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WHO’s committee passes resolution on regulating AI in Healthcare systems

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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PESHAWAR, Jun 02 (APP):The World Health Organization (WHO) committee at Model United Nations Conference in Peshawar has passed a landmark resolution with two-third majority, focusing on regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems.
According to a press release issued here on Monday, the WHO committee meeting was held under the leadership of its Chairman, Nouman Khan, a final-year MBBS student from
Peshawar.
The resolution titled, “Regulating the Use of AI in Healthcare Systems: Equity, Ethics, and Safety,” seeks to promote the safe, equitable, and effective use of AI technologies globally, ensuring improved healthcare outcomes and minimizing risks.
The resolution calls for creation of the Network for Oversight of Universal Medical AI Norms (NOUMAN) to implement mandatory cybersecurity standards for AI healthcare tools and develop a Global Health AI Cybersecurity Toolkit for low- and middle-income countries.
In the resolution, WHO is urged to implement the PEAKY BLINDER framework, which focuses on enforcing robust cybersecurity and ethical standards, promoting equitable access, and enhancing resilience in AI healthcare systems.
It was also recommended to create the World Health Organization– AI Repository for Accessibility (WHO-AIRA), a centralized digital platform providing open-access, ethically certified AI tools for healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The resolution encourages the implementation of the C.A.R.E. Framework (Collaborate, Audit, Regulate, Educate) to guide the ethical integration of AI in global healthcare systems.
Furthermore, a comprehensive international approach to regulate AI in healthcare, led by the United Kingdom in cooperation with the WHO, which includes establishing national AI regulatory agencies and a global ethical framework is also proposed in the document.
Students from KPK Medical Colleges who come together to shape the future of healthcare observed that the resolution acknowledges the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, including improved diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes.
However, it also highlights the need to address concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity threats.
By working together, countries can harness the potential of AI to improve healthcare outcomes while minimizing risks, they observed.

Nawaz Sharif Flyover is CM’s gift to Pindites: Sohaib Bharth

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Jun 02 (APP):On the directions of the Chief Minister (CM) Punjab, Provincial Minister for Works and Communications, Punjab, Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth, arrived to review the ongoing development projects in Rawalpindi.
The Provincial Minister made a detailed visit to the Nawaz Sharif Flyover Adiyala road and GPO Chowk Underpass Rawalpindi. He reviewed the preparations for the inaguration of the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiyala Road. The minister was briefed by the concerned authorities regarding the completion of the Nawaz Sharif Flyover.
It was informed in the briefing that the Nawaz Sharif Flyover has been completed in a record period of 120 days. After the completion of the flyover, a total of 79 thousand vehicles will benefit.
Speaking on the occasion, Sohaib Ahmed said that the construction work of Nawaz Sharif Flyover has reached completion.
“Nawaz Sharif Flyover is a gift from CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the citizens of Rawalpindi. Providing quality travel facilities to the people is the priority of the CM Punjab”, he said adding that the project has been completed in a record period of 120 days.
The Provincial Minister later visited the GPO Chowk Rawalpindi Underpass. He took a detailed review of the pace and quality of the work.
The concerned authorities briefed the Provincial Minister regarding the construction of the underpass. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the construction work of the GPO Chowk Underpass is progressing rapidly.
The construction of the underpass will help in improving the traffic flow. All resources are being utilized to complete the development projects on time.

Governor KP hosts luncheon in honour of Russian Ambassador

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi hosted a luncheon in honour of Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, at his residence in Islamabad on Monday.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi personally welcomed the ambassador, who was accompanied by senior diplomats from the Russian Embassy.
During the gathering, the Governor thanked Ambassador Khorev for Russia’s timely humanitarian assistance to the people affected in Kurram district.
The luncheon also served as a platform to discuss and express mutual interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Governor Kundi emphasized the provincial government’s appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Russian government and people during challenging times, particularly in Kurram.
He highlighted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s keen interest in expanding development initiatives and investment cooperation with Russia.
Governor Kundi also expressed hope that Russian assistance to the remote and underprivileged areas of the province would continue.
He extended an invitation to the ambassador to visit Peshawar, which the ambassador graciously accepted.
Ambassador Khorev, in his remarks, thanked the Governor for the warm hospitality and reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and maintaining strong ties with the people of Pakistan.
He described the relationship with the people of KP and Pakistan as one of friendship, mutual respect, and affection.
At the conclusion of the event, Governor Kundi presented the ambassador with a traditional KP chadar (shawl), a cap, and a souvenir, symbolizing the province’s culture and hospitality.

BWMC to distribute waste bags on Eid

By
Kamran Muraad
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BAHAWALPUR, Jun 02 (APP): Bahawalpur Waste Management Company (BWMC) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote cleanliness among citizens ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
As part of the initiative, a special camp has been established at Khatam-e-Nabuwat Chowk, where awareness pamphlets on cleanliness are being distributed. Citizens are also being provided with free biodegradable waste bags for the proper disposal of sacrificial animals’ offals and other waste. For convenience, a dedicated helpline number 1139, is active to assist residents in requesting waste bags.
Additionally, BWMC will supply waste bags at Eid camps set up across various union councils throughout the three days of Eid. The waste bags distributed by BWMC are made from environmentally friendly biodegradable materials. Citizens were requested to use the waste bags exclusively for the remains of sacrificial animals to help maintain an effective and hygienic cleaning system.

