Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes on importance of AI for modern knowledge-based economies

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:45 PM

China's BRI experience shared by all countries: Ahsan Iqbal — File

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday highlighted the indispensable role of the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) in advancing economic growth through the utilization of AI technologies for modern knowledge-based economies.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the AI- TechVerse’ at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), said a press release issued here.

“AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and it has already made a significant impact on society,” remarked the minister while addressing at the opening ceremony of the event.

He called for increased collaboration and dedication to leverage AI’s potential and create a prosperous future for all. From healthcare to finance, education to entertainment.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister praised NCAI’s contributions to Pakistan’s innovation and growth. He emphasized the pivotal role of NCAI in developing a new generation of thoughtful leaders who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to steer Pakistan towards progress in the digital age.

The minister applauded NCAI for being more than just a hub for AI research and development.

It was noted that six national centres which include Robotics and automation, Artificial intelligence, Cyber security, Cloud computing and big data, GIS/ Space Applications, Livestock Breeding, Genetics and Genomics were established by the minister in 2017-18.

He had directed these centres to explore central Asia as potential market and also asked them for brand development and international marketing of their products and technologies.

AI TechVerse featured discussions, debates, and workshops conducted by experts in the field, providing participants with new insights and perspectives on the latest AI trends and developments.

A total of 173 research paper submissions were received for the IEEE International Conference on AI, with 37 papers being shortlisted for presentation.

The conference attracted renowned authors and researchers from around the world, including Norway, USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, Sweden, and Kuwait.

NCAI has been actively engaged in policymaking for national and international bodies concerning AI and its allied technologies. Its diverse team of researchers and experts provides a holistic approach to AI research and innovation, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

The event was attended by senior officials, industry leaders, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and students from all over Pakistan.

IHC maintains objections on Imran Khan’s petition against FIR

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:39 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed Imran Khan’s legal team to remove the objections of Registrar office in a petition seeking to exclude the terrorism clauses from a FIR against him.

Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani, hearing the case, remarked that PTI’s chief Imran Khan had to appear before the court for biometric verification. The court couldn’t trust this petition as well as a fake petition, linked with him which surfaced last day.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, heard the case along with the objections of the Registrar office.

At the outset of hearing, Justice Kayani remarked that petitioner should move to the anti-terrorism court for the relief. At this, Imran’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry Advocate said that they had already filrd application to the prosecutor seeking to delete the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATC) sections from the FIR. Justice Kayani asked that whether the court would issue instructions to the prosecutor against the petition.

The lawyer said that it was the duty of prosecutor to view that whether the incident fell under ATA sections. He said that the case challan had not been submitted so far as the investigation into the matter was still underway.

The court questioned that whether the prosecutor had the authority to remove the ATA clauses from FIR. The court, therefor, maintained the objections of Registrar office and instructed the petitioner to rectify the same.

The court said that first the accused should get bail from the trial court, then the high court would view this matter.

It may be mentioned that the Registrar office of IHC had raised objections against the petition regarding the lack of biometric verification, missing of verified documents and filling the case with skipping relevant forum.

The capital police had registered FIR against Imran Khan and others with regard to the protest outside the building of ECP after decision in Toshakhana case.

Imran Khan’s protective bail dampens ‘court arrest drive’: Marriyum

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:30 PM

PTI scared of Maryam Nawaz’s growing popularity among masses: Info minister — File photo

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan had made fun of his ‘court arrest drive’ by seeking protective bail.

“It is the first ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ in history which has been dampened by its leader’s protective bail ahead of its formal launch,” she said in a tweet.

دنیا کی پہلی جیل بھرو تحریک ہے جس کا لیڈر اس کا آغاز اپنی حفاظتی ضمانت سے کر رہاہے۔ ایوان صدر آئین، قانون اور عدالتی نظام کا تمسخر اُڑانے والے کے خوف کا قیدی ہے۔صدر علوی عمران خان کے جرائم میں سہولت کار ہیں،آئین، قانون اور عدالتی نظام کو تماشہ بنایا ہوا ہے
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 21, 2023

The minister said the President’s Office should stay free of Imran Khan who had been taking the Constitution, law and judicial system just like a “joke”.

