The application was formally launched following the complete success of its pilot project.
The app’s web portal was introduced in November last year on trial basis which received around 531 complaints, out of which, 361 had been resolved while 96 were in process, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfikar Bukhari told state-run wire service.
He said the app was developed by the overseas ministry in collaboration with the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to introduce e-governance in his ministry and provide the Pakistani diaspora instant relief by solving their issues swiftly.
Bukhari said he would monitor the complaints himself, in addition to the Prime Minister Office, adding that “this is our valuable asset and we would work day and night for their betterment.”
“The developed countries have switched to paperless culture and we have to embrace the modern technologies to bring real change in the prevailing system,” he remarked.
He urged overseas Pakistanis to download the ‘Call Sarzameen’ and allow their country to serve them in a better and efficient way.
The corruption watchdog’s executive board gave the go-ahead to the filing of a reference against Siddiqui upon completion of investigation against him.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) leader has been accused of making 372 illegal appointments and causing a loss of Rs420 million to the national kitty.
The bureau’s executive board also approved 12 corruption inquiries against a former president of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Saeed Ahmed and officials of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), Wapda, Port Qasim Authority, Sahiwal Coal Power Company.
Inquiries against officials of Punjab and Sindh police, University of Swabi, Civil Aviation Authority and Bacha Khan Airport, Peshawar were also approved.
Waiter Rozi Khan has taken social media in his homeland - where “Game of Thrones” has a strong following - by storm for his uncanny resemblance to U.S. actor Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister in the HBO fantasy series.
Until a few months ago, the 26-year-old had never heard of Dinklage. But his life changed when the son of the restaurant owner he works for spotted the resemblance and posted his picture on Facebook.
“In the beginning, they started calling me Peter Dinklage. After that I saw his show, and then slowly, slowly I became famous,” Khan told Reuters.
The resemblance goes beyond facial features: both men are also 4 feet 5 inches (135 cms) tall.
“My wish is to work in movies. And my other wish is that I should meet Peter Dinklage,” Khan added.
The eighth and final season of the wildly popular Game of Thrones concludes on May 19.
The court on Friday had reserved its verdict and was set to announce it today (April 30).
As soon as the hearing underwent today, the AC Judge, Arshad Malik said, the pleas of acquittal filed by other accused in the reference are also under the trial in the court.
“The court will announce its verdict after hearing all the pleas”, he remarked.
The court later adjourned the hearing into the case until May 6.
It may be recalled that the NAB court earlier, had reserved the verdict in the case twice but deferred the announcement of its reserved verdict on acquittal plea filed by former law minister Dr Babar Awan.
The Nandipur reference
The National Accountability Bureau in the reference, contended that the project had faced a delay of two years, one month and 15 days, resulting in a loss of Rs 27.3 billion to the national exchequer.
The power plant project, located in Gujranwala district of Punjab, could not be completed and operated on time because the accused failed to issue legal opinions.
“We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died,” the family said in a statement. “John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends.”
Earlier on Monday, the family said it had made the “agonizing decision” to withdraw life support from Singleton, who was being cared for at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles since having a stroke on April 17.
Singleton was a native of South Central Los Angeles, the community that was the setting for “Boyz n the Hood,” a drama about friendship amid the peril of gang violence.
He became the first African-American and the youngest person to be nominated for an Academy award for best director, at age 24, for the movie, which he also wrote.
Singleton later directed films such as action film “2 Fast 2 Furious” and historical drama “Rosewood.” He also directed episodes of TV shows including “Empire” and “Billions.”
Most recently, Singleton was the co-creator and executive producer of FX network TV series “Snowfall” about the start of the cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles.
His family said Singleton was “a prolific, ground-breaking director who changed the game and opened doors in Hollywood, a world that was just a few miles away, yet worlds away, from the neighborhood in which he grew up.”
He also “loved nothing more than giving opportunities to new talent” including Tupac Shakur, Regina King, Ice Cube and Taraji P. Henson, the family said.
Hollywood celebrities paid tribute to Singleton on Monday.
“John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything,” filmmaker Jordan Peele wrote on Twitter.
Aleksandr Mikheev said on Monday that Turkish officials have voiced eagerness to purchase other Russian-built air defense systems of various ranges, anti-tank munitions as well as remote controlled weapon stations.
