PTA clarifies false reports of Twitter blocking Pakistan govt’s official account in G-B

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 4:24 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed recent claims circulating on social media and certain sections of the news media regarding Twitter’s alleged blockage of access to the Government of Pakistan’s official account in Gilgit-Baltistan and the platform changing the region’s location to parts of India.

“PTA’s thorough investigation has revealed that no such problem exists, contrary to the information being circulated” said a news release.

In response to the claims, PTA conducted extensive on-ground testing to ascertain the veracity of the reports. The findings indicate that any sporadic issues encountered are limited to a very small number of iOS devices, affecting only a handful of users. These incidents are not of significant magnitude and do not reflect a widespread problem as suggested by the circulating news.

Twitter’s alleged blockage of the Government of Pakistan’s official account in Gilgit-Baltistan and the alteration of the region’s location to parts of India have been deemed baseless by the PTA.

The authority urges the public to exercise caution when sharing unverified information and to rely on official statements from reputable sources.

President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath of office to Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer as the Alim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court at Aiwan-e-Sadr

Khuram Maryam

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 4:19 PM

President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath of office to Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer as the Alim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court at Aiwan-e-Sadr — APP24-100723 ISLAMABAD

Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan called on President Dr. Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr

Khuram Maryam

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 4:19 PM

Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan called on President Dr. Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr — APP23-100723 ISLAMABAD

River Chenab flows in medium flood:FFC

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 4:17 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) on Monday said that heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of River Chenab has resulted in flooding situation at its various control structures and it was running in “medium flood” in its reaches “Marala-Khanki-Qadirabad”.

According to daily FFC report, all other major rivers of Indus River System (IRS) were flowing under
“normal flow condition”.

Medium to high level flooding in river Ravi at Jassar (Ist Control Station in Pakistan on River Ravi) and medium level flooding in its other Nullahs during the next 24 hours.

Present combined live storage of the country’s major reservoirs (Tarbela, Mangla & Chashma) is 8.279 MAF Vs 2.817 MAF of last year at the same date against total value of 13.443 MAF.

According to Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, deep trough of Westerly Wave earlier over Northern parts of Pakistan lies over Kashmir & adjoining areas and is moving away in eastwards direction. Weak seasonal low lies over Northern Balochistan.

Yesterday’s upper air cyclonic circulation (main source of streams of air at higher altitude) over
Western Rajasthan (India) has moved away northeastwards and has become insignificant for Pakistan.

Light to moderate moist currents from Bay of Bengal are penetrating into upper catchments of river Sutlej up to 5000 feet.

Widespread wind thunderstorm/ rain with heavy falls at isolated places and very heavy falls at one/two places are expected over the upper catchments of river Sutlej during the next 24 hours.

Scattered wind thunderstorm/ rain of light to moderate intensity is expected over Islamabad, Punjab (Rawalpindi & Sargodha Divisions), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, D.I. Khan Divisions) including upper catchments of rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab & Ravi during the said period.

Isolated thunderstorm/ rain may also occur over Lahore, D.G Khan & Multan Divisions of Punjab,
Northeastern Balochistan and Southeast Sindh.

Rupee sheds Rs1.91against US Dollar

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 4:16 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Pakistani Rupee on Monday witnessed Rs1.91 devaluation against the US Dollar (USD) in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 279.80 against the previous working day’s value of Rs 277.89.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of dollars in the open market stood at Rs 281 and Rs 284 respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by Rs 4.34 to close at Rs 306.58 against the last day’s closing of Rs 302.24, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen gained 03 paisa to close at Rs1.96, whereas an increase of Rs 4.59 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs 358.51 as compared to its last day’s closing of Rs 353.92.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 52 paisa and 51 paisa to close at Rs76.17 and Rs74.58, respectively.

Digital economy vital for sustainable development: Ahsan Iqbal

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 3:59 PM

BEIJING, Jul 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal on Monday shed light on the importance of growing the digital economy, termed digital economy is vital to ensure sustainable development of the country.

