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Health ministry signs MoU with Sehat Kahani to expand digital health, telemedicine services across country

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sehat Kahani to expand digital health and telemedicine services across the country, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare transformation the other day.
Addressing the MoU signing ceremony, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, termed the occasion “a very important day for telemedicine in Pakistan”, stating that the initiative would play a pivotal role in addressing long-standing challenges within the healthcare system.
The Federal Health Minister observed that both public and private hospitals are overcrowded, resembling political gatherings, due to the absence of an effective primary and secondary healthcare system.
He emphasized that telemedicine serves as a viable alternative to a weak primary healthcare structure, enabling patients to access medical care closer to their communities.
Kamal announced that the telemedicine system is being launched at federal Basic Health Units (BHUs) and described it as a “silent revolution in the health sector.”
He informed that the formal launch of the telemedicine project will take place in Islamabad on January 6.
Under the MoU, Sehat Kahani will provide digital healthcare services, supporting the government’s efforts to improve access to quality medical care.
The Minister highlighted that nearly 70 percent of patients visiting tertiary hospitals should ideally be treated at primary healthcare centers, which will significantly reduce the burden on major hospitals.
He further disclosed that telemedicine systems will be installed at six locations in Islamabad and four in Karachi. At each facility, three general physicians will simultaneously consult patients via online video, ensuring timely and effective medical advice. A total of 18 doctors will be available online across six locations, he added.
Kamal stated that online prescriptions will be issued, and medicines will be provided to patients on-site, making the process seamless and patient-friendly. He expressed confidence that this initiative would soon lead to a visible reduction in overcrowding at major hospitals.
Highlighting an important social impact, the Federal Minister noted that a large number of qualified doctors, particularly female doctors, are currently not in active practice. Through telemedicine, these doctors will now be able to treat patients from their homes, contributing their expertise to the healthcare system.
Reflecting on the journey, Kamal said that this vision was conceived six months ago, and the MoU represents “the first drop of rain” toward a broader transformation. He announced that the first BHU under the telemedicine initiative will be inaugurated on January 6, followed by the opening of one BHU every week thereafter.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen primary healthcare, enhance accessibility, and ensure efficient delivery of medical services across Pakistan.

KP CM pays surprise visit to Zamung Kor Girls Campus, Women Crisis Center

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Dec 17 (APP):Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to the Zamung Kor Girls Campus and the Women Crisis Center.
According to a spokesperson for the CM House, he met with the girls residing at Zamung Kor, listened to their concerns, and issued on-the-spot orders for their immediate resolution.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Sohail Afridi said that the care and protection of state children is the government’s constitutional, moral, and humanitarian responsibility.
During the visit, the CM summoned doctors on the spot to medically examine girls suffering from flu.
He also directed that a menu be prepared according to the girls’ preferences and emphasized the provision of quality food.
The CM stated that the education, training, and welfare of orphaned and underprivileged girls are top priorities of the provincial government.
He ordered the immediate provision of water geysers, heaters, shoes, warm clothes, and sweaters on an emergency basis.
On the request of the girls, he also directed the provision of swings, toys, a computer lab, painting materials, and recreational facilities.
Assuring further support, the CM announced the upgradation of the Zamung Kor School and the construction of a new building for the girls’ campus.
He said that practical steps are being taken to establish a welfare state in KP.

Federal Ombudsman hears public complaints

By
Kamran Muraad
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SIALKOT, Dec 17 (APP): Incharge Federal Ombudsman Regional Office Gujranwala, Mushtaq Ahmed Awan, held an open hearing of public complaints against federal departments at Jinnah Hall, Qila Sialkot.
According to the details, most complaints were related to GEPCO, Pakistan Post, Sui Gas, State Life Insurance, and other federal institutions. Complainants and concerned officials appeared after prior notices were issued.
Mushtaq Ahmed Awan directed officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of issues. New complaints were also received during the hearing and forwarded to relevant departments for action.
Speaking on the occasion, he said timely redressal of public complaints is the basic responsibility of the Federal Ombudsman, and all available resources are being utilized to serve the public.

Analyst acknowledges role of SIFC in boosting investment

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Senior analyst and Pakistan–China affairs expert, Rashid Safi on Wednesday acknowledged the role of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), saying it has emerged as the gateway to investment by opening the doors for investors and steering Pakistan’s economy on the right path.
Speaking to the media, he said that the recent, visible progress in the investment landscape clearly demonstrates that SIFC has become the backbone of Pakistan’s economic recovery. He added that by cutting red tape and simplifying procedures, the council has made it easier to do business and has created investment opportunities across several sectors.
Rashid Safi noted that in the past, both foreign and domestic investors faced prolonged bureaucratic procedures, policy inconsistency, and a lack of coordination among institutions. However, following the establishment of SIFC, he added that the investment process has been streamlined under a one-window operation, significantly simplifying procedures and accelerating decision-making. According to him, these fundamental reforms are restoring investors confidence.
He added that SIFC has created new investment opportunities, particularly in the energy, agriculture, minerals, infrastructure, and IT sectors. Foreign partnerships and the use of modern technology in these areas will not only increase productivity but also generate thousands of new jobs, directly improving the economic well-being of the public.
Speaking about Pakistan–China relations, Rashid Safi said that China is Pakistan’s time-tested friend, and SIFC’s role in the second phase of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is of critical importance.
He focused that SIFC is providing a strong platform for promoting industrial cooperation, special economic zones, and joint ventures, which will further strengthen Pakistan–China economic partnership.
Rashid Safi concluded that SIFC has not only facilitated investors but has also conveyed a clear message of policy continuity and state-level coherence. These factors, he said, are presenting Pakistan as an emerging investment destination in the region. If the current momentum and policy consistency are maintained, investment channeled through SIFC will play a key role in economic recovery, export growth, and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Delegation of Fintopia China meets Qaiser Shaikh

