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Zong to launch Pakistan’s first blockchain degree attestation system with HEC

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Zong, Pakistan’s leading information technology innovator, has partnered with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to roll out the country’s first blockchain-based degree attestation system, marking a milestone in digital transformation.
Zong to launch Pakistan’s first blockchain degree attestation system with HEC
Leveraging the immense experience and technological expertise of its parent organization, China Mobile, Zong’s new system will replace legacy, paper-driven processes with a secure, transparent, and fully digital ecosystem.
The platform ensures that academic records are 100% tamper-proof using the core strengths of blockchain; immutability, transparency, and decentralized security.
This enables instant verification for employers and institutions globally, especially benefitting overseas Pakistanis. It will also eliminate the need for physical visits or long waiting times due to administrative delays. The technology will make this process seamless for over 6 million students and alumni, with approximately 400,000 students being added to this number each year.
Speaking about the launch, Farooq Raza Khan, Executive Director & Country Head of Business Solutions at Zong, stated: “In collaboration with HEC, we are building a foundation of trust at scale. This is a first-of-its-kind project in the industry, and an apt demonstration of our capability to deliver complex, large-scale digital transformation. By utilizing blockchain, we provide a lifelong guarantee of authenticity, setting a new benchmark for digital public services that we intend to scale across the national landscape.”
This is not merely a vision for the future, but an active, phased implementation with development already underway. With the pilot rollout scheduled for the coming months, the project is designed for rapid scalability. While initially serving the education sector and integrating all of Pakistan’s higher education institutions into the system, the roadmap includes expanding this blockchain framework to other government organizations, solidifying Zong’s role as the digital backbone of the country.

ECC reviews improving inflation outlook, approves key financial and development measures

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet here on Thursday reviewed the overall economic situation, with particular focus on inflation trends and food security, before approving a wide range of financial, development and social sector proposals for the current financial year 2025-26.
The cabinet committee was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, according to a press release issued by finance ministry here.
On the occasion, Chief Economist, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad  presented a detailed overview of the prevailing economic conditions.
The Committee was briefed that the overall inflation situation has shown marked improvement during the ongoing fiscal year, reflecting enhanced price stability and effective macroeconomic management. Headline inflation remained at relatively low levels in the initial months of the fiscal year, standing at 4.1 percent in July and 3.0 percent in August.
Although temporary pressures emerged during September and October due to flood-related supply disruptions, inflation moderated subsequently and declined to 6.1 percent in November, indicating a clear easing of price pressures.
The Committee noted that cumulative inflation for the period July–November averaged 5.0 percent, significantly lower than 7.9 percent recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
This improvement was attributed to prudent fiscal management, effective price stabilization measures and close market monitoring, while remaining within the government’s budgetary projections.
Weekly price monitoring through the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) was also reviewed, which showed a stabilizing trend in essential commodities. Recent data indicated that prices of 10 out of 51 essential commodities declined on a week-on-week basis, providing tangible relief to consumers.
The Committee observed that market supply conditions are gradually normalizing as post-flood agricultural cycles progress, and expressed confidence that continued policy coordination and strengthened monitoring mechanisms would further support inflation containment in the coming months.
Following the economic briefing, the ECC considered and approved various agenda items. The Committee approved additional funds amounting to Rs. 5,760.270 million, proposed by the Federal Education and Professional Training Division, through a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, as well as for implementation of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme through NAVTTC.
ECC, however, advised the Division to explore public-private partnership models to enhance sustainability, noting that continued reliance on regular government funding may be challenging in the future.
The ECC also approved a TSG of Rs. 5,190.000 million, proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Works, in favour of PIDCL for execution of development schemes under the SDGs Achievement Programme in the provinces of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Committee approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 170.400 million for the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation’s budget for FY 2025-26. The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination was directed to prepare a comprehensive business plan clearly outlining PTDC’s proposed role, governance framework, staffing requirements and alignment with the national tourism strategy, particularly in view of ongoing consultancy studies and international investment initiatives.
The Chair emphasized that any reconsideration of earlier decisions regarding PTDC must be supported by a strong business case consistent with the government’s broader reform and rightsizing agenda for state-owned enterprises.
The Committee further approved, on the proposal of the Power Division, a revision and readjustment of the eligibility criteria for funding under the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Programme to ensure efficient implementation of the scheme and to further promote energy efficiency and reduction in electricity consumption.
In addition, the ECC approved a TSG of Rs. 6.358 billion in favour of the Power Division for execution of SDGs Achievement Programme schemes in Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with another TSG amounting to Rs. 200 billion under the head of government of Pakistan investment in DISCOs’ equity to address cash flow constraints in the power sector.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, the ECC approved, on the proposal of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the provision of Rs. 4.775 billion for payment to 945 deserving families of missing persons, as identified by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. The disbursement will be made under the supervision of the Commission in accordance with approved procedures.
The Committee also approved a TSG of Rs. 79.00 million for annual maintenance of helicopters of Frontier Corps Balochistan (North), Quetta, and another Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 10.821 million for repair and maintenance of helicopters of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) during FY 2025-26.
Furthermore, on the proposal of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the ECC approved the revised PC-I for construction of 104 additional family suites for Members of Parliament, including servant quarters, and directed the Capital Development Authority to submit a comprehensive plan for maintenance of its assets and preservation of building infrastructure.
In the defence sector, the ECC approved, on the proposal of the Ministry of Defence, a TSG of Rs. 40 million for execution of development schemes under the SDGs Achievement Programme, as well as a TSG of Rs. 250 million for the operationalization of King Hamad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences during the current financial year.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Ministers for Power, Petroleum, Commerce, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, National Food Security and Research, and Investment, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, departments and regulatory bodies, the press release added.

