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Pakistani IT firms showcase AI, Big Data solutions at Amsterdam tech exhibition

The picture shared by the Pakistan embassy in The Hague on Oct. 3, 2024, shows participants attending AI and Big Data Expo Europe in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Pakistan embassy)
The picture shared by the Pakistan embassy in The Hague on Oct. 3, 2024, shows participants attending AI and Big Data Expo Europe in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Pakistan embassy)
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Updated 03 October 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR 
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Pakistani IT firms showcase AI, Big Data solutions at Amsterdam tech exhibition

Pakistani IT firms showcase AI, Big Data solutions at Amsterdam tech exhibition
  • Exhibition held from Oct. 1-2 was sponsored by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan
  • Pakistan’s participation shows its growing expertise in AI, big data, says commerce ministry 
Updated 03 October 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR 
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ISLAMABAD: Four Pakistani information technology firms showcased cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and big data solutions at an exhibition in Amsterdam this week, highlighting the country’s role as a key player in the global tech arena, the commerce ministry said on Thursday.

The AI and Big Data Expo Europe was held from Oct. 1-2 in Amsterdam, featuring next-generation technologies and strategies in the world of artificial intelligence. The event was sponsored by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and included various speakers from the fields of data science. 

AI technology enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision making and creativity. Big data refers to extremely large and diverse collections of structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data that continues to grow exponentially over time. Big data is used in machine learning, predictive modeling, and other advanced analytics to solve business problems and make informed decisions. 

“Four leading Pakistani IT companies Reach the Globe, ICILtek, NorthBay Solutions and Sofizar/ ConstellationCK proudly represented Pakistan at the AI and Big Data Exhibition Europe at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam,” the commerce ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Pakistan’s embassy in The Hague played an important role in promoting the participation of these companies by ensuring a “seamless setup” of the Pakistan Pavillion, the ministry said. It added that the embassy also facilitated booths for local companies and promoted Pakistani IT firms in front of visitors from different sectors. 

The Pakistani embassy hosted a networking dinner to bring together local IT firms and key stakeholders representing Dutch companies, the statement said. The dinner provided a platform for Pakistani and Dutch businesses to discuss collaboration opportunities. 

Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk, Pakistan’s trade and investment councilor in the Netherlands, said the participation of the four local companies demonstrated the South Asian nation’s growing expertise in AI and big data.

“The Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague will continue to support and promote Pakistani businesses on the global stage, strengthening our trade ties with the Netherlands and Europe,” he said.

Topics: Pakistan IT AI

PM Sharif urges Pakistan to tap valuable underwater natural resources with China’s aid

PM Sharif urges Pakistan to tap valuable underwater natural resources with China’s aid
Updated 06 December 2024
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PM Sharif urges Pakistan to tap valuable underwater natural resources with China’s aid

PM Sharif urges Pakistan to tap valuable underwater natural resources with China’s aid
  • Shehbaz Sharif stresses on importance of blue economy at Maritime Security Workshop in Lahore 
  • Energy-starved Pakistan requires natural resources to meet power demands, bolster economy
Updated 06 December 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged Pakistan’s Navy to tap into its vast underwater natural resources for economic gains with China’s help, stressing the importance of blue economy for the South Asian country grappling with an economic crisis. 

Offshore oil, natural gas reserves and minerals are extremely valuable underwater resources found beneath oceans worldwide. 

Energy-starved and cash-strapped Pakistan desperately needs natural resources to enhance its energy production and bolster its mining and industrial sectors as it struggles to keep its $350 billion economy afloat. 

Speaking at the 7th Maritime Security Workshop at the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, Sharif said Pakistan Navy was already discovering natural resources with the help of Chinese companies “which have great experience in this field.”

“Just a couple of days ago, I received a message from our great friend China that they are ready to send another delegation to enhance and explore what is lying under deep water, very valuable resources,” Sharif said. 

He urged Pakistan’s naval chief to focus on extracting natural resources, adding that he was ready to provide his help in that regard. 

Islamabad has taken steps in recent months to ensure its blue economy thrives. In September, Pakistan hosted an international maritime exhibition in Islamabad where maritime experts urged the Pakistani government to expand its blue economy to $100 billion.

During the exhibition, panelists suggested the Pakistani government work on increasing its share in the global blue economy, which means sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit people, livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health.

