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Funeral prayer of Ather Viqar Azeem on Tuesday evening

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Sep 09 (APP):The funeral prayer of former General Manager PTV Ather Viqar Azeem will be held in DHA Phase 7 on September 10.
Ather Viqar has breathed his last on Sunday morning here peacefully in his sleep at home.
Funeral prayer will be held at Masjid Bilal, Main Khayaban-E- Ittehad, Off Khayaban-E- Hilal after Namaz Asr at 5:15 pm, family members said.

Six private members’ bills tabled in Senate

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP): The Senate on Monday witnessed laying of six private members’ bills amid ruckus of the opposition benches demanding points of order disturbing the House proceedings as per the agenda.

Presiding Officer Sherry Rehman allowed three members each from the Opposition and Treasury benches to table the private members bills in the House. All the bills were referred to the committees concerned for further deliberations.

The bills moved included the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Federal Supervision of Curricula, Text-books and Maintenance of Standards of the Education (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024.

The opposition members created a hullabaloo in the House seeking permission to speak on points of order which was declined by the Chair.

The Presiding Officer also referred the matter of an article published in a national daily allegedly violating the privilege of parliamentarians, to the Committee on Rules of Procedures and Privileges.

Senator Saadia Abbasi of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on a point of order protested that the article titled “The Stealth Cost of Legislature” had violated the privilege of the members of the National Assembly and Senate.

She said that it was claimed in the article that each parliamentarian was withdrawing over one million rupees on account of perks and privileges along with salary allowances, but were not providing a concrete policy discourse and legislation.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui urged the Chair to refer the matter the committee concerned.

Senator Sherry Rehman also welcomed former Balochistan Governor Zahoor Agha in the Visitors Gallery.

DC Sukkur urges parents to get their children vaccinated

By
Ali Ali
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Polio
SUKKUR, Sep 09 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sukkur, Dr MB Raja Dharejo has urged parents to get their children aged up to five years vaccinated against polio virus during the current drive in the district.
He expressed these views while inaugurating a seven day anti-polio drive across the district by administering anti-polio drops to children here on Monday.
Deputy Commissioner Sukkur said that parents must get administered polio vaccine to their children to eradicate polio.
He said that polio was a crippling disease which would be eradicated from the area by making collective efforts for making the anti-polio drives successful adding that everyone should play his role for the success of the polio drive.
He called the parents to cooperate with district administration and polio teams. He emphasized the collective effort to achieve a polio-free future.

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.

By
Wajid
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Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.
APP40-090924
ISLAMABAD: September 09 – 

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.

By
Wajid
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0
APP41-090924ISLAMABAD: September 09 – Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.
APP41-090924ISLAMABAD: September 09 – Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.

APP42-090924
ISLAMABAD: September 09 – President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a dinner in honour of Parliamentarians belonging to Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PMLQ), and Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addresses questions posed by Parliamentarians during the 9th Session of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan, focusing on key trade and economic policies.
APP43-090924
ISLAMABAD: September 09 – President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a dinner in honour of Parliamentarians belonging to Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PMLQ), and Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), at Aiwan-e-Sadr. 

Efforts afoot to resolve all municipal issues before the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal: Mayor Karachi

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Sep 09 (APP):Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab while chairing a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the arrangements for Rabi’-ul-Awwal, held at Bagh-e-Ibn Qasim, Clifton, emphasized that efforts will be made to resolve all municipal issues before the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor Karachi said that the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal is a sacred and blessed month for Muslims, during which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born, guiding humanity from the depths of ignorance and providing the light of guidance in the form of the Holy Quran, which continues to lead us throughout time.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that organizing the arrangements for Rabi’ al-Awwal is not merely our responsibility but our honor.
He stated that the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a beacon for us and has guided us in every aspect of life.
He urged those who truly love the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to demonstrate their love through their actions and by following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Mayor mentioned that the arrangements for Rabi-ul-Awwal are acts of virtue and will be made as optimal as possible with the consultation of scholars.
He also announced that a program for Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will be organized at Bagh-e-Ibn Qasim, where scholars, reciters, and intellectuals from all sects, as well as a large number of citizens, will be invited.
During the meeting ulema presented various suggestions regarding municipal issues and emphasized the immediate resolution of these problems.
Many of the issues raised were related to sanitation, road repairs, removal of encroachments, sewerage line leaks, security, and power outages caused by K-Electric.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Municipal Commissioner SM Afzal Zaidi, MD Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Imtiaz Shah, CEO of Water Corporation Asadullah Khan, Karachi Mayor’s spokesperson for political affairs Karamullah Waqasi, DIG Traffic, various district deputy commissioners, SSPs, scholars, and a large number of procession organizers.
Scholars who attended the meeting included Maulana Muhammad Akbar Dars, Allama Muhammad Sadiq Jafari, Syed Razi Haider Rizvi, Qazi Ahmed Noorani, Dr. Jameel Rathore, Mufti Muhammad Aabid, Muhammad Yaqoob Attari, Asif Raza Qadri, Akbar Shah, Mufti Muhammad Naveed Abbasi, Nasir Hussain Khan, Altaf Qazalbash, Maulana Muhammad Ashraf Gormani, Muhammad Imran Attari, and others.
The Mayor Karachi expressed that he is well aware of the city’s problems and is taking steps to address them.
He mentioned that recent rains had damaged the city’s roads, and efforts are underway to repair and improve them.
He assured that compared to previous years, this year’s roads have not accumulated water, as Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) adopted a joint strategy with various agencies to manage the situation effectively, resulting in smooth traffic flow on major roads.
He also promised to discuss the issue of power outages with K-Electric officials to ensure that Rabi-ul-Awwal events are not disrupted and that the processions and gatherings are held smoothly.
Additionally, he mentioned that discussions will be held with towns responsible for local issues to address them independently.
Scholars thanked the Mayor for convening the meeting to discuss the arrangements for the holy month and listening to their concerns, and procession organizers requested improved security measures for events.