Mikheev further noted that Moscow and Ankara have already established several joint ventures aimed at developing new state-of-the-art fighter jets and helicopters, modules for armored vehicles and maintenance of weaponry previously sold to Turkey.
The Russian official went on to say that Russia and Turkey, thanks to the “constructive dialogue between their political leadership,” have managed to thwart foreign rivals' bids to meddle in their bilateral military cooperation.
On April 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is interested in expanding military and technical cooperation with other states, and is ready to consider signing new contracts on S-400 systems to Turkey.
His statement came after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu indicated Turkey could order more missile defense systems from Russia in case the United States refuses to supply Ankara with Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.
“If the US does not want to sell Patriot to us, tomorrow we may buy another S-400 system and we also can purchase other air defense systems,” Cavusoglu told Turkish-language NTV television news network in an exclusive interview.
The United States announced on April 1 that it would be suspending all “deliveries and activities” related to Turkey's procurement of F-35 stealth fighter jets over Ankara's plans to purchase the S-400.
Moscow and Ankara finalized an agreement on the delivery of the S-400 in December 2017.
Back in April 2018, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin said in Ankara that they had agreed to expedite the delivery of the S-400. At the time, it was said that the delivery could be made between late 2019 and early 2020.
A number of NATO member states have criticized Turkey for its planned purchase of the S-400, arguing the missile batteries are not compatible with those of the military alliance.
They also argue that the purchase could jeopardize Ankara's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and possibly result in US sanctions.
The S-400 is an advanced Russian missile system designed to detect, track, and destroy planes, drones, or missiles as far as 402 kilometers away. It has previously been sold only to China and India.
Ankara is striving to boost its air defense, particularly after Washington decided in 2015 to withdraw its Patriot surface-to-air missile system from Turkish border with Syria, a move that weakened Turkey’s air defense.
Before gravitating towards Russia, the Turkish military reportedly walked out of a $3.4-billion contract for a similar Chinese system. The withdrawal took place under purported pressure from Washington.
Ankara’s ties with its Western allies in NATO have been strained over a range of issues.
Erdogan has been critical of Washington for supporting Kurdish groups in Syria that he says are responsible for terror attacks inside Turkey, among other issues.
The Turkish leader has also slammed US officials for rejecting his requests to hand over Fethullah Gulen, a powerful opposition figure living in the United States, whom Ankara accuses of having masterminded a coup attempt in July 2016.
Lavrov said during a press conference in Moscow on Monday that the terrorist outfits, especially militants from the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terror group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, are constantly breaching the de-escalation zone agreement by attacking civilians and carrying out provocations against the Syrian Arab Army in the troubled region.
The top Russian diplomat went on to say that the Syrian government had every right to protect people living in the country, including Idlib province, which is under the control of al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra.
“There’s a limit to everything. The situation in Idlib and other areas where terrorists are still active cannot go on like this forever. We will proceed from the fact that the Syrian government has every right to ensure the safety of its people on its territory,” Lavrov stressed, adding, “As Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, Russia cannot tolerate these terrorists remaining safe there like in a preserved area.”
Turkey and Russia brokered a deal in September 2018 to create a demilitarized zone in Idlib that would be evacuated of all heavy weapons and militants.
Iran, Russia, and Turkey, the three guarantor states of a ceasefire regime in Syria, have time and again expressed their determination to continue their fight against terrorism in the Arab country.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has recently called for progress in stalled talks on a so-called buffer zone around Idlib province in a meeting with the Russian president’s special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev in Damascus.
The Syrian president also stressed his government’s determination to eliminate terrorist groups which are holed up in Idlib and attack civilians in neighboring areas.
President Assad called for the removal of any "obstacles" blocking the full implementation of the deal.
Elsewhere in the remarks, Lavrov expressed fear that the US forces, which are illegally stationed in Syria, could release all detained foreign terrorists. He said that such an act by the United States would be as “a terrible crime.”
The remarks come as several governments have been grappling with the problem of what to do with captured fighters from their country, the women who married them and their children.
A UN official has recently called on countries to take responsibility for their nationals, including thousands of children of Daesh fighters, who are stuck at a camp controlled by US-backed militants in northeast Syria.