Dr. Idrees takes over as secretary PCCC, Ms Sabahat as Director CCRI Multan

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MULTAN, Jun 02 (APP): Eminent agriculture scientist Dr. Muhammad Idrees Khan took over the charge of his new responsibilities as secretary of the country’s ace cotton research body, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), while Ms. Sabahat Hussain, another senior scientist, assumed the charge as Director Central Cotton Researh Institute (CCRI) Multan, on Monday.
The notifications appointing the two eminent scientists to their new assignments has already been issued by Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R), says Sajid Mahmood, the PCCC media focal person and CCRI Multan head of transfer of technology department .
Both the agriculture scientists had joined CCRI Multan as scientific officer in 2001 and bring with them over two decades long experience of research and accomplishments in the cotton sector.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Idrees  served as Deputy Director Research at PCCC and held the position of Director at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Sakrand. In 2016, he became the head of Plant Breeding and Genetics Department at CCRI, Multan.
Dr. Idrees completed his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, in 2014, with his research conducted at the University of Georgia, USA. He holds an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, awarded in 1995.
He is a widely published researcher, with over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles in national and international journals. He is credited with developing more than ten high-yielding cotton varieties and has played a pivotal role as Incharge of the World Cotton Gene Pool at CCRI Multan. From 2012 to 2021, he also served as the focal person for the Pak-US ICARDA Cotton Project at CCRI Multan.
Dr. Idrees had actively supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars, and has mentored students through various internship programs.
Senior scientist Ms. Sabahat Hussain, after induction in CCRI Multan in 2001, was promoted as senior scientific officer in 2014. She had been working on cotton diseases and their cure, disease-resistant varieties development and planning and implementation of cotton research projects since long.
She completed her M.Sc (Hons) in 1997 from University of Agriculture Faisalabad. She also worked as researcher at National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Nibge). She has many research papers to her credit, published in national and international research journals. Her research work mainly focused on diagnosis of cotton diseases, genetic engineering, and tissue culture.
The PCCC and CCRI Multan and Sakrand staff have extended their heartfelt felicitations to both the agriculture scientists.

PDMA warns of thunderstorms, rain in KP from June 2 to 5

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Jun 02 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued a weather alert warning of thunderstorms and rain expected to hit most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Wednesday.
According to the PDMA advisory, the wet weather spell is expected to continue intermittently until Thursday.
Between June 2 and 5, intermittent rain with thunderstorms is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Torghar, Shangla, and Kohistan.
Similarly, from June 3 to 4, rainfall is expected in Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan.
During Eid holidays, heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra, the PDMA stated.
To prepare for potential emergencies, PDMA has issued directives to all district administrations to ensure readiness, including the availability of heavy and light machinery to handle any untoward incidents.
It urged public to stay away from electric poles, weak buildings, signboards, and billboards during the rain.
Farmers were advised to plan their agricultural activities in light of the weather forecast.
In upper sensitive regions, both tourists and locals have been cautioned to remain alert and take safety measures.
PDMA also directed local authorities in sensitive districts to communicate weather advisories in local languages.
In case of road blockages, authorities have been instructed to provide alternate routes and maintain road connectivity.
PDMA asked tourists to check weather and road conditions by dialling the authority’s helpline 1700 before traveling to scenic areas.
It said that Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, and citizens are encouraged to report any emergency situation via the toll-free number.

FDA provides relief to 1079 applicants in five months

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
FAISALABAD, Jun 02 (APP): The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) provided relief to 1,079 applicants through its one-window counter during the last five months including 149 applications during May 2025.
Presiding over a meeting here on Monday, Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary expressed satisfaction on the performance of One Window Counter but directed its staff to accelerate service delivery by using modern techniques.
He stressed the need to develop a comprehensive and effective system for online provision of all services and said that this initiative would help resolve applicants’ issues in the shortest possible time.
He reviewed performance statistics of One Window Counter from January 2025 to date and revealed that 612 applications relating to Estate Management Department were processed while Town Planning-I handled 331 applications.
He said that 115 citizens had received assistance from Town Planning-II and issues of 21 applicants regarding informal settlements (Katchi Abadis) were resolved during this period.
The services provided through the counter included approval of residential and commercial building plans, commercialization of properties, matters related to construction periods for plots, issuance of completion certificates, property transfers, town planning reports, ownership clearance certificates, and various No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and others, he added.
He instructed the Additional Director General FDA Kaiser Abbas Rind to maintain daily monitoring of One Window Counter for ensuring that there is no decline or interruption in the quality of service provided to the applicants.
He also directed the officers of various departments to closely supervise staff performance and ensure that no file or application should remain pending without valid reason.
Director IT Yasir Ejaz Chattha and Deputy Director IT/Incharge One Window Counter Abdullah Noor briefed the Director General FDA and said that the real-time issuance system for ownership clearance certificates is operating successfully while integrated measures are underway to modernize the delivery of other services.
Chief Engineer FDA Mehar Ayub, Director Town Planning Asma Mohsin, Director Estate Management Junaid Hassan Manj, Deputy Director Katchi Abadi Afzal Ansari and others were also present in the meeting.