ISSI hosts seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and National Security”

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), hosted a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and National Security” to underscore the paradigm shift driven by AI, highlighting its potential to enhance Pakistan’s national security while addressing emerging risks.
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, CPD & DG PR National Aerospace Science and Technology Park was the keynote speaker. Other distinguished speakers included: Air Commodore Dr. Irteza Ali Khan, Director PAF Center for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC); Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow, ACDC-ISSI; Dr. Sumaira Kausar, Professor & Director CoE-AI, Bahria University; Khwaja Mohammad Ali, Global Chief Information & Cybersecurity Officer at National Bank; and Air Commodore Dr. Waseem Qutub, Director, ACDA, SPD, a news release said.
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, in his keynote address, highlighted the increasing reliance on technology and its dual-nature capable of both destruction and saving lives. He drew parallels with the evolution of technology, such as airplanes used for both warfare and humanitarian efforts.
He emphasized the importance of staying technologically advanced, reflecting on the historical contributions of forefathers in industrialization and the ongoing efforts by the PAF to maintain cutting-edge capabilities.
He discussed the comprehensive indigenization concept, the role of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, and the development of Kamra as an aeronautical capital. The collaboration with Turkish firms and the establishment of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) underscores the commitment to innovation, private sector development, and international partnerships, aiming to leverage technology for national progress and security.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassaddor Sohail Mahmood emphasized the pivotal role of AI in transforming security approaches, offering transformative potential, and significant challenges. He highlighted AI’s potential to enhance predictive analytics, improve intelligence gathering through advanced machine learning, and fortify cybersecurity with real-time threat detection and adaptive responses.
AI also revolutionizes border security with advanced surveillance and biometric verification and optimizes defence operations with autonomous vehicles. He further underscored that human agency must have a pivotal role, especially in critical decision-making.
Ambassaddor Sohail Mahmood emphasized that in education, AI personalizes learning, adapting to individual student needs and styles. Moreover, he cautioned against AI’s risks, such as exploitation by adversaries and the spread of disinformation.
He advocated for a robust, ethical AI framework, strong governance, and international collaboration to address these challenges while leveraging AI’s benefits effectively. He expressed the hope that the national AI strategy would appropriately cater for these needs.
Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, highlighted the potential benefits of AI and stated that AI had the potential to address challenges to comprehensive national security. It could bring socio-economic development, improve human security conditions, and fulfill the national security needs of a country. It played a substantive role in achieving several UN SDGs. He stressed that Pakistan should fully harness the true potential of AI for its human, and economic needs and achieve its overall national security objectives.
Air Commodore Dr. Irteza Ali Khan, elaborated on “Military Applications of Al and National Security.” He highlighted the role of AI in shaping modern military applications and national security.
He explained that AI is essential in cyber operations, autonomous weapons, and data-driven warfare, providing strategic advantages through superior decision-making and real-time precision. He emphasized the need for self-reliance in AI infrastructure to safeguard data integrity, privacy, and security, advocating for indigenous AI development and robust institutions to maintain technological sovereignty and national security.
Ghazala Yasmin Jalil stated that AI is already being used and its potential future usage in nuclear deterrence architectures internationally will likely increase. It is inherently dangerous and destabilizing as it is likely to cause an AI-Nuclear security dilemma, increase the risk of accidental nuclear conflict, as well as escalation, and would likely lower nuclear thresholds. It is, thus imperative to discuss and agree on limits to AI in nuclear weapons complexes.
Dr. Sumaira Kausar addressed AI and Socio-economic Development, discussing both challenges and opportunities. She highlighted AI’s transformative role in boosting economic growth by enhancing decision-making, optimizing various sectors, and increasing global competitiveness.
She noted AI’s benefits, from improving agriculture and healthcare to revolutionizing transportation and education. She also highlighted critical challenges such as ethical concerns, job displacement, and the need for robust governance. To address these, she proposed developing global standards, investing in education and training, and engaging stakeholders in AI policy development to mitigate risks and maximize benefits.
Khwaja Mohammad Ali highlighted that AI enhances cybersecurity operations by utilizing real-time data within interconnected cyberspace, allowing for faster and more effective threat detection. Developing states face significant challenges in adopting AI and cybersecurity technologies due to resource constraints, making international cooperation and cyber diplomacy essential.
He also emphasized the importance of fostering indigenous innovation in AI and cybersecurity, developing research institutions, and aligning capabilities with global standards to ensure security in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Cybersecurity, he noted, is now a shared concern globally.
Air Commodore Dr. Waseem Qutub highlighted the ethical considerations and international regulations surrounding AI and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), stressing the need for compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the UN Charter. He emphasized human accountability in decision-making and warned against anthropomorphizing weapon systems.
He discussed AI’s role in cybersecurity, linking AI’s reliance on cyberspace and data with the need for robust cybersecurity measures. He advocated for cyber diplomacy and international collaboration to address challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI and cybersecurity technologies.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to the ongoing discourse at the UN and relevant multilateral fora regarding legal regime on the subject.
The presentations by the speakers were followed by a Q&A session. Participant dilated on a range of subjects including AI’s role in bridging gaps in education at school level, importance of human agency, and comparative progress in AI field across developing countries.
Amb. Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, in his vote of thanks, emphasized the rapid advancements in AI and emerging technologies. He highlighted the potential benefits and dangers of weaponization, calling for global accountability to prevent misuse and promote public welfare.

