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At UN, nations pledge people-first digital future, tighter AI safeguards; Pakistan pushes for implementation

By
Samina Ch
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Iftikhar Ali
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 18 (APP):United Nations member states Wednesday pledged to narrow widening digital divides and put stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI), with Pakistan calling for “effective” implementation of those promises at the UN General Assembly, which concluded a major review of how the world manages the Internet and digital technologies.
“While digital technologies have expanded opportunities, they have also introduced new inequalities that demand urgent collective action,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the high-level meeting.
The two-day meeting marked the conclusion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a process launched in the early 2000s to guide global cooperation on digital development, access and inclusion, at a time when the internet was only starting to become an essential part of everyday life.
Two decades later, delegates said the challenge is no longer simply getting people online but ensuring that digital technologies – including AI – are governed in ways that protect human rights, build trust and close widening digital gaps.
WSIS was created in 2003 to help countries work together on the opportunities and risks posed by information and communication technologies, or ICT.
It brought governments together with businesses, civil society and technical experts – a multistakeholder approach that remains central to digital governance today.
At this year’s review, participants reflected on how deeply digital tools now shape the economy, education, healthcare and daily life, while warning that millions remain excluded.
In remarks to the General Assembly on Tuesday, its President, Annalena Baerbock, said access to the internet has become essential – from telemedicine in remote villages to online education and digital financial services – yet progress is sluggish.
While global Internet access stands at around two-thirds of the world’s population, she noted that in developing countries it is far lower, and women and girls continue to be disproportionately left behind.
“Two decades later, our shared vision of a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society remains unfinished,” she said.
She warned that access alone is not enough, stressing the need for responsible governance of emerging technologies such as AI, particularly as innovation often moves faster than regulation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an outcome document reaffirming countries’ commitment to a people-centred digital future grounded in human rights and the principles of the UN Charter.
The text calls for faster action to close digital divides, greater investment in digital infrastructure and skills, and more predictable policy environments to support digital development. It also highlights the importance of trustworthy governance of data and AI, building on commitments already made under the Global Digital Compact.
Member States encouraged stronger international partnerships on AI capacity-building, particularly for developing countries, including training programmes, access to resources and support for smaller businesses.
Throughout the process, speakers emphasized that governments cannot shape the digital future alone. The outcome reinforces the approach that brings governments, industry, civil society and the tech world together.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said WSIS was born from a belief that digital innovation must reflect human needs, while UN Development Programme (UNDP) Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu described the review as both a moment to recognize progress and to chart a path forward.
In his remarks, Asim Ahmad, the Pakistani ambassador, said that his government is taking decisive steps in digital transformation, citing this year’s adoption of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and the National AI Policy that provide a strong institutional and policy foundation for a secure, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.
“Under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative, with E-Pakistan at its core, we are moving to expand connectivity, strengthen digital public infrastructure, advance
e-governance, and invest in skills development,” he told the gathering.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the WSIS process, the Pakistani envoy said, “We stand ready to work with all partners to ensure that ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) and emerging technologies serve as tools for inclusion, shared prosperity, and sustainable development for all.”

