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PM, Chairman Senate discuss overall political situation

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ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed with him the overall political situation in the country.

The meeting also discussed progress on development projects in Balochistan.

The Chairman Senate paid tribute to PM Sharif on the restoration of work at Dalbandin Airport in Balochistan on an emergency basis. He also praised the efforts of the prime minister and his economic team for the materialization of deal with International Monetary Fund.

Separately, Federal Minister for Education and Technical Training Rana Tanvir Hussain called on the prime minister and discussed with him political matters. He also updated the prime minister about the professional issues related to his ministry.

International symposium on traditional Chinese, Unani medicines held

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International symposium on traditional Chinese, Unani medicines held

CHANGSHA, Jul. 18 (APP): Over 400 medicinal professionals from China and Pakistan gathered at an international symposium and shared their commitment to strengthen cooperation on traditional medicine.

The 2nd International Symposium on Traditional Chinese and Unani Medicine was recently held in Changsha, China and Karachi, Islamabad.

Solid foundation has been made for China and Pakistan to cooperate. In the future, the two sides will further deepen cooperation in personnel training, clinical trials and drug registration in the field of traditional medicine, and jointly promote Chinese medicine to go global, said Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

Experts from the Sino-Pakistan Cooperation Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organizer of the event, told China Economic Net (CEN) about the latest developments in the space breeding of 7 Pakistani medicinal plants, a project undertaken by the center in collaboration with bilateral stakeholders. After the plant seeds successfully returned to Pakistan from China spacecraft Shenzhou 14, three varieties sprouted and are in good condition.

Researchers will continue to record the information such as plant height, stem width, and crown width for composition and efficacy analysis, CEN reporter was told.


The center has also set up an international mentors team to train TCM professionals in Pakistan and cultivate Ph.Ds and post-docs.


At the symposium, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Sindh Provincial Minister Health and Population Welfare, Department of Health & Population Welfare was presented with the appointment letter of Visiting Professor of the School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, a host of the meeting.

Two books, namely Zhongjing Spirit and Huxiang Culture, a book on the spirit and culture of traditional Chinese medicine, and Materia Medica Homologous with Food, were officially released and gifted to Pakistani guests at the event.

Scholars also exchanged academic ideas regarding the clinical application and basic research of traditional Chinese medicine and Unani medicine, such as international laws and regulations on Chinese (herbal) medicine, drug discovery combining ethnic medicine knowledge with modern science, study of medicine resources in the habitats of Dong ethnicity and their natural products, etc.

The symposium is held in the year that marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Through collaboration on traditional medicine, China and Pakistan will contribute to preserving and promoting the health of mankind, said Zhang Zaiqi, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Hunan University of Medicine, another host of the event.

Amin holds productive meeting with Azerbaijani minister

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): In a bid to enhance collaboration in the digital realm, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin ul Haque, held a productive meeting with the Azerbaijani Minister for Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev.


During the meeting, in-depth discussions were held on digital transformation, software development, and IT revenue-related matters, with a focus on fostering stronger ties between the IT and telecom sectors of both countries.


Amin ul Haque emphasized Pakistan’s deep appreciation for its relations with Azerbaijan, describing them as robust and fraternal.


He expressed a keen interest in further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the technology sector, and lauded Azerbaijan’s commitment to the development of the digital landscape.


The Azerbaijani Minister, Rashad Nabiyev, expressed his country’s desire to bolster mutual cooperation, especially in the domain of IT and software development.


He also commended Pakistan’s ambitious Digital Pakistan Vision, recognizing the nation’s efforts towards digital transformation and the IT industry’s significant role in this endeavour.


Both sides expressed their commitment to jointly working towards the advancement of the IT and telecom sectors. They agreed that establishing a joint working group would be essential to strengthen the IT and telecom relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.


Azerbaijan’s delegation, led by Minister Rashad Nabiyev, also had the opportunity to receive a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s digital landscape and initiatives, presented by Member IT Syed Junaid Imam.


The meeting was attended by Secretary IT, Navid Ahmed Sheikh, Member IT, Syed Junaid Imam, Member Telecom, Muhammad Omar Malik, Member International Coordination, Ajmal Awan, Member Legal, Babar Sahil, CEO of Pakistan Software Export Board, Ali Reza, and COO Ignite, Asim Shahryar Husain.
Later, the Azerbaijani delegation also held meetings with CEOs of various IT companies.