Fiscal discipline essential for economic growth; Finance Minister

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (APP): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Monday said that the country’s economy was heading towards the right direction, the currency was stable, the inflation rate reached single digit and remittances and exports were all the time high during July and August.

Responding to calling attention notices of Senator Mohsin Aziz, and Senator Zeeshan Khanzada in the Senate’s session about the issue of shrinking of loans, surging of debts in the private sector and the process of digitalization of FBR, the minister said that upholding fiscal discipline was a key to the economic growth, adding “Our revenue and exports would increase while borrowing would decrease if we preserve fiscal discipline”.

He said that the government has allocated subsidies for the SME sector in the budget 2024-25, adding the digitization process of FBR was underway on the fast track.

The Finance Minister said agriculture, and Information Technology sectors have been prioritized, while the country cannot be run through charity and everyone will have to pay tax.

The minister stressed the need for structural reforms, adding “If we succeed in reforming the state-owned enterprises and energy sector it would be the last programme of the IMF.”

Neelum Valley Highway to boost local economy: AJK PM

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MIRPUR-AJK, Sep 09 (APP): Azad Jammu & Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq announced on Monday that the quality construction of the Neelum Valley Highway is essential for the socio-economic development of the picturesque Neelum Valley.

Speaking at a reception in Phulwai and Sardari, the AJK PM emphasized that improved road infrastructure is crucial for the region’s growth and progress.

He stated that the highway’s construction would enhance tourism and create local job opportunities. To fund the project, the government reallocated development funds from other constituencies.

He further said that Neelum Valley has received more funding than other areas to improve residents’ lives.

PM highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring quality construction and issued a 15-day ultimatum to stakeholders to address issues with the highway’s current condition.

The prime minister also mentioned that the completion of the Phoolwai project depends on the highway’s progress, adding that there would be zero tolerance for corruption or misuse of public funds.

During his visit, AJK PM addressed students in Sardari, stressing the need for ample resources to upgrade educational institutions.

He expressed hope that better road infrastructure would help resolve staffing shortages in local schools and colleges.

The event was attended by various officials, including President of Muslim League-N Azad Kashmir Shah Ghulam Qadir and Senior Minister Colonel (Rtd) Waqar Ahmed Noor.

President ICCI visits mausoleum of lance Naik Mehfooz Shaheed

By
Ali Ali
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0
ICCI
ISLAMABAD, Sep 9 (APP):President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari on Monday said that the entire nation will always feel proud of the way Pakistan’s armed forces are offering sacrifices for the defence of the country by foiling the evil designs of the enemy.
He paid rich tributes to the martyrs and veterans of war by adding that September 6 is an important day in the national and military history of Pakistan, said a press release issued here.
He mentioned this in his remarks during his visit to the mausoleum of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed,  Nishan-e-Haider in Mehfoozabad, old Pind Malkan, Rawalpindi.
He laid a floral wreath at the martyr’s mausoleum, offered Fateha and registered his remarks in the visitors’ book.
He said that the shining stars of Pakistan who laid down their lives for the security of the country undoubtedly deserve honour and respect, adding that the love for the army is deep-rooted in the nation which is strengthening with the passage of each and every day.
He added that the enemy is actively involved in conspiracies to destroy our unity but our armed forces with the fullest support of the nation will never let it to succeed in its ugly designs.
ICCI President also visited the family of the Shaheed and paid rich tributes to all the defenders of the country especially Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz.
It is noteworthy that Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz born on October 15, 1944, in Pind Malakan, a village in Rawalpindi was enrolled in Pakistan Army on October 25, 1962. After training, he joined the 15th Punjab Regiment and during the 1971 war he was part of the operation in the Wahga-Attari sector.
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