The minister made these remarks while speaking at the panel discussion titled: “Industrialization & Digital Era Connectivity,” organized by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) here.

It is noted that the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is on a four-day official visit to China to attend a special commemorative 12th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to be held on July 11(tomorrow) to mark the 10- year celebrations of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The CPEC enters a significant milestone as it celebrates a decade of remarkable achievements in fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.

While highlighting the importance of “Industrialization & Digital Era Connectivity,” the planning minister said that industrialization and digital-era connectivity have transformed the world as both have brought unprecedented opportunities for progress, economic growth, and global connectivity.

However, he emphasized the harmonization in digital policies and standards by stronger collaboration through multilateral forums.

Ahsan Iqbal said that digital connectivity has revolutionized communication and collaboration in industrial sectors.

The E-commerce platforms and online marketplaces enable businesses to reach customers worldwide, expanding their customer base and opportunities for growth, explained the minister, while highlighting E-Pakistan, an important E of the 5Es framework which was launched recently by the Planning Ministry.

Furthermore, he highlighted that digital connectivity has provided businesses with the ability to access larger markets beyond their immediate geographical boundaries.

The digital era has generated massive amounts of data through various sources, including production processes, customer interactions and market trends, said the minister, who recently established a Steering Committee comprising experts from IT and private sector for the implementation of digital transformation and to increase digital exports in the country.

Similarly, the minister, said that the combination of industrialization and digital connectivity has opened up new avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The startups and small businesses can leverage digital platforms and technologies to reach global markets and disrupt traditional industries, remarked the minister,while highlighting the key initiatives which was taken by the government which include establishment of National Centers in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, automation & Robotics, Big Data & Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing and Nanotechnology.

While highlighting the unremarkable contributions of China in the field of industrialization, the minister said that developing nations can draw several lessons from China’s experience with industrialization and digital-era connectivity.”China has undergone remarkable economic growth and technological advancements, making it a valuable example for developing countries,” he said.

It is noted that China’s industrialization journey was supported by substantial investment in infrastructure, including transportation networks, energy systems and telecommunications.
Pakistan is greatly benefiting from infrastructure development under CPEC to improve its connectivity within the country and facilitate industrial growth, he added.

Pakistan has vast investment opportunities in various sectors including IT: Amin

NNPS Desk

Mon, 10 Jul 2023, 3:04 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin-ul-Haque has emphasized the abundant investment opportunities available in the country across multiple sectors, particularly in Information Technology (IT).

In a statement, he said that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) is committed to extending comprehensive support and facilities to businesses and investors in various domains, including Incubation Centers, Software Technology Parks, Mobile Manufacturing, and the Telecom sector.

The minister’s remarks highlight the government’s recognition of the potential for growth and development in Pakistan’s IT industry. With a skilled workforce, a growing digital infrastructure, and a conducive environment for technological innovation, Pakistan has become an attractive destination for investment in IT-related ventures.

The MOITT, under Syed Amin Ul Haque’s leadership, aimed to foster a favourable ecosystem for businesses and investors by providing necessary resources, infrastructure, and assistance.

This includes establishing Incubation Centers that offer support, mentoring, and resources to startups, facilitating the growth of emerging technology companies.

Additionally, Software Technology Parks will be established to create specialized zones equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, encouraging the growth of software development and IT-enabled services.

Furthermore, the government is keen on promoting mobile manufacturing in Pakistan, aiming to attract investment in this sector. By providing incentives and facilities, the MOITT aims to establish a robust mobile manufacturing industry that contributes to local employment, reduces imports, and strengthens the country’s self-sufficiency in technology.

The Telecom sector, a vital component of Pakistan’s digital transformation, also receives significant attention from the MOITT. The government aims to support and facilitate telecom companies, ensuring an enabling environment for their operations and promoting further investment in expanding and improving the country’s telecom infrastructure.

Syed Amin Ul Haque’s announcement reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting investment and fostering growth across multiple sectors, particularly in the realm of IT.
By offering comprehensive support and facilities, the MOITT aims to attract local and international investors, paving the way for technological advancement and economic progress in Pakistan.