Comprehensive strategy being implemented to resolve urban problems of Karachi: Administrator

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:24 PM

Comprehensive strategy being implemented to resolve urban problems of Karachi: Administrator — File Photo

KARACHI, Feb 21 (APP): Administrator Karachi Dr. Syed Saif-ur-Rahman on Tuesday said that a comprehensive strategy was being implemented to solve urban problems by developing Karachi’s basic infrastructure, improving the road network in residential, and industrial zones and planting trees on green belts with the cooperation of relevant industrial associations.

Talking to a delegation of Azad Kashmir journalists in his office here, he said that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was trying to provide better facilities to the citizens and for this purpose, steps were being taken to repair roads and footpaths, improve parks and playgrounds and plant trees in different districts of the city.

He said that like all the big and industrial cities of the world, Karachi was facing problems like environmental pollution, which could be countered only through more plantations. Extensive work was going on to make the existing parks of Karachi green, which had a positive effect, he added.

He said that the historical buildings of Karachi were being restored to their original condition, citing the example of Empress Market, which was recently renovated with the painting work of the building had been completed.

“For the elimination of encroachments in different areas, the KMC is also taking steps to provide convenience to the citizens. Sports facilities available in the KMC Sports Complex have been further increased and the department of Culture and Sports is organizing sports activities,” he apprised thr delegation.

Dr. Syed Saif informed the delegation about Karachi’s history, culture and local government facilities.

On this occasion, Rashid Nazir, head of the delegation, said that the Ghazi Millat Press Club in Rawlakot, Azad Kashmir was established to uphold journalistic values in Azad Kashmir and it was playing its role effectively and in the freedom struggle, newspapers and television channels were playing an effective role in conveying their voice to the Kashmiris.

He said that Kashmir was declared as the artery of Pakistan by the Quaid-e-Azam.

The delegation comprised of President Ghazi Millat Press Club Rawla Kot Rashid Nazir, Sardar Abid Siddique, Sardar Abdul Razzaq, Sardar Imran Ayub, Riaz Shahid, Zahid Bashir, Sajid Mahmood while Kashmiri leaders Sardar Nazakat Ali and Bashir Sadduzai.

Senate Finance Committee urges FBR for speedy disposal of cases

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:16 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): The Senate Finance and Revenue Committee urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to seek speedy disposal of weighty cases by the FBR before various courts specifically those bringing significant revenue to the country.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla presides over a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.

The committee was apprised that a total of 76,349 pending litigation cases Inland Revenue service till Dec 31, 2022 amounting to a total of Rs 2.330 bl out of which 63,655 cases are of the appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue.

The FBR informed the committee that they are trying to approach the secretary and Minister Law for record of these cases.

The Chairman FBR informed the committee that back-to-back meetings with the chief Justice Lahore High Court and Chief Justice Islamabad High court are being conducted and making all efforts to liquidate its pendency.

Mandviwalla said that the Customs Operation wing has already set up Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADRCs) mechanism for quick and amicable disposal of pending litigation cases and settlement should be made through ADRCs’ the committee also suggested if cases can be resolved outside court.

It was also suggested that cases should be disposed of on the basis of the “benefit of doubt”. The FBR informed that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has prioritized the disposal of revenue cases by constituting three benches where revenue cases are fixed on daily basis. Likewise on the matter of notices being sent by the FBR to business persons under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, was also taken under discussion once again.

The chairman FBR commented that we are cautiously identifying cases.

He said that huge tax evasion was detected in the case of PEB Industries PVT. Limited during the inquiry and in the light of information received from the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), it was further informed that the accused was provided ample opportunities but it failed to respond. The chairman committee reserved that there is difference between tax evasion and AMLA and failing to response cannot fall under the category of money laundering.

