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Presenters ICCI terms AI national imperative for growth

By
Ali Ali
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0
ICCI
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP):Artificial Intelligence is no longer merely a technological milestone but a strategic national priority that will determine Pakistan’s economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and social progress in the coming decades.
This was stated by Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), while addressing the closing ceremony of the Pakistan AI Summit 2025.
The event was organized by the  ICCI in collaboration with the CXO Global Forum  said a press release issued here on Saturday.
He said the high level of engagement from experts, panelists, and participants throughout the day reflected a strong collective belief in Pakistan’s capacity to emerge as a regional and global technology leader.
“This summit marks a decisive step toward readying Pakistan for the age of artificial intelligence,” he remarked.
Reiterating ICCI’s commitment to national digital advancement, Sardar Tahir Mehmood emphasized that the chamber will continue to champion innovation, strengthen digital infrastructure, and promote rapid AI adoption across industry, government, and social sectors.
He said ICCI would also work closely with policymakers, private sector leaders, academia, and international development partners to convert the summit’s insights into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.
It is noteworthy that the Pakistan AI Summit 2025 hosted a series of high-impact discussions on critical areas including AI Infrastructure & National Sovereignty, Data & Cloud Frameworks, AI in Governance & Regulation, Business Transformation & Financial Technologies, AI for Social Good, and Ethics & Global Competitiveness.
These sessions featured an influential lineup of experts, including Amer Shahzad (DG PTA), Amir Anzur (CMO PSEB), Umer Akhlaq (UNDP Pakistan), Ali Waqas (Zong), Haseeb Sheikh (SECP), and Dr. Momina Moetesum (NUST).
The ICCI President praised the dedicated efforts of Dr. Mohammad Usman, Convener ICCI Software Development Committee, and Aizaz Mohammad, Convener ICCI Telecom & Computer Hardware Committee, for their instrumental role in successfully organizing the summit.
Concluding his remarks, Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that such collaborative platforms are crucial for positioning Pakistan among emerging AI-powered economies, fostering a culture of innovation, and equipping the youth with the digital capabilities required to succeed in the global technology landscape.

DPM/FM meets Somalian FM; reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to cooperation

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, held a constructive exchange with Foreign Minister of Somalia Abdusalam Abdi Ali on the margins of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.

The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and supporting regional stability, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Veto power paralyses UNSC, must be integral to its reform, Pakistan tells UNGA

By
Ali Ali
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0
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 22 (APP):Pakistan has told the UN General Assembly that the issue of the veto power, which gives the Security Council’s five permanent members disproportionate sway in matters of international peace and security, should be tackled as part of the 15-member body’s reform aimed at making it more effective.
Speaking in a debate on the use of the veto, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN,  said the Security Council has often been paralyzed by the strategic rivalries of its permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the US — and the exercise of the veto.
“It comes as no surprise therefore, and past and recent experiences have confirmed that the abolition, or restraint on the use of veto, will have to be an integral part of the reform of the Security Council,” he added.
‘We note that their proposals are designed to re-invigorate the Charter functions of the General Assembly, and are not related to, or impinge upon the IGN’s (Inter-Governmental Negotiations’) consideration of Security Council reform.”
The 2022 Assembly’s resolution, adopted by consensus, calls for the General Assembly to automatically meet within 10 days if any of the five permanent members uses their right of veto.
The aim is to hold those countries accountable for exercising this special voting power, which allows them to block any Council resolution or decision.
This right is enshrined in the UN Charter, the Organization’s founding document, because of their key roles in establishing the global body eight decades ago.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad  said  that Pakistan – together with the UfC (Uniting for Consensus) Group – remains opposed to the creation of new permanent members on an expanded Security Council.
“More permanent members and more vetoes will only aggravate the problem, and multiply the likelihood of paralysis or inaction by the Security Council.”he told the 193-member Assembly.
“Let us be clear: The problem cannot be the solution,” the Pakistani envoy added.
Progress towards restructuring the Security Council remains blocked as  the so-called Group of Four — India, Brazil, Germany and Japan — continue pushing for permanent seats.
As a compromise, UfC  has proposed a new category of members — not permanent members —  with longer duration in terms and a possibility to get re-elected.
Noting the negative power of the veto, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said this can be “balanced” by, on the one hand, placing restrictions on the use of the veto, and, on the other, enhancing the role of non-permanent members through larger and perhaps longer representation.
At the same time, the Pakistani envoy said that any measures to restrict or constrain the veto must be in line with the rules of the Charter.
“The final resolution of the issue of the veto will have to be found as an integral part of the reform of the Security Council,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad added.
Opening the debate, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock warned that repeated deadlock in the Security Council has become the “poster child” for wider global gridlock, undermining trust in multilateral institutions.
The UN was founded to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” Ms. Baerbock said, but the world body is struggling to meet that mandate when the Council is blocked by a veto from one of its five permanent members.
“Real people, watching in real time, may question the credibility and legitimacy of not only the Security Council, but of the UN in its entirety,” she told Member States.
Ms. Baerbock noted that the Council has been paralyzed on “the most devastating conflicts”, including crises discussed earlier in the week