Food imports reduced by 0.88 % in FY 2022-23

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Food imports reduced by 0.88 % in FY 2022-23

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Food group imports into the country during fiscal year ended on June 30, 2023, decreased by 0.88 percent as compared to the imports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-June, 2022-23, the country spent $8.936 billion on the import of different food commodities as compared to the imports of $9.016 billion in the same period last year in order to fulfil the local requirements, according to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

During the period under review, the imports of milk, cream and milk for infants into the country reduced by 11 percent as it came down from $144.300 million to $162.140 million, whereas the imports of dry fruits and nuts decreased by 38.75 percent as it was recorded at $39.964 million as against the imports of 65.272 million of same period of last year.

The import of tea during the last fiscal year also decreased by 9.13 per cent as it was recorded at $569.043 million as against the imports of $626.185 million of the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the spices imports decreased by 30.04 percent as it was recorded at $151.240 million by end of the fiscal year 2022-23 as compared the imports of $216.183 million in the same period of last year.

However, during the period under review, the imports of food commodities including wheat grew by 34.85 percent as wheat valuing $1.072 billion imported to tackle with the local requirements as against the imports of $795.286 million of same period last year.

Meanwhile, soya bean oil imports into the country also increased by 60.05 percent during the last fiscal year as soya bean valuing $315.540 million imported to fulfill local edible oil and vegetable ghee requirements as compared to the imports of $197.154 million of same period last year.

During the last fiscal year, the exports of food commodities from the country decreased by 7.25 percent as it was recorded at $5.0222 billion as against the exports of $5.415 billion of the corresponding period of last year.

KSrelief sponsors 12 medical camps in Pakistan to combat blindness, eye diseases

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): In a groundbreaking initiative, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has joined forces with Al-Basar International Foundation and Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi to sponsor 12 medical camps across Pakistan.

These camps are strategically set up in rural and urban areas of Sindh and Baluchistan Province to combat blindness and eye diseases, addressing regions where eye care services are scarce, said a news release issued here on Tuesday.

The primary objective of this humanitarian outreach program is to detect and address eye-related issues at an early stage, offering specialized treatment to individuals who lack access or cannot afford such facilities.

The impact of this effort has been profound, reaching individuals in various communities of Sindh and Baluchistan provinces.

The medical camps have already made a significant difference, providing more than 50,000 medical examinations, over 5,000 sight-restoring surgeries, and distributing 12,000 glasses for vision correction, in addition to the medications prescribed by doctors.

This initiative ensures that not only do patients receive essential treatment, but they also have access to necessary eyewear, significantly enhancing their visual capabilities.

The outreach program, held in the cities of Karachi, Matli, Kundairo, Shikarpur, Kharan, and Kalat, has allowed thousands of residents from these areas to benefit from specialized eye care services, thus improving their quality of life and providing hope for a brighter future.

This collaborative effort underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its dedication to improving the lives of individuals affected by blindness. Through these medical camps, KSrelief has exemplified its mission of extending a helping hand to those in need, restoring sight, and making a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of patients.

Kerb currency market

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Kerb currency market
File

KARACHI, Jul 18 (APP): Following were the Opening Rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), here on Tuesday.

F.C. LOW RATE HIGH RATE
U.S $ (Inter Bank) 279.00 281.35
U.S $ (Cash Free Market) 282.00 285.00
SAUDIA RIYAL 75.00 75.80
UAE DIRHAM 77.50 78.30
EURO 316.50 321.50
UK POUND 368.80 373.80
AUD $ 190.50 194.50
CAD $ 213.00 218.00
CHINESE YUAN 41.00 44.00

 

China rolls over another $600 mln loan to Pakistan: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif informed on Tuesday that the Exim (Export-Import) Bank of the all weather friendly country China had rolled over another US$ 600 million loan to Pakistan helping further increase the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

“Our forex reserves are going up but I wish that these reserves should increase on the back of our own resources rather than the foreign debts,” he said while addressing at a sports initiatives’ launching ceremony here.

The prime minister launched multiple initiatives for promotion of sports culture and welfare of the sportspersons including the Rs 5 billion Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund.

He launched Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund with initial seed money of Rs 5 billion to provide financial assistance and other facilities to the emerging players and retired sportspersons of the country.

The prime minister also performed soft launch of the first dedicated Sports University in the country to produce critical pool required for sports events such as planners, managers, technical staff, nutritionists, physiotherapists and others.

Similarly, PM Shehbaz launched the Prime Minister Youth Sports Initiative to develop sports across the country and to provide world class sports facilities to the youth.

He also launched the Elite Sportspersons Development Programme and E-Sports development programme.