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Wednesday held an important meeting with a delegation of Fintopia China, a leading global FinTech enterprise and discussed ways and means to strengthen digital financial services.
The minister reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are iron-clad friends, and that bilateral cooperation—particularly in investment and technology-driven sectors—continues to expand under the shared vision of both countries.
He noted that the visit of the Fintopia delegation is a follow-up to their participation in the Pakistan–China B2B Investment Conference, held in September 2025 in Beijing during the visit of Prime Minister. He emphasized that, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, Pakistan is giving special focus to technology-led growth and digital investment.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strong market potential, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stated that Pakistan, as the fifth most populous country in the world, offers a large and attractive consumer market for FinTech and digital financial services.
The minister underscored that FinTech and digital finance initiatives can significantly benefit small businesses and SMEs, while also creating new entrepreneurial opportunities for youth. In this context, the Fintopia delegation expressed keen interest in initiating its digital financing venture in Pakistan, and in exploring structured collaboration with relevant public and private sector stakeholders.
The delegation was briefed on the Government of Pakistan’s reform agenda, including the Business Facilitation Center (BFC) and the Asaan Karobar Act, aimed at promoting ease of doing business and improving the investment climate. The Minister reiterated that facilitating investors and reducing regulatory bottlenecks remain a top government priority.
In addition, the Chinese delegation was informed about Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the incentives available for foreign investors, particularly in high-growth and technology-oriented sectors.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured the Fintopia delegation of full support and facilitation for any prospective investment, partnership, pilot initiative, or digital financing venture in Pakistan. He stated that the Board of Investment, under his leadership, remains fully committed to promoting foreign investment and strengthening Pak–China economic cooperation.

Mushahid says Pakistan-Russia are strategic partners in Eurasia, announces ‘Eurasian Connectivity Forum’ to promote regional cooperation

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The first-ever Russia–Pakistan Eurasian Forum 2025, organized by academic and research institutions from Pakistan and Russia, with support of both governments, convened in the Russian capital, Moscow.
Mushahid says Pakistan-Russia are strategic partners in Eurasia, announces ‘Eurasian Connectivity Forum’ to promote regional cooperation
The Forum focused on strengthening Russia–Pakistan relations, with special attention to non-traditional security challenges, people-to-people connectivity and regional cooperation in Eurasia.
In his Keynote speech at the Forum, former Senator Mushahid Hussain, who discussed how cooperation in non-traditional security areas can contribute to economic stability, mutual trust, and people-to-people partnerships, highlighting new avenues for collaboration in a changing global environment, said a press release received here on Wednesday.
He said the global shift of power from West to East was evident and even powerful country’s National Security Strategy has recognised this new reality, adding that Eurasia is the center of gravity of the rising Global South.
He said Eurasian multilateralism would drive this multipolar world, with Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Central Asian Republics would drive Eurasian Multilateralism.
In this regard, he announced establishment of the Eurasian Connectivity Forum as the institutional foundation of Eurasian Multilateralism, since connectivity includes commerce, culture and people-to-people connectivity with media, academia and think tanks as key players.
He said counter-terrorism, commerce and culture, education and energy, people-to-people connectivity would be key pillars of the Eurasian Connectivity Forum.
Mushahid Hussain also called for an annual Pakistan-Russia Strategic Dialogue led by opinion and business leaders, as in the new scenario, there is no fundamental conflict of interests between Pakistan and Russia, mentioning how Pakistan had a positive and balanced perspective on Ukraine, while Russia too remained neutral during Indian aggression against Pakistan, with both opposing any New Cold War.
He urged both governments to ‘seize the moment’ to build a broader partnership between Islamabad and Moscow in a rapidly transforming regional and global scenario.

Finance Minister inaugurates Centre for Government Data Analytics in AGP

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday emphasized adopting modern technologies of data analysis including machine learning, AI-based auditing and use of bots for performing analytical functions.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Center for Government Data Analytics at Auditor-General of Pakistan Headquarter, the minister appreciated the establishment of center.

He advised to digitally access all the data available on various data bases of public sector organizations. These measures will enhance the audit coverage, transparency and accountability of public money.