Tarar warns fake news on social media posses biggest challenge of digital age

By
Samina Ch
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attaullah-tarar
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday cautioned that fake news circulating on social media has become the greatest challenge of the digital era.
He emphasized that in today’s world, it is vital to use social media responsibly and to strike a balance in the face of rapidly evolving technologies.
Speaking at the closing session of the National Cyber Security Seminar,  the minister underscored that a grasp of cybersecurity must start with demographic realities.
 Pakistan’s digital landscape, he noted, encompasses more than 117 million internet users, 148 million mobile broadband subscribers, and upwards of 79 million active social media accounts.
He said, digital life today is split along a generational fault line. On one side are the digital immigrants—those who stepped into the online world later in life, adapting to its rapid evolution. On the other are the digital natives—a generation born into cyberspace, fluent in its language from the start.
Speaking on the divide between generations, he noted that digital natives tend to navigate technology instinctively, while digital immigrants are still learning to use social media responsibly.
He emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity awareness, stressing that effective outreach must be tailored to different audiences through diverse channels, strategies, and language.
The Federal Minister highlighted the rapid evolution of Pakistan’s cyberspace over the past four decades. Reflecting on the media landscape, he pointed to a gradual and systematic shift from traditional platforms to electronic media, describing it as a natural progression.
 He noted that print media has undergone a complete transformation, evolving into electronic formats through a comprehensive process of change.
He noted that during this period, editorial oversight existed, boards of directors were in place, and in the early 2000s, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was established, introducing a formal regulatory framework.
He said this structured process enabled the evolution of media. However, the subsequent shift from electronic to digital media was an unnatural transition for which no one was prepared.
This change arrived suddenly, and it was accepted as it came. He added that due to the rapid pace of this evolution, there was a lack of an adequate regulatory framework, limited awareness, and the main reason was a lack of understanding, as it took significant time to grasp cyberspace, cybersecurity, and its realities.
Digital literacy and responsible online behavior continue to lag, underscoring the need for greater awareness of what constitutes responsible conduct. Speaking on the issue, he emphasized that cybersecurity and the responsible use of social media stand among the most pressing challenges of our era.
At the World Economic Forum, global leaders were asked to name the greatest challenges of our time. Surprisingly, neither nuclear war nor climate change topped the list. Instead, the threat they singled out was misinformation and fake news.
Referring to the Bondi Beach tragedy in Sydney, he noted that social media was quickly flooded with false reports. Some outlets hastily alleged the attacker was from Pakistan—without evidence or credible information. He stressed that Pakistan, itself a victim of terrorism, was unfairly targeted by baseless claims repeated even by global media, despite the absence of any documentary proof, causing serious damage to the country’s image.
On December 16, as Pakistan commemorated the martyrs of the Army Public School Peshawar, false reports abroad wrongly linked an overseas attack to Pakistan.
He warned that such baseless claims put Pakistanis in Australia, Europe, and the United States at risk. The contradiction was stark: while the nation honored children who sacrificed their lives against terrorism, international media outlets spread unfounded allegations, with consequences witnessed worldwide.
Later, the attacker’s identity and documents, along with an Indian police statement and press release, revealed a different chain of events. The Federal Minister lauded the fact-checking tool iVerify, saying he regularly uses it to confirm news and effectively counter misinformation.
The Federal Minister for Information stressed the urgent need to boost digital literacy, noting that while the shift from print to electronic media was gradual and well-regulated, the rapid digital revolution has left critical gaps. He affirmed that immediate measures are required and the government is fully committed to addressing them.
He said that with this approach, Pakistan’s first Digital Communication Department was established, as no formal digital department existed when he took charge of the Ministry of Information. He added that the ministry now has its own fact-check unit and has established connections with media organizations to verify and curb fake news, but further measures are still needed.
The Federal Minister for Information lauded TikTok’s move to add AI labels, noting it helps users identify content generated through artificial intelligence.
He said this is a small step that should be adopted by all other platforms. He added that advertisements are also being generated using AI, affecting many professions such as content creators, directors, graphic designers, and actors, putting their livelihoods at risk, which is a matter of concern.
He stressed the need for balance, noting that no single awareness policy fits all. Each social media platform requires tailored approaches, he said, acknowledging the challenge but voicing optimism that with initiatives like today’s and collaboration among PTA, UNDP, and the Government of Pakistan, the right strategy can overcome it.

DG ISPR holds special interactive session with faculty, students of COMSATS university

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry visited COMSATS university Islamabad Campus and held a detailed discussion on the country’s internal security situation, the spread of misinformation, and other important issues with the faculty members and students.
During the special session, the DG ISPR gave comprehensive and well-reasoned answers to the questions raised by the participants.
The participants paid glowing tribute to the everlasting sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the motherland.
They said the spread of unverified information without proper facts checking can be harmful to national interests.  Such sessions help counter misinformation and disinformation more effectively, they said.
The participants while reaffirming their resolve said that Pakistan Army stands with us, and we stand with the Pakistan Army. Role of every citizen alongside the armed forces is indispensable for country’s stability, security and development, they said.
They were of the views that complete eradication of terrorism requires close coordination and unity among all institutions. Continuity of such awareness sessions is the need of the hour to promote understanding and consciousness among the youth, they said.
The DG ISPR responded questions raised by the participants.