Topics: Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan Navy

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official
Updated 06 December 2024
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Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official
  • Sectarian clashes between Shiite and Sunni tribes have killed 133, injured over 170 since Nov. 21
  • Shiite and Sunni jirga members say resolving land disputes key to avoiding future conflicts in Kurram
Updated 06 December 2024
REHMAT MEHSUD

ISLAMABAD: A grand council of elders formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has brokered a ceasefire in the restive Kurram district for an indefinite period, an official said on Friday, where sectarian clashes since last month have killed at least 133. 

The KP government this week formed the grand jirga or council of elders comprising former parliamentarians and senators from tribal districts, with representation from both the Sunni and Shiite sects, to broker a truce between warring tribes. The decision was taken after clashes in the volatile Kurram district killed 133 and injured 171 since Nov. 21. 

Pakistan is a Sunni-majority country, but Kurram has a large Shiite population, and the communities have clashed for decades. The latest round of clashes broke out in the restive district after a caravan of Shiites was attacked in Parachinar town last Thursday, killing 41. 

“The grand jirga held individual as well as collective settings with both the sides and after the hours-long deliberations, agreed on a ceasefire in Kurram district for an indefinite period,” Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Motasim Billah Shah said in a statement. 

“And the bunkers will remain empty until the final decision of the grand jirga.”

Javedullah Mehsud, Kurram district’s deputy commissioner, said authorities were using a “multi-pronged policy” to resolve the issue, which included the deployment of security officials in sensitive locations and the jirga engaging in talks with rival sides. 

“The jirga is heading in the right direction and we expect a permanent ceasefire in the next three, four or five days,” Mehsud told Arab News. 

Shaheen Bangash, a Sunni member of the council, said both warring tribes earnestly want peace and harmony. However, he doubted the jirga could succeed in striking a peace deal. 

“De-weaponizing Kurram region was the shortest possible route to avoid bloody clashes in future,” he said. 

Bangash urged the government to help resolve land disputes in Kurram, pointing out that in most cases, a small dispute developed into an armed clash leading to tensions. 

“The government, Shiite and Sunni are the three main stakeholders in the Kurram saga,” Bangash said.” And there are a few people who created constant disharmony in this sensitive region.”

Since last Thursday, days of fighting with light and heavy weapons have brought the region to a standstill, with major roads closed and mobile phone services cut as the death toll surged.

Kurram police spokesperson Riaz Hussain told Arab News that no fresh clashes had been reported during the last two days. 

However, he said the main highways connecting the district with Peshawar and other adjacent areas such as the Thall-Parachinar Road had been blocked for the movement of passenger vehicles.

“The ceasefire is so far in place in Kurram and no fresh firing incident has been reported as of yet,” he added.

Hajji Abid Hussain, a Shiite elder and former president of Anjuman-e- Hussainia Parachinar, the biggest social, religious and political platform of the Shiite community in the district, told Arab News that he was optimistic about the jirga’s progress in maintaining peace in the area. 

Hussain, also a member of the jirga, was also of the view that resolving small land disputes was a prerequisite to ensure lasting peace in the district. 

“The jirga members are shuttling between both the rival sides, holding negotiations with the elders,” he said. “I’m very optimistic that a breakthrough to achieve durable ceasefire is expected very soon.” 

Topics: kurram kurram district parachinar Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur Grand Jirga

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war
Updated 06 December 2024
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Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war
  • Syria’s armed opposition forces last week launched largest offensive against government in years
  • Pakistan urges nationals against traveling unnecessarily to Syria until the situation improves
Updated 06 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Friday urged its nationals in Syria to exercise “extreme caution” and avoid unnecessary travel to the country, as fears of civilian casualties rise amid fierce clashes between government and opposition forces there. 

A coalition of Syrian armed opposition forces last week launched their largest offensive against the government in years, raising fears of instability in the Middle East. 

The armed forces swept through villages outside Aleppo last week and now say they control much of the city, meeting little resistance as the Syrian military quickly withdrew.

“In view of the recent developments and evolving situation in Syria, Pakistan nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel or visit to Syria until the situation improves,” the foreign ministry said in its latest advisory. 

“Those currently in Syria are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus,” it added. 

Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Thursday expressed alarm at the escalating violence in Syria and called for a de-escalation in violence. 

