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STZA establishes four new special technology zones worth Rs 30 bln

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) announced the establishment of four new Special Technology Zones (STZs), focusing on business process outsourcing, information technology, high-tech production, research and development, tech skill development, and knowledge products.

The decision has been taken in line with the vision of the Prime Minister and the Federal Government to enable job creation for the youth and prioritise the technology sector.

According to news release, these four new zones consists of 1.4 million Sqft high-quality tech infrastructure and 130 acres of land available for exclusive use of the technology companies.

An investment of Rs. 30 billion has already been made in developing the specialised tech infrastructure by the zone developers while more than Rs 150 billion investment is expected in next 2-4 years by local and foreign technology companies.

The 4 new zones will have the capacity to house more than 50,000 professionals with an export potential exceeding
US$ 350 million annually.

The newly designated zones included the NUST Special Technology Zone and Tech7 Special Technology Zone in Islamabad, Mindbridge Special Technology Zone in Lahore, and Capital Smart Technology Zone in Rawalpindi.

These zones are notified strategically to foster innovation, drive economic growth, enhance technology exports and position Pakistan as a key player in the global technology arena.

The accelerated roll-out of STZs are in-line with the economic pillars of SIFC and will increase the technology related local and foreign direct investment in the country.

In addition to the 12 existing zones, which are home to over 15,000+ technology professionals, the newly notified zones will offer state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring that enterprises can compete and thrive in the global market.

Exclusively designated for technology sector companies under STZA policy, these zones also offer significant incentives, including 10-year exemptions on Income Tax and Customs duties, and forex benefits to licensed technology companies operating within them.

The NUST Special Technology Zone in H12 Islamabad, spanning 13 acres within one of Pakistan’s leading science and technology universities, is positioned to become a major hub for R&D, high tech production and innovation.

With a Rs 4 billion investment in tech-infrastructure and a potential of Rs 50 billion investment by technology & RnD companies, this zone will serve as a critical platform for knowledge-driven economic growth.

It will enable technological advancements, industry-academia collaboration and attract top talent to support groundbreaking R&D projects in Science & Technology.

The Tech7 Special Technology Zone in B-17 Islamabad encompasses an expansive 1 million square feet state-of-the-art facility for technology services companies.

Supported by an investment of Rs15 billion in tech-infrastructure and potential Rs 12 billion investment by technology sector companies, this zone is designed to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for tech startups, SMEs, and established companies.

It provides a comprehensive range of facilities, including modern office spaces and high-speed internet, to accelerate business growth and innovation.

The Mindbridge Special Technology Zone in Lahore, located in the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, spans 360,000 square feet with an investment of Rs 5 billion.

As one of Pakistan’s largest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, Mindbridge is expanding its footprint with this specialised BPO Zone, offering a complete ecosystem tailored for it’s own expansion, startups and SMEs in BPO sector and related areas.

With fully serviced office spaces and modern amenities, the Mindbridge Special Technology Zone is poised to become a powerhouse in Pakistan’s BPO industry, fostering innovation and growth.

The Capital Smart Technology Zone in Rawalpindi, also known as Silicon Village, spans 127 acres within the Capital Smart City. With an investment of Rs 10 billion in basic infrastructure and essential facilities, this large zone shall lead the development of a cutting-edge technology ecosystem, positioning it as a pivotal platform for indigenous innovation, exports growth, import substitution and job creation for local and global technology companies.

Some of the focus areas include high-tech production enterprises, RnD companies, skill development organisations, technology services companies and business process outsourcing players.

The Capital Smart Technology Zone is set to become a premier destination for regional and global technology companies with an investment potential exceeding Rs 100 billion.

These newly notified Special Technology Zones underscore STZA’s dedication to advancing Pakistan’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by establishing specialized and mixed-technologies zones that cater to the dynamic needs of the evolving technology sector.

These zones provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, fostering a robust network of industry experts, investors, researchers, and emerging tech talent, thereby nurturing a vibrant knowledge and technology ecosystem in Pakistan.