CM directs QESCO to ensure supply of electricity in Balochistan

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
QUETTA, Jun 02 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday directed Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the province and adopt a comprehensive and effective strategy to immediately remove the shortcomings in the transmission system.
He gave this directive while chairing a high-level meeting of Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) at the Chief Minister Secretariat.
A detailed review of the electricity transmission and distribution system in the province, public complaints, and power development projects in remote areas was taken up during the meeting.
In the meeting, Chief Executive Officer QESCO Syed Yousuf Shah gave a detailed briefing on the problems being faced by QESCO, the current electricity situation and possible solutions.
Addressing at the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti directed QESCO officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the province and adopt a comprehensive and effective strategy to immediately remove the shortcomings in the transmission system
He said that QESCO should give top priority to public relief and the complaint system should be made effective in such a way that the complaints of common citizens can be heard and redressed in a timely manner.
The CM gave strict instructions to avoid unnecessary load shedding and unnecessary power outages in the summer and said that providing relief to the public in the summer should be the first responsibility of QESCO.
He stressed on the timely completion of ongoing power development projects in remote and backward areas of the province including Dera Bugti and Bekar and directed that a solid and sustainable plan be made to improve power supply in these areas.
The Chief Minister clarified that the Balochistan government would leave no stone unturned in providing basic facilities to the people and for this purpose, all public sector institutions could have to discharge their responsibilities honestly and dutifully.

Rubina Khalid inaugurates BISP Tehsil office in Bhera

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid Monday inaugurated the BISP Tehsil Office in Bhera.
Secretary Information of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Nadeem Afzal Gondal Chan, was also present on the occasion, along with a large number of party leaders and deserving women from the area, said a news release.
Addressing the participants, Senator Rubina Khalid stated that the newly established office aims to provide registration and payment services to deserving women close to their doorsteps.
This initiative reflects BISP’s strong commitment to ensuring that every deserving woman receives assistance in a dignified and transparent manner—one of the programme’s top priorities.
Senator Rubina Khalid further emphasized that BISP is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and the credit for implementing this programme goes to President Asif Ali Zardari.
She highlighted the unique aspect of BISP that recognizes the women as the head of the household.
 Currently, 10 million families are benefiting from the programme, which is designed to bridge the gap between household income and essential expenses for low-income families.
She added that, under special instructions from President Asif Ali Zardari, financial support is being provided to deserving women in a transparent and respectful manner. Referring to Bibi Shaheed’s famous words, “Skill is your asset,” she noted that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme has been launched to provide technical training, helping families become self-reliant and contribute positively to the country’s economy.
Senator Rubina Khalid clarified that there is no fee for the BISP survey. To participate, individuals must bring their national identity card, children’s B-form, a recent electricity bill, and an active mobile number.
She also highlighted the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which provides nutritious food and financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of two, aiming to prevent stunting.
Moreover, she mentioned that under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, educational stipends are awarded to children who maintain at least 70% school attendance. Special incentives are given to girls to promote female education.
Chairperson BISP reminded everyone that all official messages are sent only from the number 8171. “Do not trust messages received from any other number or source,” she stressed.
She reiterated that corruption and irregularities will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action will be taken on any such complaints.
Earlier, while addressing the ceremony, Nadeem Afzal Gondal Chan expressed his gratitude to Senator Rubina Khalid and the entire BISP team for inaugurating the Tehsil Office in Bhera, which will greatly benefit the local community.

Zong 4G partners with Mashion Bazaar 2025 as official title partner

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP): Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology Innovation Company, partnered with Mashion Bazaar 2025 as the official title partner, ensuring exceptional connectivity throughout the two-day lifestyle event.
According to a news release, this collaboration underscored Zong’s unwavering commitment to empowering women-led businesses and fostering cultural integration through digital innovation.
Mashion Bazaar, a well-recognized platform for showcasing women entrepreneurs and small businesses, provides emerging brands with the opportunity to grow, network, and connect with diverse audiences. The 2025 edition of Mashion Bazaar brought together an exciting fusion of fashion, food, music, and creativity, fostering a dynamic environment that celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and community spirit.
Zong made a vibrant appearance at the event with Z-Street by Zong; an immersive, high-energy experience zone designed to captivate the Gen Z audiences. The space featured engaging VR games, an interactive photo booth, and hands-on access to Zong’s latest digital offerings, capturing the energy and curiosity of the next generation of users.
Andleeb Aslam, Zong’s official spokesperson, shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “Our partnership with Mashion Bazaar reflects Zong’s unwavering dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive growth through technology. By blending culture, creativity, and connectivity, we’re not only supporting small businesses, we’re building meaningful connections across people, passions, and possibilities.”
Through this partnership, Zong continues to strengthen its position as a purpose-driven brand at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital transformation; committed to delivering excellence, enabling entrepreneurship, and celebrating diversity & culture in all its forms.
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