She was talking to Adviser to PM on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh along with a delegation.
Matters pertaining to promotion of economic and business relations between the two countries were discussed in the meeting.
The Adviser informed the delegation that Pakistan values its ties with US and both countries need to work to create an environment to move forward for the mutual benefits.
He referred to the sacrifices rendered by the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan while fighting the war on terror.
The Ambassador Wells lauded Pakistan’s efforts for promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Green Shirts chased down 274 with eight wickets and nine overs to spare, thanks to a brilliant century by Fakhar Zaman and fifties from Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam.
Zaman scored 101 off 81 balls with 15 fours and a six, while Imam contributed with 71 off 79 balls with five fours and two sixes. Azam hit an unbeaten 68 from 53 balls with five fours and three sixes.
Pakistan kicked off their tour of England with a 100-run win over Kent on Saturday.
Imad Wasim hit an unbeaten century, while Zaman made 76 and Haris Sohail 75.
Pakistan continue their tour with another tour match against Leicestershire on Wednesday.
They then play England in a one-off T20 international in Cardiff on Sunday, before facing the hosts of the 50-over World Cup — which starts next month — in the first of five one-day internationals at The Oval on May 8.
“The Pakistan cricket team management has given leave to Shoaib Malik so that he can return home to deal with a personal issue. He is expected to rejoin the team in 10 days’ time,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement on Monday.
“The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy,” the statement added.
Firdous Ashiq Awan said the prime minister is striving to improve the lives of poor masses and taking prudent measures to bring the economy of the country on track.
She in a statement asserted the government does not want any clash with the opposition and asked opposition politicians to come to the Parliament with useful suggestions and recommendations, stressing that it was the best forum to resolve issues.
Firdous said the government has fulfilled the demand of the opposition and appointed Shahbaz Sharif as Chairman Public Account Committee (PAC), adding now it is his responsibility to come to the parliament and play his role.
She has urged opposition parties to play a constructive role towards development of the country and avoid the politics of agitation.
Earlier addressing a gathering in Sialkot, the PM’s aide had said, “The coming days will bring change in the lives of the people. The government is making sincere efforts for steering the country out of crises and people would observe a visible change in near future.”
She said that democratic process was the only way out to get rid of social, political and economic complications.
Magnesium is commonly found in various plant-based and animal-based foods.
Uses
Some people use magnesium for diseases of the heart and blood vessels including chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high levels of "bad" cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low levels of "good" cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, heart valve disease (mitral valve prolapse), metabolic syndrome, clogged arteries (coronary artery disease), stroke, and heart attack.
Magnesium is important for normal bone structure in the body. People get magnesium from their diet, but sometimes magnesium supplements are needed. Magnesium is also used orally for weight loss. Athletes sometimes use magnesium to increase energy and endurance.
How does it work?
Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. Magnesium is also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine.
Foods that are high in magnesium include:
Almonds, cashews and peanuts.
Spinach and other leafy vegetables.
Soymilk.
Black beans and edamame.
Peanut butter.
Bread.
Avocado.
Potato.
Rice.
In a summary moved to the Petroleum Division on Monday, the Ogra proposed that the price of high speed diesel (HSD) be raised by Rs4.89 per litre and petrol price be hiked by Rs14.37 per litre for the next month.
The regulator has also requested an increase in prices of kerosene oil of Rs7.46 per litre while a rise of Rs6.40 per litre has been recommended for light diesel oil (LDO)
If the government accepts this recommendation, then diesel prices would inflate to Rs122.32 per litre, petrol to 113.26 per litre, LDO to Rs86.94 per litre and kerosene oil would go up to Rs96.77 per litre.
The PPP chairperson, who was holding a press conference at Zardari House in Islamabad, criticised the government's performance on the economic front, alleging that it is favouring the rich and burdening the poor.
"No one in the history of Pakistan took as much debt as they have taken in just several months of their government. They celebrate upon securing loans. What is there to celebrate when the poor and the common man will have to bear the burden of paying off these loans?" Bilawal asked.
"The way they are running the economy, there will be a reaction from the poor spectrum of the society. If you want to create fiscal space and burden someone then burden the rich like Jahangir Tareen. For the rich you have an amnesty scheme but for the poor you have inflation.