Senator Aurangzeb highlights digital banking, financial inclusion and cashless economy drive

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday said that the national drive towards digitization has gathered strong momentum, including at the highest level and that clear performance targets are being pursued through a coordinated approach across key pillars covering digital infrastructure, payment systems and rails and digitization of government-related payments.
He stated this while, talking to a delegation comprising on Douglas Feagin, President Ant International and Senior Vice President, Ant Group; Irfan Wahab Khan, Chairman, Easypaisa Digital Bank;  Jahabzeb Khan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Easypaisa Digital Bank, said a press release.
The meeting focused on accelerating Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless and digitally enabled economy, with particular emphasis on expanding financial inclusion, strengthening digital payments and leveraging technology to widen access to formal financial services for individuals and small businesses across the country.
The Finance Minister noted that policy coordination and implementation have been strengthened through high-level ownership to ensure that cross-cutting decisions are taken swiftly and executed effectively, enabling faster progress in broadening digital acceptance and reducing reliance on cash.
During the discussion, Senator Aurangzeb emphasized the role that digital banks and fintech platforms can play in enabling inclusive credit and targeted lending, including for under-served segments such as small farmers. He noted that agriculture lending needs to reach a broader base of smallholders and that scalable digital platforms can help improve outreach and sustainability, particularly in initiatives aimed at expanding access to finance.
He also highlighted the importance of diversifying the investor base for domestic public debt and reducing friction costs in distribution by facilitating retail participation through digital platforms, enabling citizens to invest in secure and liquid government securities through accessible channels.
Speaking on the occasion, Douglas Feagin conveyed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Finance Minister and reaffirmed Ant International and Ant Group’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital economy agenda by bringing global experience, technology capabilities, and operational know-how gained across Asia to help expand cashless payment adoption and digital financial services.
He highlighted that the licensing of Easypaisa as a digital bank presents an important opportunity to accelerate capability building, deepen outreach, and advance the shift towards digital transactions, while acknowledging that cash remains prevalent and that sustained efforts are required to expand nationwide adoption.
Irfan Wahab Khan shared that Easypaisa is progressively transitioning from payments to broader financial services, with a focus on financial inclusion, customer education, and the development of savings and wealth management offerings.
It was noted that expanding distribution of regulated investment products requires sustained awareness-building among retail customers, and that digital platforms can provide an effective channel for such education.
The discussion also covered ongoing enhancements in cross-border and wallet-based payment capabilities leveraging international networks to improve convenience and reduce transaction frictions for users.
Senator Aurangzeb also shared the government’s perspective on the increasing scale of virtual asset activity and the importance of bringing such activity into a regulated framework to address risk management, compliance considerations, and consumer protection, while enabling innovation in emerging financial technologies.
The meeting included an exchange on opportunities related to tokenization and the potential for regulated, technology-enabled channels to support secure and accessible financial products, including in areas such as government securities and broader capital market development.
In addition, Senator Aurangzeb briefed the delegation on progress achieved on macroeconomic stabilization, including advancements on structural reforms and external validation milestones.
He emphasized Pakistan’s intention to leverage its strategic economic relationships to unlock further investment and to build a foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.
Mr. Douglas Feagin shared that expanding digital payments and digital finance can support stronger documentation of economic activity and contribute to tax base expansion, based on observed outcomes in multiple international markets.
He reiterated Easypaisa’s and Ant International’s commitment to scaling QR-code merchant acceptance and driving consumer adoption through practical use cases, while highlighting operational considerations linked to biometric-based customer onboarding, compliance requirements, and the cost of authentication and verification processes.
The discussion reflected a shared understanding that regulations should strengthen integrity of the financial system while also supporting inclusion and usability, including through risk-based approaches that encourage adoption at entry-level transaction tiers.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence in continued engagement and coordination on priority initiatives, including merchant digitization, customer education, enabling broader access to regulated savings and investment products, and supporting national objectives for payments modernization and financial inclusion.
Senator Aurangzeb appreciated the delegation’s commitment and encouraged submission of specific proposals for coordination with relevant stakeholders to advance shared priorities under the government’s digitization agend.

Notorious robbers arrested, weapons, mobile phones recovered

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 18 (APP):The Town Police here have arrested dangerous robbers during a successful operation and recovered weapons and stolen mobile phones from their possession.
According to police on Thursday, the arrested suspects were involved in robbery, car lifting, attacks on police, murder, attempted murder and other serious crimes. During the operation, the suspects opened fire on the police team. After an exchange of fire, the dangerous robbers were arrested in injured condition.
The arrested suspects were identified as Waqas son of Naseer, resident of Tehkal and Abdul Basit son of Imdad. Weapons used in criminal activities and stolen mobile phones were recovered from them.
A record check revealed that the suspects were wanted by police in multiple cases registered at Town, Machni Gate, Hayatabad, Tehkal, and other police stations. Further investigation is underway.