The chairman committee compelled the FBR to avoid bundling up cases under the AMLA act hampering the business community to trade he also put special emphasis on keeping a close check on pending cases in different fora for early disposal and discourage frivolous litigation.

The committee informed that all chief collectors/Director General have been asked to forward the recommendations for filing appeals/SCRAs after satisfying themselves to the law.

Discussion on the matter referred by the Chairman Senate regarding amendments in Customs Act 1969 and inclusion of import issues in the next budget raised by Senior Vice Chairman, Rawalpindi Goods Forwarding Association was also taken up.

The Rawalpindi Goods Forwarding Association complained that Customs goods already cleared at entry points are unnecessarily checked during transportation across the country on the pretext of being smuggled ones.

“Road Interruption, Simply Corruption” Senator Kamil Ali Agha remarked while regretting the norms of the field formation. He said that these field formations are in wait of bribes and added that deliberate snubbing of the business vehicles is unjustified and causes enormous losses to the vehicle companies.

The Federal Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha said that it is an administrative procedure and an amendment in the act is not required at this stage.

It was further informed by the FBR that the complaint has been examined and the field formations have been directed by the Board that Vehicle carrying customs –cleared imported goods duly accompanied by import documents and showing the direct transportation from the port/ station of clearance, may initially be subjected to tallying the documents with the transport /container.

The FRB said that no Vehicle will be stopped on the provision of the required documents without discrepancy. The Rawalpindi Good association contended that document for retail goods is impractical. Vehicles carrying retail good cards should only be checked at entry and destination points.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha said that fake documents can easily be obtained and is providing an open gate to smugglers whereas the genuine transporter is being obstructed.

He said this norm is leading to more corruption and mistrust on the mechanism of the customs. The association lamented that there are 25 check posts from Karachi to Khyber and checking at each post is causing damage to goods and enormous loss of time and labor.

The association also suggested exercising (Goods Transport Private Limited) GFC rules and regulation under the law benefiting the transport association. The chairman Committee directed to make a way forward and save the transport association from loss of time and labor hindering business and trade.

Matter referring to the National Bank of Pakistan on the termination of service of Hafiz Abdul Samad Shaikh , EX OG-I form NBP, Ghotki Branch was also taken up.

The committee remarked that the NBP needs to adopt a more professional and fair treatment while running the organization.

The committee observed that the grievance of Hafiz Abdul is subjected to discrimination. “ if all the employees were accused in a NAB case then why only Hafiz was terminated while he was later acquitted from the case. The committee directed the National Bank of Pakistan for fair and just treatment.

The committee also directed the NBP to avoid any negative recommendations against him and to reconsider the induction of the employee on sympathetic grounds if applied afresh.

The committee also showed reservations about the thug-style conduct of the reps of the National Bank in the meeting.

While discussing the matter of EXIM bank of Pakistan requesting the PPRA to guide them regarding the applicability of PPRA

Rules on re-insurance arrangements and if the same are applicable on Re-insurance arrangements, then the exemption may be granted from Public Procurement Rules, 2004.

The committee remarked it cannot be comprehended as to how come bidding can occur on re insurance as this has not been the practice anywhere in the world. “this is Government organizations sabotaging each other Senator Saadia Abbasi commented while saying that such amendment in the PPR rules is to stop organization to do business. Causing loss to economy of the country she said.

The Minister also directed the PPRA to hold meeting and resolve the matter. It was recommended that the exemption request of the Exim bank of Pakistan should be presented before the PPRA Board for consideration and approval in its forth coming meeting in accordance with section 21 of the PPRA ordinance 2002.

The committee also took briefing by the Ministry of Finance on the budgetary proposals relating to PSDP for financial year 2023-24.

The committee believed that projects were unattainable on account of the cumulative expenditure. Senator Kamil Ali Agha said that we have been only raising high-sky buildings without economizing the country from dire economic crisis such as now.

The committee also recommended the foreign donors to reevaluate the foreign projects and analyze whether or not they are attainable.