Punjab introduces modern reforms to strengthen health sector: Kh Salman Rafique

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP): Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that modern reforms are being introduced to improve the health sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
He was chairing a meeting on Thursday at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department to review the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program, Chief Minister’s Dialysis Program and the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Transplant Program. During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the monitoring framework, service delivery mechanisms and measures taken to ensure patient convenience.
The Health Minister emphasized the need for transparency in the implementation of new and unique health projects, improvement in service quality and facilitation for patients. He said the Punjab government is committed to providing the best quality and free healthcare to the people. He added that landmark initiatives are being launched for cancer treatment, stroke management and adult cardiac surgery. Sharing progress details, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that under the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program, more than 9,023 children have received free heart surgeries across Punjab at a cost of billions of rupees. He said the program has also benefited children from other provinces and regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh.
Highlighting other initiatives, the Minister said that under the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Transplant Program, a total of 998 transplants have been performed so far, including renal, cochlear, liver, bone marrow and corneal transplants. He further stated that more than 1.11 million patients have received free dialysis under the Chief Minister’s Dialysis Program, with over 31,260 patients registered in hospitals for dialysis services. Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Azmat Mahmood Khan said that all possible steps would be taken to further improve the health sector and ensure maximum facilities in empaneled hospitals.
The meeting was also attended by Chairman Punjab Chief Minister Advisory Committee on Cardiology Dr. Farqad Alamgir, Vice Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Prof. Masood Sadiq, Special Secretary Development Benish Fatima Sahi, CEO Punjab Health Initiative Management Company Dr. Ali Razaq, Additional Secretary Procurement Fatima Noreen and other officers.