During the visit of the Finance Minister, the Auditor-General of Pakistan Maqbool Ahmad Gondal emphasized a strategic shift from quantity to quality of audits, focusing on entity- and project-based reporting, and fostering a constructive and collaborative environment with auditable entities. Audit is increasingly being used as a tool for improving governance, he stressed.

On reforms and modernization, the Auditor-General outlined his digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of the Audit Management Information System (AMIS), establishment of a Center for Government Data Analytics, and adoption of data analytics tools to enhance audit efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

The center has been established in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for broader digitalization of the economy. With cashless economy initiative moving ahead at great pace, more digital data will be available which this center will access on real basis analyse.

The Controller General of Accounts Umar Ali Khan briefed the minister on CGA’s mandate and performance as the premier Public Financial Management institution responsible for government accounting, pre-audit of payments and financial reporting.

The CGA continues to strengthen accounting systems and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, he said adding that the Controller General of Accounts achieved the targets of cashless and digital public sector economy, micro payment gateway (MPG), RAAST, online billing, migration to SAP HANA and centralized HP Super Dom servers in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He further said that the transition towards accrual-based accounting in line with international standards is also underway with the support of the World Bank.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued reforms, digitalization and collaboration with stakeholders to further strengthen transparency, accountability and efficient use of public resources for the benefit of the citizens of Pakistan.

The minister also appreciated the initiative measures of the Auditor-General of Pakistan regarding developing reporting structure of audit observations on internal standards.

Leghari seeks ADB support to tackle power sector debt, boost investor confidence

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Wednesday sought the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) support in addressing power sector debt repayment challenges, and in building confidence among private investors.

Leghari seeks ADB support to tackle power sector debt, boost investor confidence

The minister expressed these views during a meeting with a high-level ADB delegation led by Ms. Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Central and West Asia Department, which called on him here.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister thanked ADB for its continued partnership with Pakistan’s power sector. Ms. Leah Gutierrez, on her first visit to Pakistan in her current role, appreciated the opportunity to engage with the Power Division and discuss reform priorities.

Briefing the delegation, the minister highlighted key challenges facing the power sector, including financing constraints, issues related to rupee cover, and high upfront investment costs. He said the government was actively engaging local investors through the Pakistan Business Council to attract private investment in the power transmission sector and to enhance market visibility.

Sharing details of ongoing reforms, the minister highlighted progress on IGCEP-aligned transmission projects, while excess power capacity not required in the future had been removed. He reaffirmed that the government would not procure additional power and was transitioning towards a competitive electricity market.

The minister noted that Pakistan had already shifted around 20 gigawatts of power generation to clean energy. However, despite this significant transition, no dedicated financing was provided for the clean energy shift, nor was funding made available to ensure grid stability. He said that the transition to renewable energy continued despite these limitations, but stressed that serious and coordinated efforts, supported by adequate financing, are now required to keep the grid stable.

He also shared details of the Energy Surplus Package introduced to increase electricity demand and encourage higher power offtake by the private sector.

Seeking ADB’s support, the minister particularly emphasized assistance in resolving power sector debt repayment challenges and in boosting investor confidence. He informed the delegation that a feasibility report aimed at private investors would be presented soon. He further said the government planned to roll out smart meters through private sector participation under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a strong focus on technology integration and efficiency improvement.

Ms. Leah Gutierrez expressed ADB’s interest in supporting smart metering initiatives and highlighted ADB’s expertise in public-private partnerships and technology integration. She also showed interest in supporting the Integrated Energy Plan and in serving as a transitional advisor on PPP frameworks. She noted that ADB’s sovereign and non-sovereign operations operate under one platform, enabling the Bank to offer end-to-end solutions.

The minister thanked the Asian Development Bank for its continued support and partnership, and appreciated the Bank’s consistent engagement with Pakistan’s power sector reforms.

Gold prices rise by Rs2,700 per tola

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The price of 24 karat gold per tola witnessed an increase of Rs2,700 on Wednesday and was sold at Rs453,562 against its sale at Rs450,862 on the previous trading day, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association reported.
Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold increased by Rs2,315 to Rs388,856 from Rs386,541, while the price of 10 grams of 22 karat gold went up by Rs2,122 to Rs356,464 from Rs354,342.
The prices of silver also recorded an upward trend as the price of 24 karat silver per tola rose by Rs290 to Rs6,822 from Rs6,532, whereas the price of 10 grams of 24 karat silver increased by Rs248 to Rs5,848 from Rs5,600.
In the international market, the price of gold rose by $27 to $4,312 per ounce, while the price of silver increased by $2.90 to $65.50 per ounce.

Rupee gains 03 paisa against US Dollar

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): The Rupee on Wednesday appreciated by 03 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 280.27 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs 280.30.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281 and Rs 283.1, respectively.

The price of the Euro decreased by Rs 1.37 to close at Rs 328.11, from the previous day’s close of Rs 329.48, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen came down by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed a decrease of Rs 2.27 and closed at Rs 373.23 compared to the previous day’s Rs 375.50.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham decreased by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 76.31 while the Saudi Riyal remained stagnant and closed at Rs 74.71.

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