SAU establishes climate-resilient research centers, world-class laboratories

By
Samina Ch
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has established state-of-the-art research centers and world-class laboratories to address the challenges posed by climate change and emerging threats to crops.
Vice Chancellor Engineer Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal emphasized the need to strengthen farmer support systems, promote advanced research and translate scientific findings into practical solutions for the farming community.
According to the SAU spokesperson, under various development initiatives, SAU has launched a major project within the department of plant pathology, faculty of crop protection, titled “Disease Diagnostic and Research Center for Exportable Mango Fruits,” funded by the export development fund (EDF). The center includes a molecular disease diagnostic laboratory for export-quality mangoes, a hot water treatment unit and a mango paper bag production unit. Currently, the molecular diagnostic laboratory is fully operational, while work on the remaining units is underway.
In addition, the spokesperson told five laboratories in the department of plant pathology had been upgraded in accordance with international standards and equipped with modern scientific instruments. These include the fungal diagnostic and research laboratory, nematology and general phytopathology research laboratory, phytobacteriology and biopesticide development laboratory, molecular plant pathology and virology laboratory and the plant disease museum and mycopia—the first facility of its kind in Pakistan.
During his visit to the faculty of crop protection, the Vice Chancellor reviewed the newly established facilities and received briefings about ongoing research activities along with Dean faculty of crop protection Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Chairman department of plant pathology Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli and other senior faculty members.
Addressing the faculty, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted the importance of innovation-driven research, enhancing farmers’ awareness, and disseminating university research outcomes through social and print media. He stressed that SAU’s research must directly benefit farmers by improving productivity, ensuring effective disease management and boosting agricultural exports. He also assured continued institutional support for laboratory up-gradation and stronger national and international research collaborations.

KP Govt launches ‘Home Stay’ initiative to boost tourism

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 18 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a landmark step to promote tourism by launching the “Home Stay” initiative under the Mezban (Host) Program, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said while distributing interest-free loan cheques among beneficiaries.
The CM stated that the project aims to promote tourism, create employment opportunities for local communities, and ensure economic self-reliance.
Under the program, residents of tourist destinations are being provided interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million to establish home-stay facilities.
According to an official briefing, cheques have so far been distributed among 95 beneficiaries under the Mezban Program.
The scheme covers residents of Swat, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.
Sohail Afridi said the initiative will enable national and international tourists to enjoy quality accommodation in private homes, offering them a sense of hospitality along with modern facilities.
 “The core objective of the Mezban Program is to provide tourists with warmth, dignity, and quality services,” he added.
The CM emphasized that the KP government believes in earning with dignity and giving dignity, adding that despite limited resources, the PTI-led provincial government is investing directly in its people.

KP announces winter vacations schedule for educational institutions

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 18 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally announced winter vacations for educational institutions across the province.
According to the Education Secretary, separate schedules have been issued for institutions located in the summer and winter zones, keeping in view weather conditions.
As per the notification, all public and private educational institutions situated in the summer zone will observe winter vacations from January 1 to January 15.
Meanwhile, educational institutions in the winter zone will remain closed from December 22 to February 28.
The decision has been taken to protect students from the hardships caused by severe cold weather.
The education department stated that the step aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students during the harsh winter season.

ANF arrests two, seizes drugs worth over Rs7.7 million in nationwide operations

By
Samina Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 18 (APP):The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) conducted three operations across the country, arresting two suspects, including a woman and seizing 33.62 kilograms of narcotics worth more than Rs7.7 million, an ANF spokesman said on Thursday.
He said the operations targeted both international and inter-provincial drug trafficking.
In the first operation, ANF personnel recovered 14.912 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice) soaked in clothing from the luggage of a passenger at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The suspect was travelling to Jeddah, the spokesman added.
In a second international interdiction, 13.350 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in clothes were recovered from a parcel bound for the Philippines at the cargo shed of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
In the third operation, carried out near the Tarnol Toll Plaza in Rawalpindi, the ANF recovered 4.800 kilograms of hashish from a female passenger during an inter-provincial check.
The spokesman stated that cases have been registered under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and further investigations are ongoing.

Gold prices surge by Rs 2,200 per tola

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):The price of 24 karat gold increased by Rs 2,200 per tola and was traded at Rs 455,762 on Thursday against its sale at Rs 453,562 on the previous trading day, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association reported.
The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also went up by Rs 1,800 to Rs 390,742 whereas the price of 10 grams of 22 karat gold increased by Rs 1,275 to Rs 357,919.
The price of per tola silver increased by Rs 78 to Rs 6,900, while the price of 10 grams of 24 karat silver rose by Rs 67 to Rs 5,915.
In the international market, the price of gold increased by $22 to $4,334 per ounce, whereas the price of silver went up by $0.78 to $66.28 per ounce.
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