The meeting was attended by Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Federal Minister of State for Finance, Chairman FBR and other senior officers from concerned departments also attended the meeting.

Amir Muqam inaugurates SNGPL distribution network for 26 villages in Kaatlang, Mardan

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:02 PM

PESHAWAR, Feb 21 (APP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam on Tuesday inaugurated the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) distribution network and supply projects for 26 villages of Tehsil Kaatlang, Mardan.

The inauguration ceremony was held on the occasion of workers convention, during which thousands of workers from different political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and Awami National Party, joined the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N).

In his address, Muqam said that the project was approved by Nawaz Sharif himself, but the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government interrupted work on most development projects across the province.

He said that the PTI stopped progress on the project and deprived the people of Kaatlang of this gift. “The PML-N puts the welfare of the public first, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, they have brought this gift to the people of Kaatlang”, he added.

“This project was approved by our leader Nawaz Sharif himself as a result of the efforts of late Rahimullah Yousafzai. The PTI stopped progress on the project and deprived the people of this gift. The people of Kaatlang will soon benefit from this project.

“There should be same law for all in the country. Frustration has spread amongst the prisoners who feel that some individuals are stronger than the law.

“Rising inflation in the country today speaks volumes about the poor performance of Imran and his incompetent team”, he said.

Amir said that Imran would have to account for his false statements, who once used to talk about American conspiracy and “today denies it blatantly.”

He said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should now put PML-N to test that “has fought their case without any mandate.”

“Maryam Nawaz will address a public gathering in Takhtbhai, Mardan in the mid of March”, he said.

During the workers convention, Sahibzada Iftikhar Bacha from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Rafiullah and Dr Bahadur Syed from Awami National Party joined the PML-N along with thousands of comrades.

Before his address, The PM aide inaugurated the SNGPL distribution network and supply projects to 26 villages of Tehsil Kaatlang, including Shamuzu, Babuzai, Mian Khan/Singao, Alamganj and others.

Kundi calls for APC to devise national counter-terrorism strategy

NNPS Desk

Tue, 21 Feb 2023, 7:00 PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi Tuesday called for holding an All Parties Conference (APC) for devising a national strategy to eradicate terrorism from the country.

“The All Parties Conference should be immediately called with the representation of all political parties to evolve a counter-terrorism strategy to avoid recurrence of terror incidents like the recent Peshawar Police Lines mosque attack and the Army Public School in the past,” Faisal Kundi told a presser.

He said Pakistan’s journey towards peace and stability should not be halted due to any individual. “History will not forgive those who will not be part of the peace process.”

Kundi said the then Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government had initiated the process for establishing peace in the country in the year 2008 by uniting all the stakeholders, besides taking remarkable steps, including the 18th Constitutional Amendment, National Finance Commission Award, and transfer of powers to the parliament.

He emphasized on revisiting the Afghan policy to analyze loopholes and devise a way forward to make it more viable for the country.

As regards the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Kundi said the last PPP government had strived hard to establish peace in the province, which was ruined due to the ineffective policies of the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regime.

The SAPM also emphasized on reviewing the counter-terrorism policy to make it more effective.

He alleged that the Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had revealed that a total amount of Rs 1 billion was paid as ransom in the reported kidnapping cases during the previous regime that was now being spent on terrorism activities which was a matter of great concern.

To a question about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s court cases, Faisal Kundi said no one should be above the law and hoped that all the honourable courts would ensure the supremacy of the law.

Imran Khan, who was talking about the ‘Jail Bharu Movement’ was in fact reluctant of appearing before the courts, he added. “Imran Khan will take another U-turn in the Jail Bharu Movement like in past.”

To another question, Faisal Kundi said it was a fact that the country was facing inflation due to the economic crisis owing to the ineffective economic policies of the previous government. However, the incumbent government was making all-out efforts to mitigate the sufferings of common people by providing them with maximum relief.

To another query about the resignation of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, Faisal Kundi said NAB was an independent institution and the resignation of its chairman was purely his own decision.