Business community continues Independence Day celebrations

By
Kamran Muraad
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FAISALABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Dr Khurram Tariq addressed a flag-hoisting ceremony at the FCCI complex in connection with the 78th Independence Day celebrations, on Thursday.
The building was profusely decorated with buntings, flags, balloons and lights. National songs also enthralled the participants in the ceremony as they were also wearing green scarves and badges of national flags with other decorative material.
Dr Khurram Tariq performed the flag hoisting ceremony along with Senior Vice President Dr Sajjad Arshad and Vice President Hajji Muhammad Aslam Bhalli.
In his brief address, he said the day is observed to pay tribute to the martyrs who had laid down their lives for creation of a homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.
Dr Sajjad Arshad offered an emotional prayer saying “we must sacrifice our individual interest for solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan”.
Later, they cut a special cake in the Boardroom to mark the 78th Independence Day. They also planted saplings in green areas in front of FCCI complex.

BoR, FBR decide to modernise tax recovery system

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Aug 15 (APP): In a strategic meeting on tax audit conducted under the chairmanship of Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Punjab Nabeel Javed, it was decided to integrate and automate the tax recovery systems of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR).
The meeting was attended by Member Taxes Zaman Wattoo, Regional Commissioner Withholding Tax (RTO) Bilal Hussain, Dr. Imran Javed and other officials from both institutions.
The SMBR stressed the urgent need for a synchronised and automated system to modernise tax recovery procedures between the FBR and the BoR Punjab. He highlighted the importance of digitalizing the audit processes of PLRA (Punjab Land Records Authority) and FBR to reduce the chances of tax evasion.
It was also proposed that a joint committee be formed between the FBR and the BoR to compile comprehensive data of taxpayers. The committee will work towards eliminating irregularities in agricultural tax, income tax, withholding tax, and capital gains tax through a digital system.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed sharing taxpayer data between the FBR and the BoR to enhance agricultural and income tax collection. The proposal to link the tax recovery system with NADRA was also considered. Under this system, tax payments on land would be monitored through the taxpayers’ CNIC, and property registries would only be processed after ensuring the full payment of applicable taxes, significantly reducing tax evasion.

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves increase to $ 14.645 billion

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP): The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan increased to US$ 14,645.2 million as of August 9, 2024 while the reserves held by the central bank were recorded as $ 9,272.6 million.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in a statement issued here on Thursday, informed that liquid foreign reserves held by the central bank increased by $ 119 million to $ 9,272.6 million during the week ended on August 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were recorded as $ 5,372.6 million during the week under review, it added.

Total liquid foreign reserves held by the country, in the previous week ended on August 02, 2024, were $ 14,471.9 million.

Among them foreign reserves held by the central bank were recorded as $ 9,153.3 million while $ 5,318.6 million were held by commercial banks.

Governor KP emphasizes support for youth affected by terrorism

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Governor  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Thursday stressed the importance of providing benefits to the war on terror affected youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
The Governor said this during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, where squash player Norina Shams from Dir was awarded a sponsorship by the Zakori Group.
The event was attended by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood, NEVTEC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Zakori Group Chairman Ayub Zakori, Bilour Group Director Sherbaz Bilour, Deputy Secretary of Sports Qasim Khattak, and other officials.
Governor Kundi expressed appreciation for the support extended to Norina Shams and urged similar backing for other talented youth from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He criticized the provincial government for neglecting sports and highlighted that many young people are making significant achievements in sports through their own efforts.
He emphasized that the Governor’s House is dedicated to encouraging talented youth and is working to promote educational and recreational activities as a means to protect the province from terrorism and extremism.
For the first time in the history of the Governor’s House, conferences on Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Pashto famous poet Khushal Khan Khattak, as well as interfaith harmony, have been organized.
Governor Kundi called on the federal government to ensure that 50 percent of social welfare funds are allocated to sports and youth welfare.
He also urged institutions and affluent individuals across the country to support and encourage talented youth from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rana Mashhood, Advisor to the Prime Minister, affirmed the government’s commitment to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a priority under Governor Kundi’s leadership.
He cited the success of Arshad Nadeem, who was supported by the government and brought honor to the country, and promised similar support for thousands of other youths.
Mashhood praised Gulmina Bilal Ahmad for her decades-long dedication to societal betterment.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of NEVTEC, described the agreement as the first step toward supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s athletes and commended Governor Kundi’s efforts.
During the ceremony, the sponsorship agreement between the Zakori Group and Norina Shams was formally signed.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of the four security personnel in South Waziristan.
He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and prayed for their patience and strength.
The Governor also lauded the bravery and courage of the security forces, who killed six militants during exchange of fire.
He praised their unwavering determination and resolve in the fight against terrorism.

