Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The first cohort of the Pakistan Engineering Council's (PEC) Generative AI course successfully concluded with a ceremony held here at PEC Headquarters.

Developed in collaboration with Pak Angels Silicon Valley USA, iCodeGuru, and Aspire Pakistan, the six-week training program was tailored for engineers registered with PEC, engineering managers, university faculty, and students, as well as corporate sponsorship partners.

The course provided international certification with a traceable QR code and covered key topics, including an introduction to Generative AI, generative models, and hands-on exercises.

Launched on December 1, 2024, the inaugural cohort saw overwhelming interest, with 18,000 engineers applying for the program. Out of the 5,000 engineers who participated in the free online course, 1,258 successfully qualified and were awarded certificates. During the closing ceremony, the top 10 engineers from the cohort were announced, along with three standout teams recognized for their exceptional performance.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman PEC Engr Waseem Nazir highlighted the significance of the program, stating that PEC aims to train 15,000 engineers in Generative AI through three cohorts within a year.

'The participation and completion rates are encouraging. Engineers are showing great interest, and this training will equip them with essential skills,' he said, extending his congratulations to those who successfully completed the course.

Founder of Pak Angels M. Anwar Khan stressed the importance of transforming these projects into commercial ventures, highlighting the need for sustainability, profitability, and long-term success in their implementation.

Chairperson of Aspire Pakistan Hassan Syed remarked that AI will be a game-changer for Pakistan's engineering sector, helping professionals innovate and compete on an international level.

The event was attended by Chairman PEC Engr Waseem Nazir, Founder of Pak Angels M. Anwar Khan, Advisor to Chairman PEC on CPD Muhammad Imran Yousaf Qureshi, Additional Registrar Engr. Muhammad Sohail Khan and other PEC officials.

The Chairperson of Aspire Pakistan, Hassan Syed, President of iCodeGuru, Dr. Zafar Shahid, and engineers joined the event virtually.

The second cohort of the Generative AI course is set to commence in April 2025.

Islamabad: The price of 24 karat per tola gold decreased by Rs.900 and was sold at Rs 298,700 on Thursday against its sale at Rs 299,600 on previous trading day, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also decreased by Rs.772 to Rs.256,087 from Rs. 256,859 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat came down to Rs.234,754 from Rs.235,454.

The prices of per tola silver decreased by Rs.23 to Rs3,327 whereas that of ten gram dipped by Rs20 to Rs.2,852.

The price of gold in the international market also decreased by $9 to $2,859 from $2,868, the Association reported.

Islamabad: Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Dr. Tahira Saddique on Thursday said that, in partnership with the Impact International Research Organisation, the authority aims to enforce stricter sodium guidelines, educate the public, and promote healthier eating habits.

Talking to reporter, she emphasized that the Islamabad Food Authority is taking a bold step to address the growing health risks associated with excessive salt consumption.

This initiative seeks to combat chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and kidney problems, which are often exacerbated by high salt intake, she added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 5 grams of salt per day. However, in Pakistan, people exceed this limit, consuming more than 9 grams per day, largely due to the prevalence of processed foods.

Dr. Tahira explained that the food authority's primary focus is on regulating sodium levels in processed and packaged foods. By setting clear standards and ensuring manufacturers comply, the authority aims to reduce the amount of salt in everyday food products.

This move is expected to make it easier for consumers to choose healthier options without compromising on taste or convenience, she added.

Dr. Tahira highlighted that public awareness is another key component of the initiative. The authority plans to launch campaigns to educate people about the dangers of excessive salt consumption. These efforts will emphasize the connection between high sodium intake and serious health issues, such as elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

By encouraging the use of food labels that display sodium content, the authority hopes to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices.

Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative. The food authority is working with healthcare professionals, schools, and community organizations to promote a culture of reduced salt intake.

She reiterated that schools will play a vital role in teaching children about the importance of healthy eating, while community programs will focus on making low-sodium alternatives more accessible.

By addressing this issue, the Islamabad Food Authority aims to improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic diseases. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a healthier future for all.

Islamabad: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Defence Force Maldives, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy on Thursday discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral collaboration and regional security.

The visiting dignitary will also participate in AMAN Dialogue, being conducted alongside the multinational maritime exercise AMAN-25, said a news release of Director General Public Relations (NAVY).

During the meeting at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad Major General Ibrahim Hilmy appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy's efforts and commitment to promote collaborative maritime security in the region. Both leaders pledged to further strengthen and expand the scope of existing bilateral defence relationship.

The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed his gratitude for participation of the Chief of Defence Force Maldives in AMAN Dialogue.

He emphasized that the Dialogue will serve as a valuable platform for fostering comprehensive discussions on maritime security challenges and opportunities.

The visit of the Chief of Defence Force Maldives is expected to further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries.

Islamabad: Four people were killed and several others injured in a devastating road accident in Surab District, Kalat Division, Balochistan province on Thursday morning, after three vehicles crashed into each other, causing widespread

destruction.

According to levies forces, the accident occurred due to speeding and reckless driving where three vehicles were traveling at a high speed when they collided, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives on the spot and injuring several, a private news channel reported.

The sources added that the injured were being treated at a local hospital and their condition was stated to be

stable.

An official statement from the Levies forces confirmed the details of the accident and assured that a thorough investigation was underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Islamabad: Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Dr. Tahira Saddique on Thursday said that, in partnership with the Impact International Research Organisation, the authority aims to enforce stricter sodium guidelines, educate the public, and promote healthier eating habits.

Talking to reporter, she emphasized that the Islamabad Food Authority is taking a bold step to address the growing health risks associated with excessive salt consumption.

This initiative seeks to combat chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and kidney problems, which are often exacerbated by high salt intake, she added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 5 grams of salt per day. However, in Pakistan, people exceed this limit, consuming more than 9 grams per day, largely due to the prevalence of processed foods.

Dr. Tahira explained that the food authority's primary focus is on regulating sodium levels in processed and packaged foods. By setting clear standards and ensuring manufacturers comply, the authority aims to reduce the amount of salt in everyday food products.

This move is expected to make it easier for consumers to choose healthier options without compromising on taste or convenience, she added.

Dr. Tahira highlighted that public awareness is another key component of the initiative. The authority plans to launch campaigns to educate people about the dangers of excessive salt consumption. These efforts will emphasize the connection between high sodium intake and serious health issues, such as elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

By encouraging the use of food labels that display sodium content, the authority hopes to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices.

Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative. The food authority is working with healthcare professionals, schools, and community organizations to promote a culture of reduced salt intake.

She reiterated that schools will play a vital role in teaching children about the importance of healthy eating, while community programs will focus on making low-sodium alternatives more accessible.

By addressing this issue, the Islamabad Food Authority aims to improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic diseases. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a healthier future for all.