China rolls over another $600 mln loan to Pakistan: PM
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif together with vetern sportspersons performing the soft launch of Pakistan’s first Sports University in Islamabad on 18 July 2023.

Addressing on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s highly talented sportspersons deserve appreciation from the the nation as despite limited resources, they promote the positive image of the country across the world.

He said out of Rs 5 billion allocated for Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund, a direct investment of Rs 2.5 billion would be made to meet various expenses of the players including tickets, logistics, hotel and other expenses.

He, however said this amount needed to be increased as it was not sufficient to meet the full requirements of the sportspersons.

The prime minister said Pakistan youth was not less talented then the world as if they were fully capable of competing the world.

He said if they were given opportunities, they could lead the world in the area of sports.

On the occasion, he also presented a Rs 5 million cheque to the medal winning Special Olympics Team of Pakistan.

Minister for Inter-provincial coordination Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari said the government took structural changes in the country’s sports to meet the emerging needs of games.

He said during the previous government’s four years, sports were totally ignored but the current government, despite financial constraints took special measures to promote the sports culture.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on special directives of the prime minister, several sports’ departments that were closed by the previous government had been restored due to which some 40,000 sportspersons who lost their jobs, had also been restored.

She said out of Rs 5 billion fixed for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund, Rs 1 billion would be spent for the establishment of the first dedicated Sports University in the country.

She said during previous one year, talent hunt programme was launched for hockey, volley ball and football in all provinces including AJ&K, and Gilgit Baltistan to provide platform to the youth to show their talent.

Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, renowned sportspersons and high government officials were also present on the occasion.

Shandong Energy, Huawei jointly launch world’s first commercial large AI model for mining sector

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mining sector

BEIJING, July 18 (APP): Shandong Energy Group (Shandong Energy), Huawei, and Yunding Technology on Tuesday jointly launched the Pangu Mine Model, the world’s first commercial large AI model for the energy sector.

The aim of the model is to enhance the application of AI in the mining industry and transform workshop-scale AI model development to factory-scale development.

Li Wei, Chairman of Shandong Energy while addressing the launching ceremony in Jinan, Shandong Province of China said,”Fellow travelers think alike. As a world-leading ICT infrastructure and smart device provider, Huawei shares Shandong Energy’s goal of digital transformation.

The two companies are complementary to each other and are mutually reinforcing.

“We aim to improve the intelligence level of the mining industry by expanding the depth and breadth of AI application in different scenarios, and continually using AI to deliver more automation, achieve greater efficiency,reduce labor intensity, and improve safety in the mining industry.”

As the pioneers of the world’s first commercial use of large AI models in the energy sector, Shandong Energy, YundingTechnology, and Huawei have begun implementing the first set of AI applications for mining.

These were developed based on the pilot verification of large AI models in industrial production.

There are altogether 21 application scenarios related to operating activities, namely, coal mining, tunneling, primary transportation, auxiliary transportation, lifting, safety monitoring, rock burst prevention, coal preparation, and coking.

Rock bursts are a particularly challenging issue in mining.

The primary means of preventing rock bursts is drilling destress holes, whose quality matters.

Shandong Energy has managed to address this challenge in its Lilou and Xinjulong coalmines by deploying the large AI model.

With its visual recognition capabilities, the model can intelligently analyze the quality of stress relief drilling, and assist rock burst prevention personnel in quality verification, reducing their review workload by 82%.

It used to take three days to complete such checks; now the time has been shortened to 10 minutes, with a 100% acceptance rate.

Shandong Energy, Yunding Technology, and Huawei established a joint innovation center at the beginning of 2022.

To make mines smarter, they introduced the Pangu Model,which features decoupled operation management and intelligent production, in-campus data processing, large-scale replicability, and learning and analysis fromsmall samples.

The joint innovation center’s AI operation system makes use of central training, edge inference, cloud-edge coordination, learning by using, and non-stop optimization.

The center’s AI management system consists of group management and coal mine execution.

The management of coal production was transformed from being reactive and manual-intensive to being proactive and intelligent.

Zou Zhilei, Chairman of Huawei Mine BU, said: “AI will continue to power the upgrading of the mining industry, and play an important role in making coal production safer, greener, and semi- or fully-automated.Huawei will continue to dive deep into industry transformation, and make the powerful capabilities of the Pangu Model available to a wider range of industries.


We will enable partners and work with them to solve industry problems in specific scenarios, creating greater value. The launch of the first commercial Pangu Mine Model has injected new impetus into the high-quality development of the mining industry and the energy sector at large.”