Pakistan-IFC discuss strengthening strategic cooperation

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Pakistan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on Thursday discussed strengthening strategic cooperation, with a focus on mobilizing private investment, advancing public-private partnerships, and supporting reforms to drive sustainable growth and job creation.
The discussion took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and an IFC delegation led by Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, Director Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, accompanied by Ms. Naz Khan, Acting Country Manager for IFC Pakistan.
According to press release issued by finance ministry, the IFC delegation briefed the minister on its expanding engagement in Pakistan across investment and advisory operations, highlighting recent progress in local-currency financing, private sector investments, and sustainability-oriented advisory initiatives.
Particular emphasis was placed on IFC’s growing role in supporting public-private partnership frameworks, including engagements aimed at improving urban services, resource efficiency, and infrastructure performance through private sector participation and modern technology.
Discussions also covered ongoing collaboration with federal and provincial institutions to enhance project preparation, strengthen governance, and attract private capital in key service delivery sectors. Both sides underscored the importance of timely execution of approved transactions and maintaining momentum in the investment pipeline to reinforce market confidence.
The meeting further reviewed the importance of close coordination within the World Bank Group to leverage advisory, financing, and risk-mitigation instruments in support of Pakistan’s reform priorities. The IFC delegation shared updates on organizational arrangements intended to further strengthen engagement with Pakistan and the wider region, which were welcomed by the Minister.
On the occasion, Senator Aurangzeb outlined the government’s strategic focus on creating enabling ecosystems rather than direct intervention, particularly in areas with strong potential for employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
These include the digital and IT economy, agriculture and agri-value chains, minerals and mining, healthcare and skills-based human capital exports. He emphasized that technology adoption, regulatory strengthening, and private sector leadership are central to improving productivity and competitiveness across these sectors.
Both sides agreed on the need to align investment and advisory support with Pakistan’s medium-term development priorities, with a clear focus on job creation, sustainability, and export-oriented growth.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, accelerate implementation of priority initiatives, and continue structured engagement to unlock private investment and support inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.

PMA concerns over shortage of medicines in Nishtar Hospital

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MULTAN, Dec 18 (APP):Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Multan chapter showed serious concerns over shortage of medicines and medical facilities at Nishtar Hospital,  dubbed as southern Punjab largest teaching hospital.
Patients across various wards, including outpatient departments, are facing an acute lack of essential medicines, particularly life-saving antibiotics, it said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
 As a result, many are being forced to purchase costly drugs from private pharmacies. However, due to strict directives from the Punjab government, doctors are reportedly prohibited from officially prescribing medicines that are unavailable in the hospital, leaving both patients and medical staff in distress, PMA maintained.
The crisis has been further compounded in the neurosurgery and orthopaedic wards, where the non-availability of surgical hardware has led to prolonged delays in operations, it said adding that many patients are being given surgery dates months in advance, intensifying frustration among patients and their families. Hospital staff report that disputes between attendants and on-duty doctors have become routine amid growing public anger.
A delegation of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), led by PMA Multan President Dr Masood-ur-Rauf Haraj, met Medical Superintendent of Nishtar Hospital Dr Rao Amjad.
The delegation highlighted the severe shortage of medicines, lack of surgical equipment, and the difficulties faced by doctors and house officers due to non-functional gas geysers in hospital hostels despite the winter season.
Dr Rao Amjad informed the delegation that a significant portion of the hospital’s allocated budget is being spent on procuring essential gases, including liquid oxygen, costing millions of rupees. He added that efforts are underway to ensure the availability of essential medicines in emergency and critical wards, and that hostel-related issues would be resolved soon.
The PMA delegation urged the government to immediately release additional funds for Nishtar Hospital, stressing that adequate financing is essential to ensure timely and quality healthcare services for patients at this major public sector teaching institution.
The delegation also included Dr Imran Haider Qaisrani, Dr Waqar Niazi, Dr Zulqarnain Haider, Dr Adnan Bashir, Dr Shahzad, Waqas, Taimoor, Awais, and other members.

