of 'Cultures in Dialogue' exhibition in number of European cities during next two years of period starting from September 2018 from Valetta in Malta. Two years long mobile exhibition is  being held in collaboration with Qatar Shell, UNESCO and Qatar Museums Authority.

Islamabad                                                                                                                                                                                             27 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (daily The Nation)

Pakistan and Afghanistan have expressed the resolve to work together to strengthen bilateral relations and improve security situation in the region.

During a meeting between a high level Afghan delegation and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nasser Khan Janjua in Islamabad on Sunday, matters of bilateral interest, security situation, and border management between Pakistan and Afghanistan were discussed.

Afghan National Security Adviser Muhammad Hanif Atmar led the delegation.

Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) also came under discussion.

Meanwhile, the Afghan delegation also met Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Sartaj Aziz and discussed ways to increase economic cooperation, bilateral trade, energy, and people to people contacts between the two countries.

It was also agreed to hold meetings of the working groups of the two countries on regular basis.

Other members of the delegation include Chief of General Staff of Afghan National Army Lt. Gen Muhammad Sharif Yaft Ali and Chief of Afghanistan's spy agency National Directorate of Security Masoom Stanekzai.

Afghan Interior Minister Wais Barmak and Afghan President's Special Representative Umar Zakhilwal are also part of the delegation.

London                                                                                                                                                                                                  27 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (ICC)

The stirring fightback instigated by Jos Buttler and debutant Dom Bess on the third evening at Lord’s was in the end a chimera that only served to obscure England’s failings after a dispiriting first Test defeat of the summer.

With England leading by 56 overnight, Buttler and Bess resumed on the fourth morning with half-centuries to their name, trailing much spirited talk of building on their overnight 125-run partnership and setting Pakistan an awkward chase of around 150.

In the event the talk was just that. To the seventh ball of the morning, Buttler missed a straight, full delivery from the metronomic Mohammad Abbas – whose eight wickets in the match provided one of the game's feelgood stories – and from that point on the result was inevitable.

England’s tail barely wagged. After losing four wickets for 19 to fold in their first innings, this time around the lower order mustered just six runs between them.

Abbas, the 28-year-old journeyman who worked in a leather factory through much of his early twenties but who now has 40 wickets from seven matches – at the lowest average of any bowler in world cricket since his debut in 2017 – was irresistible.

But so too was Mohammad Amir. The pair shared four wickets between them in the second innings, with Abbas naggingly unhittable, Amir invariably unplayable.

Amir’s delivery to Jonny Bairstow on the third afternoon, arcing in down the slope and crashing between Bairstow’s defences, was a classic of the genre, a ball for the ages.

He is the totemic leader of this varied, versatile and relentless Pakistani attack, and with the emergence of Shadab Khan as a leg-spinning all-rounder, they can lay claim to an attack with the potential to take 20 wickets in any conditions.

Their win here – a third away win in a row, for the first time since 2011 – will resonate yet again through the world game. Pakistan have now won their second consecutive Test match at Lord’s; an astonishing turnaround considering events in 2010.

England, meanwhile, after a chastening, win-less Test winter, are not meant to lose matches at home in May. Since the start of the Ashes series, CricViz has calculated that England have managed to make 600 runs in a match on just one occasion.

It will be a long and possibly strained selection meeting following this one. Not since 1995 have they lost the first Test of the summer, when the West Indies won by nine wickets at Headingley. The story throughout the winter has run that while England’s Test team don’t travel well, they remain formidable at home. That shaky narrative has been inverted here.

The run-chase was a stroll in the London sunshine, Pakistan’s top order casually knocking off the 64-run target in under 13 overs for the loss of just Azhar Ali.

The victory was a supreme team effort, with every player making a telling contribution at some stage in the piece. Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy has been as assured as his excellent glove work, while all of his batsmen made contributions throughout their first innings.

The only minor setback is the wrist injury to Babar Azam which rules him out of next Friday’s Test at Headingley, but even Babar left his mark, making a stylish unbeaten 68 on Friday before receiving the blow that now curtails his series.

While the newbies Bess and Buttler offered some succour with the bat, their 126-run partnership for the seventh wicket amounted to well over a quarter of England’s match aggregate.

They sparkled last night, affording England their only good session in ten, but by lunch on day four, in front of a disgruntled Sunday crowd, the match was done. Pakistan’s latest triumph of flair and audacity was warmly greeted. For England, there are problems in every department.

The second and final Test begins start Headingley on Friday.

Peshawar                                                                                                                                                                                               27 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                         (daily The Nation)

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Sunday passed Fata reforms merger bill by two third majority in Peshawar,  Radio Pakistan reported.