KU, donors discusses expansion in scholarship projects

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP):The University of Karachi and donor organizations discussed different proposals to expand the existing scholarship schemes for KU students.
The representatives of Balochistan Education Endowment Fund, Alkausar, USA, UKAHA Houston, Pakistan Baitulmal, and Ihsan Trust met the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi at the KU VC Secretariat on Thursday.
The KU Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum, the KU Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Musarrat Jahan Yousuf, in-charge KU Students Financial Aid Office Professor Dr Ziasma Haneef Khan, and others were also present on this occasion.
The General Manager Ihsan Trust Fayyaz Ur Rehman informed the meeting that over 500 students from different departments of the University of Karachi have received interest-free loans from the trust in the past and now they can provide financial support to more than 500 students in a single year.
He mentioned that evening students can also avail themselves of the Ihsan Trust scheme, and easy loans are available to every needy student at any stage of their education. He said the trust can also provide financial aid for purchasing transport bus (s) for campus students.
Qaim Mehdi representing Alkausar USA shared that the Pakistani community living in the US is supporting students as they are willing to improve the education sector of Pakistan. He said that the University of Karachi has a large number of students and Alkausar wants to uplift their education standards.
Assistant Director of Pakistan Baitulmal Sadia Ashraf mentioned that Pakistan Baitulmal provides scholarships to bright students of the public sector universities and Pakistan Baitulmal is working to expand the pool of scholarship funds to facilitate more students including youngsters studying in the evening program.
Feroze Iqbal representing UKAHA Houston shared that the alumni of the University of Karachi were helping the students on the individual level but after signing the memorandum of understanding they have increased the funds to help more students through the KU SFAO.
He advised students that after completing their studies, they must try to help others according to their capacities.
Earlier, KU VC Dr Khalid Iraqi briefed the visitors about the Student Admission Fund project which is helping the students who could not afford their admission fees, and shared the benefits of scholarships for the merit and need base students.
He said that we are encouraging our departments to take their alumni on boards so that our students can have more facilities in the classrooms. The public and private sector has to own the education system of the country as it is essential for the growth and development of Pakistan.
According to him, the provincial government has increased the allocation of funds for the public sector universities in Sindh and also enhanced the provision of the Sindh Endowment Fund for our students, and appreciated the role of private donors in the education sector.
The Manager Balochistan Education Endowment Fund Sanzar Khan Kakar, Program Executives Maheen Ullah, and Abdul Razzaq, Fayyaz Rehman, Qaim Mehdi, Feroze Iqbal, Sadia Ashraf, KU deans and in-charge SFAO along with the KU VC Dr Khalid Iraqi planted a sapling in front of the KU Gymnasium as part of the KU SFAO Plantation Drive.

Al-Shifa performs double lens rare surgical procedure

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 15 (APP): Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital doctors have successfully performed a rare surgery on a three-year-old child with twin lenses and cataracts.
According to trust spokesman, it was the second case in ophthalmology history to ever be documented while the first case was reported thirty years ago in India and the second such case was testified in Pakistan.
Rendering details, he said that Muhammad Ahmed, a resident of Rawalpindi, brought his male child, Muhammad Mussa, to Al-Shifa Hospital for a check-up after noticing that his one eye was more significant than the other.
The child was put on thorough examination, and doctors found a Double Crystalline lens (Twin Lenses) in the right eye of the child.
The doctors termed it a rare congenital problem and that it happens very rarely during birth. Usually, there is a single lens in one eye.
The doctors decided to remove these abnormal lenses to prevent future problems with the child’s eyesight. After ninety minutes of complicated surgery, the faulty lenses were replaced with an artificial lens.
Experts say that each eye typically has one lens. If a cataract is present at birth or develops later, the lens is removed, and an artificial lens is placed so the patient can have normal vision.
This unusual presentation of two lenses inside the eye is scarce, with only two cases reported in the literature worldwide to date.
Professor Dr Hanif Malik at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital’s Paediatric Ophthalmology Department undertook this complex and challenging surgery, which helped the child gain vision.
Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital performs 25 cases of Pediatric cataracts daily with free-of-cost surgery, provision of intraocular lenses, and hospital stay while other eye surgeries were also performed at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department.
This department is a one-of-a-kind, highly specialized unit operating at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, which also provides OPD and surgery facilities to adults and children of all economic backgrounds.
“No one is refused treatment on the grounds of non-affordability. Even the most complex, challenging cases declined at other hospitals are taken up with open arms at Al Shifa”, he informed.
Al-Shifa Trust also serves people at its facilities located in Sukhar, Kohat, Muzaffarabad, and Chakwal.
The trust’s president, Major General (Retd) General Rahmat Khan, is eager to extend services to remote areas of the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.