The Syrian government has vowed to fight back against the rebels’ assault. Russia, which deployed its air force to Syria in 2015 to help President Bashar Assad, is conducting airstrikes in support of the army.

It marks the most serious escalation of the conflict in years, adding to a toll which stands at hundreds of thousands dead since 2011, when the war mushroomed out of an Arab Spring uprising against Assad’s rule. Since then, more than half the pre-war population of 23 million have been forced from their homes, with millions fleeing abroad as refugees.

Topics: Syria cival war Syrian rebels Pakistan Syria Ties

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year
Updated 06 December 2024
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OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year
  • COMSTECH coordinator general meets OIC chief in Jeddah to discuss educational initiatives
  • Established by OIC, COMSTECH aims to promote science and technology among member states
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

KARACHI: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) plans to hold its 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May 2025, a statement from the organization said on Friday, as it eyes promoting educational initiatives among member states.

COMSTECH is an intergovernmental organization established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1981. It aims to promote and coordinate science and technology activities among OIC member states, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improving the quality of life.

The COMSTECH general assembly is chaired by Pakistan’s president every two years in Islamabad where its budget and programs are discussed at length. 

COMSTECH Coordinator General Dr. Iqbal Choudhry met OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Jeddah to discuss enhancing science and technology, and educational initiatives throughout OIC member countries, COMSTECH said. 

“Key discussions centered on COMSTECH’s new initiatives including hosting the First Extraordinary Conference of Ministers of Higher Education dedicated to supporting Palestinian students and addressing the education crisis, scheduling the 16th General Assembly of COMSTECH during May 2025 at Islamabad,” COMSTECH said. 

The statement added that discussions were also held about launching fellowships for Palestinian students at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.

Other initiatives that came under discussion were the COMSTECH expert service that advises OIC member states, establishing a halal products testing and standard center at the King Faisal University in Chad, and the COMSTECH-CHAD program for the promotion of science and technology.

The OIC secretary general commended Dr. Choudhry’s initiatives, expressing his gratitude to the Pakistani government for supporting COMSTECH’s vision to uplift science and technology in OIC member states, the organization said. 

“This collaboration signifies a robust commitment to addressing educational and scientific challenges while fostering development and innovation within the OIC framework,” the statement concluded.

Topics: Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) COMSTECH

Pakistan calls for ‘decisive steps’ to realize two-state solution in Middle East

Pakistan calls for ‘decisive steps’ to realize two-state solution in Middle East
Updated 06 December 2024
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Pakistan calls for ‘decisive steps’ to realize two-state solution in Middle East

Pakistan calls for ‘decisive steps’ to realize two-state solution in Middle East
  • Pakistan’s UN envoy says two-state solution only path for durable regional peace
  • Israel’s military campaign since last year has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram this week called for the international community to take “decisive steps” to realize the two-state solution in the Middle East, reiterating Islamabad’s stance that it was the only path for durable peace in the region. 

Pakistan is among the most vocal countries that have called on Israel to announce an unconditional and immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Islamabad has denounced what it refers to as Israel’s “genocide” against Palestinians and has often urged at international forums for the international community to intervene and stop Israel’s military operations. 

Israel launched its air and ground war in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border on Oct. 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza’s Health Ministry says that Israel’s military campaign since then has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians and injured many others.

Speaking at the United Nations Special Session on Palestine on Wednesday, Akram noted that Arab and Islamic countries had advocated the international community review Israel’s UN membership and terminate trade with it. 

“At the same time, we need to take decisive steps to realize the two-state solution, which offers the only and globally accepted path toward durable peace and security in the Middle East,” Akram said.

The Pakistani envoy called for the official recognition of Palestine as a state and the earliest possible admission of Palestine as a full member of the UN. 

He condemned Israel’s military aggression in Gaza, saying that the Islamic world will never forget it. 

“The people of the Islamic world will not forget or forgive Israel’s crimes,” Akram said. “Popular resistance to Israeli occupation will not end. It will intensify.”

Pakistan currently does not recognize the state of Israel over its thwarting of Palestinians’ aspirations for a state of their own. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Sinai peninsula and the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights in the 1967 Middle East war.

Topics: Pakistan at UNGA Ambassador Munir Akram War in Gaza

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