NA body reviews road infrastructure, toll policy, & development projects

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):The Standing Committee on Communications on Thursday reviewed the status of road infrastructure, toll policy, and key development projects across the country, with a particular focus on Balochistan and Sindh, during its 15th meeting held at the Parliament House.
The meeting, chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA, began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting, said a press release.
The Committee first took up matters related to Balochistan. Jamal Shah Kakar, MNA, informed the Committee that maintenance work has remained suspended for the past two years and that tendered projects have not been initiated.
He highlighted major road projects, including Quetta–Zhob, Quetta–Loralai, and Quetta–Sibi, and called for a Balochistan-specific meeting of the Committee.
The Ministry of Communications informed the Committee that while Balochistan contributes a nominal share of toll revenue, approximately 56 percent of the total PSDP allocation is spent in the province. Out of the total PSDP of Rs. 226.98 billion for 2025–26, Rs. 128.8 billion has been allocated to Balochistan.
The Ministry further stated that Punjab and Sindh, which contribute the major share of toll revenue, subsidize development in Balochistan, and claimed that toll plazas in the province have been torched.
Members rejected this assertion, stating that lower toll collection is due to Balochistan’s smaller population and denied reports of toll plazas being burnt. They requested the Ministry to identify and brief the Committee on any such incidents.
Members further emphasized that Balochistan has provided natural resources to all provinces for decades and, given that it constitutes 43 percent of Pakistan’s landmass, requires extensive road infrastructure.
The Committee recommended that Honorable Members from Balochistan and representatives of the National Highway Authority (NHA) meet to resolve outstanding issues before the next meeting. The NHA was also directed to prioritize completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones.
The Secretary, Works and Services Department, Government of Sindh, informed the Committee that the province has contributed its due share and that payments for land acquisition are underway.
The Committee asked a detailed report on the Sukkur–Hyderabad Road (M-6), reports on alleged land acquisition corruption cases highlighted in the media, including the suspension of two senior officers, and a comprehensive overview of highways under the Government of Sindh. It was also recommended that the M-6 motorway be extended from Karachi to Sukkur. The Secretary was directed to attend the next meeting and submit the requested reports.
The Chairman Committee expressed concern over the frequent transfer of the NHA Sindh Member and recommended that a permanent appointment be made at the earliest. The new Member to meet the Secretary, Works and Services Department, Sindh, and present a comprehensive update on all joint projects, particularly the Indus Highway pending for the past nine years.
The Committee stressed the urgent construction of bridges over the Indus Highway to prevent accidents and loss of life, and noted slow progress on the Kotri–Moro road. An update on the project was sought for the next meeting.
The Calling Attention Notice regarding the excessive number of toll plazas on the Karachi–Hyderabad Road was reconsidered at the request of the Mover. The Parliamentary Secretary for Communications assured the Committee that exemptions for local residents would be granted through toll contractors in accordance with the approved policy. The Committee, therefore, closed the matter.
The Committee also took up the Toll Plaza Rationalization and Equity Bill, 2025. It expressed serious concern over the Ministry’s failure to coordinate with stakeholders as previously directed. The Ministry stated that the Bill overlaps with existing laws, that the standard distance between toll plazas is 35–60 kilometers, that no toll increase is planned for the next three years, and that toll rates in Pakistan are comparatively lower than in the region.
The Committee emphasized that policy formulation is the prerogative of legislators and directed the Ministry to hold consultations and submit a detailed report within 15 days.
Members further raised concerns that toll plazas are being established on incomplete roads, resulting in minimal revenue reaching the national exchequer. Issues relating to poor planning of routine maintenance, reliance on bid costs instead of realistic estimates, repeated award of projects to the same contractors, and the effectiveness of the e-bidding system were also discussed.
The Committee recommended that the concerned Member and NHA representatives meet and resolve these issues before the next meeting.
The meeting was attended by Members of the Standing Committee, including Mr. Shamsher Ali Mazari, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Syed Hafeezuddin, Muhammad Usman Badini (via Zoom), and Mr. Hameed Hussain, MNAs. Syed Waseem Hussain and Syed Abrar Ali Shah, MNAs and movers of a Calling Attention Notice and a legislative Bill respectively, along with Eng. Gul Asghar Khan, Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, also participated. Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and representatives from affiliated departments were present as well.