Five killed as house roof collapses in Nowshera

By
Ali Ali
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0
PESHAWAR, Nov 22 (APP):A tragic incident took place in the Dag Jadeed area of Tehsil Pabbi where the roof of a house collapsed leaving eight family members trapped under the debris.
Initial reports confirmed that five people lost their lives while three others sustained injuries.
Rescue 1122 medical and disaster teams reached the site immediately and launched a rapid operation. After continuous efforts all individuals buried under the rubble were recovered.
The injured and the deceased were given first aid at the scene and later shifted to Pabbi Hospital.
Director Operations Rescue Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Mir Alam Khan and District Emergency Officer Nowshera Malik Ashfaq Hussain also arrived at the site.
They supervised the rescue operation guided the teams and reviewed the overall situation.

Six died as passenger vehicle plunges into ravine in Abbottabad

By
Ali Ali
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0
ABBOTTABAD, Nov 22 (APP):At least six people were died on Saturday when a Suzuki highroof registration number LEE-7130 coming from Bairan Gali to Abbottabad met with a fatal accident at Bairan Gali Khari within the jurisdiction of Bagnoter Police Station.
According to police, the deceased include four men and two women. Those who lost their lives were identified as Maria, daughter of Shabbir (25), Fatima, daughter of Sarwar (33/34), Zulfiqar alias Pappu, son of Hussain (45), Zubair, son of Zulfiqar (23), Yasir, son of Khalil (38), and Akhtar, aged 35, whose father’s name could not be confirmed.
A heavy contingent of police reached the spot soon after the incident and launched rescue efforts. However, officials said the operations were facing difficulties due to the depth and steepness of the ravine.

Hyd Range police organize grand feast for near-retirement IGP Sindh

By
Ali Ali
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0
HYDERABAD, Nov 22 (APP):The Hyderabad Range Police on Friday night organized a grand feast for Inspector General of Sindh Police Dr Ghulam Nabi Memon, who will be retiring from the force after a month.
The Commissioner Hyderabad division Fayaz Abbassi, DIG Tariq Razzak Dharejo, SSPs of all the 9 districts in Hyderabad Police Range, gazetted and non-gazetted officers attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the IGP said his posting in Hyderabad had proved to be a turning point in his life.He told that the first digital investigation cell was set up in Hyderabad.
The IGP observed that the installation of the CCTV cameras had made the crime investigations easier, fast and transparent.
Memon advised the cops to promote the drive of installing more and more CCTV cameras among the public and the traders.
He credited the martyrs of the Sindh police for restoration of peace in the province, expressing vow that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“Helping the people who approach the police stations is a legal and moral obligation,” he underlined.
“The real success of the police force will be considered when the people start to respect the cops by heart,” he said.
The IGP said the policemen deserved the health insurance and welfare initiatives due to their hard work.
He also expressed gratitude to the Sindh Government for approving all recommendations of his office for providing better facilities to the Sindh police.
Memon advised policemen to make good and impartial service delivery their identity.
DIG Dharejo praised the IGP for restoring trust and respect among people for the cops in addition to enhancing a sense of security thanks to his initiatives for better policing and maintenance of the law and order.
“The IGP’s measures like introducing police reforms, accountability, modern day training, community policing and police welfare programs have restored trust in the police force while making them serve the people,” the DIG underlined.
He also appreciated the IGP’s efforts for providing health insurance policies to the cops saying that access to better healthcare services had become easier for policemen and their families.
Dharejo said thanks to the installation of the cameras based traffic regulation in Karachi, roads in the metropolis had become far safer to travel.
He claimed that the crimes of kidnappings and car lifting had dropped by 90 percent in the province.
The DIG said the digitization of the police record had massively helped in preservation of the record while ensuring rapid access as well.
Dharejo noted that the safe city project and the digital investigation had laced the police with the technological tools so that they could improve their performance.
The IGP earlier inaugurated the newly renovated office of the Rapid Response Force, named after the martyred Inspector Ghulam Mustafa Qureshi.
The event also showcased a documentary elaborating the police reforms and new policies which were introduced by the outgoing IGP.

