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PM CALLS FOR GLOBAL EFFORTS IN AI, HEALTH AND EDUCATION TO OVERCOME CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES Wednesday, 30 October, 2024 I | 26 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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We invite you to invest, to bring your expertise and creativity to Pakistan, PM Shebaz says at plenary session of 8th FII
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RIYADH
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, while underscoring the importance of knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in domains of artificial intelligence, education and health, called for collective global efforts and partnerships to overcome the contemporary challenges. He said that no nation could overcome today’s challenges alone and no single country could harness the potential of tomorrow without the support of others. “Pakistan stands ready to join those who dare to dream big. We invite you to invest, to bring your expertise and creativity to Pakistan, as we build a future, rooted in resilience and shared prosperity,” the prime minister said during his address at the plenary session of the 8th edition of two-day Future Investment Initiative (FII) held here.
The prime minister said that he was elated to share that Pakistan, too, was on a transformative journey; a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of stability and growth. Attended by global leaders, this year’s FII is themed “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow” and focuses on global investments aimed at addressing major issues such as artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, space, finance, healthcare, and sustainability. The participating countries engage in the dialogue for the promotion of investment and a sustainable future while highlighting the strength of their respective economies. The FII conference featured discussions on artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, space, public health, and challenges, confronting sustainable development. The prime minister, citing future course, said Pakistan was laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in three pivotal domains, artificial intel-
RAWALPINDI Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) and Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel General Aleksandr V Fomin on Tuesday affirmed their dedication to bolstering collaboration in various security and defense domains, according to the military’s media wing on Tuesday. In related developments, the high-level delegation led by Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel General Aleksandr V Fomin also held separate meeting Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed
Babar Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after the meeting, his Excellency Colonel General Alexander V. Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, met General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday. The meeting addressed the regional security environment and matters of mutual interest, including the enhancement of bilateral defense and security cooperation. The COAS reiterated Pakistan’s
State Dept confirms Biden admin received letter by 60 Congressmen WASHINGTON
MONITORING REPORT
The United States (US) State Department has confirmed that the letter by 60 Congresspersons — seeking release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan — was received by the Biden administration. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said this while responding to a query during a media briefing in Washington on Monday. “We will respond in due course to the members,” he added. The letter signed and sent by 60 Congressmen on October 23 had urged the Biden administration to support human rights and democracy in Pakistan, while calling for the release of Imran and other political prisoners. Among other things, the letter also highlighted about the crackdown on internet and social media platforms as well as alleged irregularities in elections. Through their letter, the members of Congress asked President Joe Biden to use Washington’s leverage with Islamabad for the release of the incarcerated founder of the former ruling party, a move that Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan termed “contrary to inter-state conduct and diplomatic norms”. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on October 23 responded by saying that Pakistan valued its bilateral relations with the US and believed in constructive dialogue and engagement to address any concern. “However, comments on Pakistan’s domestic affairs are contrary to inter-state conduct and diplomatic norms. We believe such letters and statements are counterproductive and not in line with positive dynamics of Pakistan-US bilateral relations.” The Congresspersons had appealed the US embassy officials as well to visit Imran, who is currently behind bars in the Adiala Jail. The PTI founder has been in prison since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana criminal case and subsequent sentencing in other cases ahead of the February 8 elections. To another query, Miller said the US wanted the democracy, including everyone’s basic right to exercise their fundamental freedoms and participate in democracy, to be respected in Pakistan, The News reported.
Says Pakistan laying foundation of knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in three pivotal domains – AI, education, and health
ligence, education, and health in which they looked forward to forging useful partnerships. “AI is more than a trend; it’s a force revolutionizing economies, societies, and industries. At this critical juncture, Pakistan is not
Pakistan, Russia affirm dedication to bolstering collaboration in security, defense domains: ISPR
STAFF REPORT
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commitment to strengthening traditional defense ties with Russia, while both sides affirmed their dedication to bolstering collaboration in various security and defense domains. Colonel General Fomin commended the Pakistan Army’s achievements in combating terrorism and highlighted the importance of a unified, cooperative approach among the global community to counter extremism. Russia’s Minister, Air Chief discuss bolstering of military cooperation Earlier, a high-level delegation led by Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel General Aleksandr V Fomin called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and discussed the bolstering of military cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two states, the military’s media wing said in a statement on Tuesday. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) emphasised strengthening military ties with Russia through collaborative training programmes, joint military drills, and industrial collaboration.
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just embracing AI, we are committed to excelling in it,” he said, adding their mission was clear and it was to; encourage young minds to redefine the boundaries of AI; training skilled engineers and data scientists as
the backbone of Pakistan’s AI growth; and equipping their workforce to harness the power of AI across industries. Along with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and like-minded global partners, the prime minister said Pakistan envisioned AI as a force for good, free from biases. Since assuming office in March this year, he said, the progress and prosperity of people had been his government’s laser focus. Through the commitment of their people and the support of their partners, like the brotherly country Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they had restored macroeconomic stability and were now ready to enter a period of sustained growth and progress, he added. Prime Minister Sharif said: “This journey is not just ours, it’s a call to our friends across the world, because together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a future defined by innovation, prosperity, and success.”