ICT admin set to regulate restaurant open spaces

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration is taking steps to ensure that restaurants operating in open-air spaces do so within a regulated framework, addressing the concerns of citizens.
In a significant meeting led by the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, representatives from the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) discussed the growing issue of restaurants using open-air spaces. The meeting focused on creating a code of conduct to manage these spaces effectively.
The DC emphasized that all Assistant Commissioners have been instructed to conduct regular measurements of open-air spaces used by restaurants. These areas will only be approved if they do not cause inconvenience to the public. The Deputy Commissioner also made it clear that no encroachments will be tolerated under the pretext of open-air dining.
He added that any restaurant found to be using more space than approved will face strict action. The new regulations aim to balance the needs of businesses with those of the community, ensuring that open-air spaces are used appropriately.

Senate body on IT discusses issue of recent internet disruptions

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications Thursday discussed the issue of recent internet disruptions across the country causing real-time hindrances for individuals running e-commerce businesses.
Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan chaired the meeting.
Secretary for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, explained that there is no issue with broadband connections; however, mobile operators using mobile data are facing disruptions.
The PTA is assessing the issue, and the ministry will be in a better position to provide an overview once the assessment is completed in two weeks.
The committee addressed the complaint of MNA Ali Jaan Mazari regarding poor internet service in Kashmore.
He said that internet services have been crawling for the last four months, and despite several requests, no action has been taken so far.
PTA officials highlighted that there are around 156 sites of three major service providers in the area and that internet services are mostly down due to unannounced load shedding.
However, the PTA is assessing the issue and will submit its report in the next 15 days. The committee also directed the PTA to submit its quarterly survey report at the next meeting.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, State Minister for IT, while informing the committee said that the proposal was moved forward by the Establishment Division and that the ministry will brief the committee on the matter in the upcoming week.
The committee deliberated on the Bill titled “The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.” Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, the bill’s mover, said that the primary purpose of the bill is to protect the data of citizens because, as of now, there is no law in place for this purpose.
Officials of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications informed that the ministry has consulted with over 100 local and international stakeholders and is working on a final draft to address the grievances of stakeholders.
The draft will be completed in the next fifteen days, they added.
The committee, considering the importance of the bill for the country, recommended that the ministry to complete the draft as soon as possible.
Furthermore, the committee was briefed by the Virtual University regarding its performance and operations.
The Rector of Virtual University, Arshad Saleem Bhatti, informed that Virtual University was the country’s first university to start the flipped classroom model in 2002, aiming to benefit working students.
Virtual University is the only university that provides quality education at an affordable fee, charging only Rs.150,000 for the entire BS program and offering 400 courses for free.
The university generates revenue of Rs. 7.25 billion from fees and services and bears no burden on the exchequer.

NDMA forecast high-level flood alert on River Chenab

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The National Emergencies Operation Center of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday anticipated that rain, wind and thundershower with isolated heavy rainfall was anticipated in the catchment areas of River Chenab till August 18.

“Consequently, the Chenab River is expected to reach High to Very High level flows which may result in inundation in low lying areas & damage of infrastructure,” the NDMA news release said.

All villages and towns or settlements near Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, especially along the flood plain, could be affected by increasing flows.

A strong Monsoon spell was active in catchment areas of eastern rivers, particularly in catchment areas of River Chenab including Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Chiniot, etc. Similarly, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) including Reasi, Akhnoor, Salal, Rajouri, Jammu, etc.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated places until August 18, which will result in significant increase in the flow of River Chenab as well as local nullahs. Urban flooding is expected in the urban centers, however, high to very high flood levels are likely in River Chenab. Rainfall intensity is expected to taper down after August 18; however, more rains can be expected till August 25 with gaps in catchment areas of Chenab.

The public is advised to stay informed by keeping track of weather updates and alerts. NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public. Residents of these areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.

The NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather.

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