"Ramazan is coming, where is your Ramazan package? I demand that the government review its economic policy, and provide relief to the poor wherever possible."
Bilawal advised to government to take inspiration from the PPP's management of the economy during turbulent times.
"Look at what the PPP did during its government," he said. "Despite global recession, terrorism at its peak, two floods and an environment of war, the PPP fought and gave more jobs than anyone else (6.8million), increased salaries by 150 per cent ... and did whatever was possible for the poor. You can do the same."
According to detail, the van catches fire after hitting the walls of the toll plaza. “The van was coming from Sargodha to Islamabad and carrying 17 passengers,” said Motorway police.
The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The NAB executive board meeting was held in the chair of Chairman NAB Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal wherein 12 inquiries have been approved, a press release issued after the meeting stated.
Addressing the moot Chairman NAB Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal said that corruption is the mother of all evils while the anti-corruption body strictly following accountability for all policy.
Chairman NAB said that the anti-corruption body will concentrate on mega corruption cases.
The inquiries approved by the NAB including former president national bank Saeed Ahmed and other officers and government employees of the bank, officers and government officials of the ministry of water and power, Nepra and PPIB.
The meeting also approved inquiry against Port Qasim Authority, Sahiwal Coal power project case sponsors.
Messer Hussain products and others will face the NAB inquiry as well, while the NAB also approved inquiry against police officer s DIG Hyder Ashraf, CCPO Lahore, and Amin Venice.
The anti-corruption body also approved filing a reference against politician belonging to MQM-P Rauf Siddique and he has been alleged of illegal use of power, illegal recruitment, and misappropriation of government funds. As per the NAB press release the accused incurred national exchequer loss of Rs 420 million.
Governor Shah Farman administered the oath.
The oath taking ceremony was also attended by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Speaker Provincial Assembly Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, Provincial Ministers and MPAs.
The 30-year-old has been stood down from this Friday´s one-off one-day international against Ireland in Malahide, the upcoming limited-overs matches against Pakistan and the World Cup.
Ashley Giles, ECB managing director of England Men´s Cricket, said: "We have thought long and hard about this decision.
"We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.
The 27-year-old Amir was left off Pakistan´s preliminary World Cup squad but has a chance to force his way back into the final 15 if he does well in the five-match one-day international series against England starting from May 8.
Wasim said he still believed Amir could stage a comeback.
The squad will kick off two warm-up World Cup games against Afghanistan on May 24 and Bangladesh on May 26, before taking on the West Indies in their first World Cup match in Nottingham on May 31.
He inspected the damaged houses and visited the residence of those who had died due to landslide.
Raja Jalal offered Fatiha for the departed soul and expressed sympathies with affected family.
According to details, the parliamentary party meeting of PML-N was chaired by the former prime minister and PML- leader senior leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
The meeting demanded PM Imran Khan to take parliament into confidence over the IMF visit. It was also decided in the meeting to protest outside the parliament during the month of Ramadan on a daily basis.
The PML-N parliamentary meeting also puts forth five demands to PTI-led government.
PM Imran should brief joint parliamentary session regarding National Action Plan (NAP). Details of LNG contract should be presented in the parliament. Premier should brief parliament about the inflation in the country.
The meeting also prayed for the health of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.
Several app-makers complaints that Apple had taken their products off sale when it launched its own similar tools.
But Apple said the apps were removed because they "put users' privacy and security at risk".
It said the apps had been given time to make changes to meet Apple's rules.
The latest version of Apple's iOS mobile operating system added Screen Time tools, which let people see how much time they spend using their favourite apps.
The tools also let parents control how much time their children can spend on apps and websites.
Some app-makers claimed Apple had removed their products from the App Store after Screen Time was launched, and said it was trying to limit competition.
Apple Said it had taken action against apps that were using "risky" Mobile Device Management (MDM) to control children's smartphones
Many corporations and organisations use MDM to control what employees do on their phones. It lets businesses keep an eye on what staff are doing, and even wipe their phones remotely.
Apple said it was not appropriate for family-focused time management tools to use MDM.
"MDM gives a third party control and access over a device and its most sensitive information, including user location, app use, email accounts, camera permissions, and browsing history," Apple said in a blog.
"It is incredibly risky - and a clear violation of App Store policies - for a private, consumer-focused app business to install MDM control over a customer's device.