Makhdoom Saeed u Zaman pays tribute to Amin Faheem

By
Ali Ali
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0
HYDERABAD, Nov 22 (APP):The Chairman Sindhi Adabi Board Makhdoom Saeed-ul-Zaman “Aatif” said in his statement that Makhdoom Amin Fahim was not only the spiritual legacy of Sarwari, but he was the shining star of Pakistan’s politics.
Their personality is love, loyalty and adherence to principles, which is an example that will always be remembered. Makhdoom Saeed-ul-Zaman “Aatif” said, “I am Makhdoom Noah Sarwar, who is definitely a follower. My mentor is Makhdoom Amin Faheem.”
He further said that the life of Makhdoom Amin Faheem is a torch for us in every aspect, whether it is spirituality which is the field, service to the people or political movement which is a journey.
He was a leader who never deviated from his principles and who was always active in spreading the message of love, peace, unity and humanity to every heart. Makhdoom Saeed-ul-Zaman “Aatif” further said that Sarwari Sirhan organization is committed to carry forward the thought, principles and tradition of spiritual service of Makhdoom Amin Fahim.
“It is our duty to make his mission stronger, to continue serving the nation, society and spirituality according to his teachings and ways.” In the end, he prayed that Allah may bestow His blessings on Makhdoom Amin Faheem’s holy shrine and keep the entire family on the path of knowledge, love and service.

Roadside-rescued transgender succumbs at Ayub Teaching Hospital after intensive care

By
Ali Ali
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0
ABBOTTABAD, Nov 22 (APP):A transgender individual, identified as Maryam alias Dulha, who had been rescued by Rescue 1122 a couple of days ago after being found lying unconscious on the road, passed away at Ayub Teaching Hospital despite receiving full medical treatment, officials said on Thursday.
According to Rescue 1122, the transgender person was discovered in an unconscious state on the roadside and was immediately shifted to Ayub Medical Teaching Hospital for emergency medical care.
Hospital authorities said that upon arrival, the frontline healthcare team, including doctors and nurses, provided urgent treatment. After initial stabilization, the patient was shifted to Medical Ward-D under the supervision of Deputy Director Dr. Ilyas Khan for further management.
Media & PR Head Malik Saif documented the case and shared the patient’s photograph on social media in an effort to locate family members or community contacts. Hospital Director Dr. Sajjad Ahmed Afridi and Medical Director Dr. Saqib Malik also issued directions to ensure the provision of all necessary medical facilities.
The responsibility for treatment was taken over by Dr. Haider Zaman, Head of Medical Ward-D, whose team continued care throughout the night. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s focal person Yar Muhammad Khan Niazi and officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office monitored the situation closely.
Hospital sources said the patient’s condition deteriorated due to cardiac complications on Thursday afternoon, after which she was moved to the CCU. Despite efforts by the medical team, Maryam alias Dulha later succumbed to natural causes.
Following the death, Deputy Director Dr. Ilyas Khan and PR Head Malik Saif initiated efforts to trace legal heirs and arrange funeral proceedings, keeping senior hospital management informed of every development.
Umeed Welfare Trust contacted the hospital administration, offering assistance as they have a designated burial space for transgender individuals. After consultations among the hospital, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, TMA authorities, and trust representatives, preliminary burial arrangements were made.
The district president of the Transgender Union, Rani, along with other office-bearers, arrived at the hospital while the postmortem conducted by Dr. Nawaz was underway. In the presence of police officials, hospital representatives informed them that if no legal heir appeared by 9 AM the next morning, burial would be carried out by Umeed Welfare Trust in Nowshera.
Transgender Union representatives agreed with the decision and, in video-recorded statements, clarified that they did not hold anyone responsible for the death, describing it as a natural cause.