Federal Ombudsman augments public facilitation wing to improve access, service delivery

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Dec 18 (APP): The Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi, Thursday, inaugurated the extension of the Public Facilitation Wing at the Regional Office Karachi for further improving public access and service delivery.
The Federal Ombudsman, at the occasion, also awarded officers and staff members of Regional Ombudsman Offices with shields and certificates in appreciation and recognition of their outstanding and consistent performance over the past few years. Officers and staff from the Regional Offices of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Mirpur Khas attended the event.
Addressing the award distribution ceremony and later briefing the media, Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi elaborated the newly introduced performance-based awards system and stated that the initiative was aimed at setting up high standards of professional excellence, based on objective criteria such as the number of complaints resolved, implementation of findings, holding of Khuli Katcheries, and inspection visits.
Appreciation and recognition of high performance serve as a powerful motivational force, encouraging others to improve efficiency and professionalism, he emphasized and expressed confidence that the initiative would have a positive and lasting impact on institutional efficiency.
The Federal Ombudsman stated that the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has recently been linked with the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s Computerized Complaint Management Information System (CMIS) to ensure prompt redressal of complaints from the business community. The integration would enable the business community lodging complaints directly into the Ombudsman’s system for faster and more effective resolution, he added.
He reiterated that the Wafaqi Mohtasib is a poor man’s court and the last resort for aggrieved citizens, and stressed the importance of sustained dedication to ensure justice and timely relief to the public.
He highlighted that the institution has expanded accessibility by setting up regional offices in remote areas and introducing WhatsApp and online complaint facilities, enabling citizens across the country to approach the Ombudsman with ease.
Sharing performance statistics, the Federal Ombudsman informed that during the current year, approximately 400,000 complaints were received, with an impressive 95 percent resolution rate. He added that more than 246,000 complaints have already been redressed, and the total is expected to exceed 250,000 by year-end.
Over the past four years, he informed, the institution has handled a total of 840,000 complaints, providing public relief amounting to approximately Rs 9.46 billion, particularly in cases related to electricity, gas, insurance claims, pension, EOBI related matters and other public issues.
Highlighting international recognition, he stated that due to the institution’s efficiency and efficacy, Pakistan was unanimously elected as the chair of Asian Ombudsman Association, comprising 47 member countries.
The Federal Ombudsman also acknowledged the constructive role of the media in creating awareness about the institution, which has significantly increased public confidence and utilization of the Ombudsman’s complaint redressal mechanism.
Speaking on the occasion, Amir Ahmad Shaikh, Member and In-Charge of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Regional Office, Karachi, commended the visionary leadership of Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi and said that he has transformed the institution into a more responsive and people-centric organization.
Earlier, the Federal Ombudsman unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the extension of the Public Facilitation Wing at the Regional Office Karachi.

Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):A high-level Omani delegation led by Major General Abdullah bin Ali Al Harthi, Assistant Inspector General of Police, visited the National Emergencies Operation Center at NDMA Headquarters on Thursday, where they were briefed on Pakistan’s technology-driven disaster management initiatives.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
The delegation was briefed on NDMA’s technology-driven transformation in disaster management, including early warning systems, real-time data integration, Pakistan Disaster Lens (PDL) 2026 and risk-informed preparedness mechanisms.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
The Omani delegation included senior representatives from the National Emergency Management Centre (NEMC) and the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Joining them was Fahad Sulaiman Khalaf Al Kharusi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Pakistan, along with officials from the Omani mission.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik welcomed the distinguished guests and briefed them on the Authority’s evolving role as the lead national coordinating body for disaster management. He emphasized NDMA’s strategic transition from a reactive to a proactive model, focusing on preparedness, early warnings and community resilience.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
During the meeting, the Omani side briefed NDMA officials on the mandate and functioning of National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), which serves as Oman’s apex national body responsible for coordinating preparedness, response, recovery, and relief operations during emergencies and disasters.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
The exchange provided an opportunity for both sides to share institutional experiences and national-level coordination models for effective disaster management.
Omani delegation reviews Pakistan’s tech-driven disaster management at NDMA
Discussions also focused on the prospects of formalizing bilateral cooperation through an agreement to strengthen collaboration between Pakistan and Oman in disaster risk reduction and emergency response. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing joint coordination mechanisms for the systematic sharing of early warning information and hazard prognosis, technical expertise and best practices, training and capacity-building initiatives, as well as real-time disaster and climate-related data
The Delegation also visited NDMA’s Center of Excellence building and tech labs, where they were briefed about courses undertaken for subject specialists in field of disaster management and climate change.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to continue working closely in the domain of disaster risk management, reinforcing the commitment of both countries to enhance preparedness, resilience, and coordinated response to natural and climate-induced disasters through sustained institutional collaboration.