"Contrary to what The New York Times reported over the weekend, this isn't a matter of competition. It's a matter of security."
The company said it had given a number of affected apps 30 days to submit updated software that did not break its rules. It said many of the companies did make changes and were not removed.
According to details, during the meeting, both leaders discuss the overall political situation of the country and matters pertaining to mutual interest.
The strategy regarding media affairs was also discussed in the meeting.
Punjab CM Usman Buzdar on the occasion said the opposition was afraid of accountability and govt will not allow any thief to run away.
“Keep this in your mind, this is not 1971. The Pakistani military is fully capable of a befitting response through the support of its 207 million nation. You had once said that the nuclear assets were not for Diwali. You may test us as we are fully prepared.”
Major General Asif Ghafoor was addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi over national security and escalation between Pakistan and India.
Ghafoor, in its opening statement, said, “This press conference aims to brief the current scenario of overall national security and recent escalation between Pakistan and India.”
“We had earlier talked about tensions between both countries on February 21 when allegations were levelled by India after Pulwama attack. We’d replied New Delhi that Pakistan has no involvement in Pulwama attack,” he said.
“[Later,] India had violated our border which was responded from the Pakistani side. Two months are spent after February but India is continuously lying [on this issue].”
“Pakistan is a responsible state which brought up the truth. Our country is consistently delivering truth and it will continue the same pattern in future as well,” he clarified.
While reminding previous attacks carried out in India, the spokesperson reminded that terror attacks on police officials took place in the past, whenever it was going through elections’ phase.
“We had facilitated local and foreign journalists to visit the area which was claimed to be attacked by India and casualties of 300 people. However, India had stepped back from its statement for this claim.”
Mr Ghafoor offered India to provide a live demonstration of the missile which drills into roof before explosions to prove its claims.
He added, “The whole world has witnessed that we have shot down two Indian fighter jets over violation of ceasefire line in the daylight. On the other hand, India had crashed its own M-17 helicopter due to hear of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and later vanished it.”
“Not only vanishing it, but the neighbouring country had also disappeared its black box besides pushing its inquiry into delay after elections.”
He further said, “We had already clarified that Pakistan captured one pilot but not two. We will reveal further details regarding ammunition storages to the world soon.”
He slammed India over running propaganda against Pakistan. Ghafoor said, “India had claimed to change the attitude of Pakistan, now the world is witnessing changes in its own behaviour. You [India] have now conferring awards to your soldiers like us. Even, you have used our song for your election campaign.”
The Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony of the BRF on 26 April 2019. He attended a banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping for the world leaders the same evening. The Prime Minister also delivered remarks at the first session of the Leaders’ Roundtable on 27 April 2019.
The theme of the Roundtable was: “Boosting Connectivity to Explore New Sources of Growth.” In his statements, the Prime Minister inter alia proposed four new areas for Belt and Road cooperation: (i) digital connectivity; (ii) mobility of labour; (iii) cultural connectivity; and (iv) sharing best practices in knowledge and innovation.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Ministers and Senior Officials delegation, separately met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on 28 April 2019. Earlier, the Prime Minister and his delegation were hosted to a banquet by Vice President Wang Qishan on the evening of 27 April 2019.
During these meetings, the two sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations including CPEC. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership in all dimensions.
Both sides discussed important regional and international issues, including peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia and agreed to deepen cooperation at the multilateral fora.
Following the meeting with Premier Li, a ceremony was held to sign a number of MoUs/Agreements between the two sides, including the conclusion of the 2nd Phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and an agreement on ML-1.
On the sidelines of the BRF, the Prime Minister had meetings/interactions with other world leaders including from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Ethiopia and Kyrghyz Republic.
He also held meetings with Managing Director of IMF and the CEO of the World Bank as well as corporate and business representatives attending the BRF.
Another important highlight of the visit was the opening ceremony of the Beijing Horticultural Expo 2019, where the Prime Minister interacted with President Xi Jinping and other participating world leaders.
The Prime Minister visited the Pakistan Pavilion set up to showcase the country’s plant biodiversity. The Horticulture Exhibition will continue over the next five months.