DPM/FM Dar interacts with Italian head delegation, Singapore FM

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, had an interaction with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation for Italy, on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum in Brussels.

The discussion covered strengthening Pakistan-Italy ties, enhancing economic engagement and collaborating under broader Pakistan-EU frameworks, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar held an informal exchange on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and Bangladesh’s Ambassador Khandker Masudul Alam.

DPM/FM Dar interacts with Italian head delegation, Singapore FM

“They underscored the importance of maintaining positive dialogue to promote mutual understanding and shared views on current regional and international matters,” it was added.

PM underlines significance of railway system in economic boost

By
Irfan Khan
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0
Islamabad : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on the matters related to Pakistan Railways.
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, said that the railway system in any country served as backbone of economy and communication network.
Chairing an important meeting on the matters related to Pakistan Railways, at the PM’s House, the prime minister directed that legal and economic experts of international-standards should be engaged, particularly for the projects related to regional connectivity and international train links.
He further stressed that a public-private partnership model should be adopted for matters related to railway property and land.
The prime minister also appreciated the steps taken towards restoration of the railways system and commended Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and his team for their work on the revival and up-gradation of Pakistan Railways.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior government officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the measures being taken to improve Pakistan Railways.
It was informed that seven digital portals under ‘Rabta’ initiative were operational for the digitalization of Pakistan Railways, 56 trains had been shifted on it and 54 railway stations had been digitized.
The participants were informed that free wi-fi facility was provided at Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad railway stations while an additional 48 stations would get free wi-fi service by 31 December this year.
It was further informed that an online freight booking system had been introduced. A pilot project for a digital weighing bridge was launched at Karachi City Railway Station whereas in the next phase, this facility would be extended at Pipri, Karachi Cantonment, Port Qasim, Lahore, and Rawalpindi stations.
At Rawalpindi railway station, 148 AI-powered surveillance cameras had been installed. ATM machines of various banks were being installed at the railway stations.
To improve cleanliness standards, outsourcing was done while high-quality waiting areas were established at major railway stations for passengers, it was further added.
The meeting was told that information desks at the railway stations had also been set up for passengers’ convenience.
To improve the quality of food and beverages provided at railway stations, relevant food authorities from all the four provinces had been given access and oversight.
The meeting was informed that four trains had been outsourced, and advertisement was floated for outsourcing eleven more trains soon, which was expected to generate an additional revenue of Rs8.5 billion.
Moreover, forty luggage and brake vans had also been outsourced, which was expected to provide an additional revenue of 820 million rupees.
Outsourcing of two cargo express trains was also underway, expected to generate Rs6.3 billion in additional revenue.
The meeting was apprised that work was underway on outsourcing railway hospitals in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Sukkur while outsourcing of railway schools, colleges, and rest houses was also continuing. The dry ports in Lahore, Islamabad, and Azakhail were also being outsourced.
A total of 155 railway stations had been shifted to solar energy.
It was told that Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited, Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company, and Pakistan Railway Advisory & Consultancy Services had been closed.
A plan was being formulated for the up-gradation of the Karachi–Kotri section of Main Line-1-K and Main Line-3.
The meeting was briefed that work would be carried out with the Sindh government on the Thar Rail Connectivity project and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train would also begin operations soon. Preliminary work was also underway on the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail road project.
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