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PTI moves apex court against its verdict on Punjab election tribunal formation Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday the Supreme Court, challenging the formation of election tribunals in Punjab. PTI leader Salman Akram Raja submitted the petition, seeking a review of the Supreme Court’s 30 September ruling on tribunal appointments, arguing that a meeting between the Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice and the chief election commissioner should not influence tribunal changes. In the petition, Raja claims that only the chief justice holds the authority to appoint tribunal judges, a power that should remain independent of external influences. He noted that the LHC’s Registrar initially appointed six tribunal judges in April, but those appointments were later reversed after a meeting between the court’s chief
justice and the chief election commissioner. On June 12, the top court issued a ruling where it nullified an LHC single-bench decision favouring the ECP’s stance. Former CJP Qazi Faez Isa led a fivemember bench had issued a unanimous decision, noting that caution must be exercise in disputes involving constitutional institutions. The PTI’s appeal underscores the need for a comprehensive review to protect judicial autonomy and prevent any influence on tribunal appointments from executive figures. Contempt of Court Plea against ECP in SC A day earlier, the PTI filed a contempt of court petition on Monday against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Supreme Court, requesting contempt of court proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner and all the four members for failure to implement the top court’s reserved seats verdict.
for Dr. Siddiqui’s mental and physical health, her deteriorating condition, and the worries that she may take her own life. He emphasized that Dr. Siddiqui’s family and millions of Pakistanis await this act of compassion. To support these efforts, a three-member committee has been established to engage American lawmakers, lobbying for her pardon, release, and eventual return to Pakistan. Dr. Siddiqui, sentenced in 2010 to 86 years in prison by a U.S. District Court, has been held in the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, in Fort Worth, Texas, since then. During the conference, Dar also discussed Pakistan’s strategic relationship with China, describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative, instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure. Highlighting CPEC’s contributions to mitigating load-shedding issues, Dar noted Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China across sectors in-
cluding agriculture, industrial growth, and renewable energy. He announced Pakistan’s efforts to implement China’s offer to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China for agricultural technology training. Addressing global issues, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for China on matters like the Kashmir and Palestine conflicts and reaffirmed the One China policy. He expressed confidence in China’s rise to become the world’s largest economy, crediting the hard work of the Chinese leadership and people. Turning to the conflict in Gaza, Dar called for an end to violence and adherence to United Nations and International Court of Justice rulings. He revealed that Pakistan has sent ten significant aid shipments to Gaza and initiated educational programs to support Palestinian students in Pakistani medical institutions. According to Dar, over 48,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have lost their lives amid the ongoing violence, with an additional 80,000 injured.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s appeals for Dr Aafia’s release remain unanswered, says Deputy PM Dar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar announced Tuesday that Pakistan’s government has not yet achieved success in securing the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, currently imprisoned in the United States. Speaking at the “China 75: A Journey of Development, Transformation, and Global Leadership” conference, Dar stated that despite diplomatic efforts and attempts to engage U.S. leadership, progress on Dr. Siddiqui’s case remains stalled. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden in a letter requesting humanitarian relief for Dr. Siddiqui. The prime minister underscored that it is his “solemn duty” to protect the welfare of Pakistani citizens and urged Biden to exercise his constitutional powers to grant clemency. Sharif’s letter highlighted the significant concerns
93 Palestinians dead in Israeli strike on Beit Lahiya, Gaza officials report GAZA
REUTERS
At least 93 Palestinians were killed and missing and dozens wounded in an Israeli strike on a residential building in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya on Tuesday, the Gaza health ministry said. Medics said at least 20 children were among the dead. “A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them,” the territory’s health ministry said in a statement. Later on Tuesday, Ismail AlThawabta, the director of the government media office, put the number of
fatalities at 93. There was no immediate Israeli comment. The Israeli military has frequently questioned figures on death toll published by the Hamas media office, saying they were often exaggerated. Video footage obtained by Reuters showed several bodies wrapped in blankets on the ground outside a bombed four-storey building. More bodies and survivors were being retrieved from under the wreckage as neighbours rushed to help with rescue. “There are tens of martyrs (dead) – tens of displaced people were living in this house. The house was bombed without prior warning. As you can see, martyrs are here and there, with body parts hanging on the walls,” Ismail Ouaida, a
witness who was helping to recover bodies, said in the video. On Monday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said around 100,000 people were marooned in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun without medical or food supplies. Reuters could not verify the number independently. The health ministry said on Tuesday those wounded in the strike could not receive care as doctors had been forced to evacuate the nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital. “Critical cases without intervention will succumb to their destiny and die,” the ministry said in a statement. Gaza’s emergency service said its operations had come to a halt because of the three-week Israeli assault into northern
Gaza. Israel says its campaign is to destroy Hamas, whose fighters had returned to the area in the year-long war. The death toll from Israel’s retaliatory air and ground onslaught in Gaza has exceeded 43,000, the Gaza health ministry said. Gaza’s war has kindled wider conflict in the Middle East, with Israel bombing Lebanon and sending forces into its south to disable Hezbollah, a Hamas ally. Tuesday’s strike came a day after Israel’s parliament passed a law to ban the UN relief agency UNRWA from operating inside the country, alarming some of Israel’s Western allies who fear it will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.