The Prime Minister attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by the China International Cultural Communication Center and the China-Pakistan Friendship Association. On 28 April 2019, he addressed a China-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum bringing together a large number of Pakistani and Chinese entrepreneurs.
The Forum, which was attended by Vice Chairman of National People’s Congress Mr. Zhang Chunxian, provided a platform for the participants to explore the immense business and investment potential of Pakistan. The business-to-business meetings on the sidelines of the Forum resulted in signing of 14 agreements/contracts.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-powered Ministerial delegation which included the Foreign Minister, Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Minister for Energy, Minister for Railways, and Advisors on Commerce and Finance as well as Chairman BOI.
These Ministers and Advisors represented Pakistan at the Belt and Road Thematic Forums on 25 April 2019. They also interacted with their Chinese counterparts and Ministers from the BRF participating countries.
The Prime Minister’s second visit to China provided an important opportunity to exchange views with the Chinese leadership on bilateral and regional issues; to coordinate on the implementation of Phase-II of CPEC that includes industrial cooperation and socio-economic development; and to invite Chinese businessmen and investors to explore the immense potential of Pakistani market.
The Prime Minister’s visit and his extensive exchange of views with the Chinese leadership, once again, affirmed the vitality of the time-tested, all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, which remains unaffected by any adverse regional and international development, and continues to move from strength to strength.
The measures would help security forces to identify people as a hunt for any remaining attackers and their support network continues across the Indian Ocean island, authorities said.
But there are concerns within the Muslim community that a prolonged ban could fuel tensions in the religiously-diverse nation that emerged from a civil war with ethnic minority Tamil separatists a decade ago.
Officials have warned that the militants behind the April 21 suicide bombings on hotels and churches that killed over 250 people were planning more attacks, using a van and bombers disguised in military uniforms.
"It is a presidential order to ban any dress covering faces with immediate effect," Dharmasri Bandara Ekanayake, a spokesman for President Maithripala Sirisena, told Reuters.
Separately, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is feuding with Sirisena, issued a statement saying he had asked the justice minister to draft regulations to ban the burqa.
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the top body of Islamic scholars in Sri Lanka, said they supported a short-term ban on security grounds, but opposed any attempt to legislate against burqas.
"We have given guidance to the Muslim women to not to cover their faces in this emergency situation," ACJU assistant manager Farhan Faris said after the scholars asked the government to drop plans for a law against the burqa and niqab.
"If you make it a law, people will become emotional and this will bring another bad impact ... it is their religious right," he told Reuters.
About 9.7 per cent of Sri Lanka's roughly 22 million people are Muslim. Only a small minority of women, usually in Muslim areas, fully hide their faces.
Human Rights Watch condemned the ban.
"That needless restriction means that Muslim women whose practice leads them to cover up now won't be able to leave home," the group's executive director Kenneth Roth tweeted.
In Kattankudy, the Muslim-majority hometown of Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Zahran, the suspected leader of the militant group behind the attacks, there were few women in the streets and none had their faces covered.
Two women declined to be interviewed by Reuters. Residents said only a small percentage of women in the town wear the burqa.
Owais Ibrahim, a Muslim shopkeeper, said he supported a ban on face coverings for security reasons.
"If it is not allowed it is not a problem," he told Reuters. "If we are living in Sri Lanka, we must respect their rules."
US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, South and Central Asia Alice Wells and US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad to hold regular consultations with Pakistani officials along with talks on the Afghan peace process.
Last week, Zalmay Khalilzad praised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement on Afghanistan.
Ambassador @US4AfghanPeace and Ambassador Alice Wells held delegation level talks at #MoFA today. Pakistan side consisted of interagency delegation led by Mr. Aftab Khokhar, Additional Secretary (Americas). pic.twitter.com/LsS2tjhMhf
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) April 29, 2019
“Greatly appreciate @ImranKhanPTI’s statement yesterday on #Afghanistan. His appeal for reduction of violence and policy against promoting internal conflict in other nations has potential to positively transform the region and give #Pakistan a leading role,” Khalilzad tweeted on Friday.
In his statement, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan would not be a party to any internal conflict in Afghanistan anymore. The prime minister added that Pakistan was fully supporting the Afghan peace process including the intra-Afghan dialogue.
“Pakistan has committed all diplomatic and security capital to success of peace process,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said in the statement.