Minorities Pakistan’s strength, not weakness: Sardar Yousaf

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday said minorities were not a weakness but a strength of Pakistan, stressing that the protection of their rights, lives and property was the constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
Minorities Pakistan’s strength, not weakness: Sardar Yousaf
He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Interfaith Harmony and Stability of Pakistan” organised by the Department of Islamic Studies at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad.
The minister said that Islamic teachings and the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed full rights to minorities and promoted peaceful coexistence based on dialogue and mutual respect.
Minorities Pakistan’s strength, not weakness: Sardar Yousaf
He added that the country’s youth were its greatest asset and that the government was committed to strengthening Pakistan as a peaceful and stable state through inclusive policies and democratic governance.
Campus Incharge Dr Saba Bashir, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, Dr Muhammad Irfan and Additional Registrar Chaudhry Aleem Raza also addressed the seminar.
Dr Saba Bashir thanked the federal minister for visiting the university and appreciated the Department of Islamic Studies for initiating dialogue on religious harmony.
She also commended Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari for providing academic forums on national issues.
Dr Irfan said that adopting the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a model of conduct could ensure success in this world and the hereafter, adding that the Charter of Madina remained a viable roadmap for building a stable society.
Guest speaker Jamil Farooqi said projecting Pakistan’s positive image globally was also the responsibility of the youth and expressed satisfaction over the university’s role in their intellectual and moral training.
Assistant Professor Dr Habibur Rehman moderated the seminar.
Shields were presented to special guests, while Pahal Digital News received a certificate for professional coverage of the university’s co-curricular activities.
Students of the Departments of Commerce and International Relations were also awarded shields for assisting in administrative arrangements.

Adoption of AI for sustainable construction stressed at 4th international civil engineering conference

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
HYDERABAD, Dec 18 (APP):The three-day 4th international conference on sustainable development in civil engineering, organized by the department of civil engineering was concluded at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro on Thursday. During the conference, recommendations formulated by national and international experts were presented.
According to the MUET spokesperson, the closing ceremony was attended by the former Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council Engineer Abdul Qadir Shah Jilani, as the chief guest, who emphasized that the conference recommendations should be forwarded to the relevant government departments. The guest of honor DIG Karachi Engineer Zulfiqar Ali Mahar was also present at the event.
The guests praised the academic importance of the conference and stated that such international events can play a vital role in giving a modern and sustainable direction to Pakistan’s construction sector.
The conference recommended, Pakistan’s construction industry must adopt modern technologies—particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization and increasing environmental pressure. It was recommended that AI be effectively utilized in smart city projects, energy efficiency, transportation systems and urban management to help reduce environmental pollution.
Special emphasis was placed on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology, which was described as essential for reducing carbon emissions in the cement and concrete industries. Experts noted that by enhancing academic and industrial collaboration with countries such as Malaysia, Pakistan could also make significant progress in the field of CCUS.
The conference also recommended reviving indigenous knowledge and traditional construction practices, including the use of locally sourced building materials that are both environment friendly and sustainable. Additionally, the use of fly ash from Thar coal in the construction sector was highlighted as important, as it can reduce cement consumption, lower costs and provide environmental benefits.
The presented recommendations stressed that the government, industry and academic institutions should jointly develop policies, provide advanced training to human resources and work collaboratively toward sustainable construction, enabling Pakistan to gain a strong global identity in the construction sector.
At the end of the event, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Anil Kumar and Conference Chair Dr. Nafees Ahmed Memon thanked the international guests and organizers and honored the guests with Sindh’s traditional gifts, Ajrak and caps. A large number of students also participated in the conference.
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