Provincial Minister, Imtiaz Qureshi tabled the bill before the House.

The bill was passed with 87 votes in favour of the merger and six against.

Both Senate and National Assembly have already passed constitutional amendment on this count.

The Senate on Friday passed The Constitution Amendment Bill, 2018 with two thirds majority paving the way for merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It was moved by Law Minister Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk.

Seventy-one members voted in favour of the amendment while five against it.

The constitution amendment was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday with two thirds majority.

According to the amendment, the number of seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will increase to 145 from 124. FATA will be granted sixteen general seats, four seats for women and one seat for non-Muslims in the provincial assembly. Elections to these seats shall be held within one year after the general elections 2018.

The amendment reduces the number of seats in the National Assembly from three hundred forty-two to three hundred and thirty-six. The members of the National Assembly from FATA to be elected in 2018 election shall continue till dissolution of the Lower House.

According to the constitution amendment, the number of seats of Senate has been reduced to ninety-six from one hundred and four. The existing members of the Senate from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas shall continue till expiry of their respective terms of office.

The constitution amendment also envisages amendments in article 246 and repeals article 247 which place the tribal areas under the command and control of President.

In his remarks on the occasion, the chair congratulated the tribal people over the passage of the bill, saying it will bring them to the national mainstream. He said the Upper House today fulfilled its responsibility and the promises made with the tribal people.

Leader of the Opposition Sherry Rehman described the constitution amendment on FATA’s merger as a historic step in the country’s history. She said this will bring the tribal areas to the fold of constitution. She pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has a very important role in the whole transition process. She expressed the confidence that women from tribal areas will also be involved in the decision making.

Speaking on the constitution amendment, Mian Raza Rabbani said that tribal people have rendered immense sacrifices in the war on terror. He said the valiant people of tribal areas have always demonstrated their patriotism and love to the country for which they deserve our appreciation.

Azam Swati in his remarks said that the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will help free the tribal areas from the clutches of decades old system. He said this initiative will usher a new era of development in the tribal agencies.

Siraj ul Haq said that the merger will prove to the beneficial both for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. He said this will increase the share of the province in the National Finance Commission.

Maulana Ghafoor Haideri of JUI (F) opposed the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                       27 May 2018

Both in Arabic and English languages, workshops were organised by National Diabetes Center at Al Wakra Hospital for patients planning to fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan. It covered a variety of topics related to fasting with diabetes, including the importance of not making changes to medication regimes without medical supervision, the potential complications of fasting with diabetes, and steps to take in the case of diabetic emergencies, such as low or high blood sugar.

While most patients with Type 2 diabetes are able to fast without complications, it is necessary for diabetics who take medication to consult with their healthcare team to ensure they are taking the necessary precautions. With a physician’s guidance, Ragae Dughmosh says many diabetics are able to safely fast and avoid serious health complications.

“The purpose of the workshops was to explain how to fast safely with diabetes and how to avoid complications we often see with diabetic patients who are fasting. Our aim was to help reduce the number of patients we see each year who visit our clinics during, or after, Ramadan due to complications they experienced while fasting. The workshop also highlighted, and corrected, common misconceptions patients have about fasting with diabetes,” said Dughmosh, Diabetes Educator at Al Wakra Hospital and lead organizer for the event.

The workshops were led by Dr. Khaled Dukhan, Senior Consultant, Diabetes and Endocrinology and four diabetes educators from the National Diabetes Center at Al Wakra Hospital and were open to all patients of the Center as well as those who registered after seeing posters promoting the sessions. In addition to highlighting categories of patients who can and cannot safely fast, topics of discussion included recommended precautions for diabetic patients who planned to fast and general nutrition and exercise guidelines.

"We tried to provide attendees with a lot of practical tips associated with fasting. For example, exercise can be an important part of keeping the body and mind healthy during Ramadan but its timing is an important part of managing diabetes. The best time to exercise is two hours after breakfast and exercising before Iftar should be avoided. We also remind patients about the importance of checking their blood sugar frequently during both fasting and non-fasting hours,” added Rajaei Dughmosh.

The workshops concluded with a fun and friendly competition between patients who attended the sessions, with two mobile phones and blood glucose meters being awarded as prizes.

The National Diabetes Center at Al Wakra Hospital was opened in 2014 and receives approximately 400 patient visits each month. Created with the vision of uniting clinical care, diabetes education, treatment and research, the National Diabetes Centers at Hamad General and Al Wakra Hospitals were established to both improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes and to treat the disease by focusing on early detection and prevention.