Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:: Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, said on Thursday that measles cases witnessed a significant surge due to disrupted vaccination campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Talking to a private news channel, he said that in that period, particularly, the measles vaccination campaign was totally smashed because of the lockdown.

The other big reason for this spike is the reluctance of parents to visit vaccination centers, which also contributed to measles cases, he added.

He said that the Sindh Health Department, in collaboration with GAVI and WHO, has vaccinated approximately one million children across the province.

The vaccination drive will be conducted four times a year with measles-rubella vaccine support, he added.

According to the health department, around 6,600 children have been affected by measles in Sindh since November, while approximately 130 children lost their lives to the disease last year.

Islamabad:: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecasted rain and snow over the mountains in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas.

Meanwhile, moderate to dense fog is expected to persist in most plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh during the morning and night hours.

According to the synoptic situation, a frontal weather system is affecting the upper parts of the country and is likely to persist until January 6.

In the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather dominated most parts of the country, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Rain accompanied by snowfall over mountains was reported in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, North Balochistan, Murree, and its surroundings.

Dense fog continued to blanket most districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.

The highest recorded rainfall included 20 mm in Mir Khani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by 12 mm in Dir (Upper), and 5 mm in Dalbandin, Balochistan.

Other areas also received light rainfall. Snowfall measured 7 inches in Kalam, 3 inches in Astore, and 1 inch in Gopis and Chitral.

The lowest temperatures recorded today were -9 C in Skardu and Gupis, -8C in Leh, and -5 C in Astore, reflecting the biting cold in these regions.

Islamabad:: UAE's leading technology company on Thursday successfully launched Pakistan's largest Smart Automation Experience Centre here which considered a significant milestone in the country's technology sector.

The launched event provided the attendees with an exclusive opportunity to explore how AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)-based smart products were designed globally and how they meet the need of homes and businesses alike, said a press release.

Participants experienced the innovative technology from the future firsthand through integrated products offering touch and voice controls for completely integrated smart homes.

The event also featured insightful discussions by industry experts who shared their perspectives on the future of smart technology in Pakistan. These discussions emphasized how global companies can harness global innovations to address local challenges in Pakistan.

Talking to the media, Company's Chief Executive Officer, Dubai entrepreneur of Pakistani origin, Muhammad Zeeshan Shahzad said that the smart automation industry in Pakistan was at a pivotal moment. There is an all-time high demand for advanced technological solutions that enhance efficiency, security and connectivity.

He said that our approach had been that of a seamless integration of tech into everyday life. The products in the experience center were installation ready, can communicate with other products and were designed to improve energy management, security, and convenience.

With a growing interest in smart technologies across the country, this Experience Centre aims to serve as a hub for showcasing cutting-edge smart automation solutions and providing valuable insights into the future of technology for Pakistan.

Smartinn Technology LLC was a leading provider of smart automation solutions in the UAE, dedicated in enhancing everyday living through innovative technology. With a commitment to quality and freedom of products choice, Smartinn aims to redefine how homes and businesses operate in an integrated world.

Islamabad:: Huawei Technologies Pakistan Pvt Ltd, a global leader in information and communications technology (ICT), and COMSATS University Islamabad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the fields of technology.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the office of Huawei Technologies in Islamabad said a news release.

Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and key representatives from both organizations attended the event.

This partnership is set to enhance technical vocational training and skill development to create employment opportunities for students and young technicians by equipping them with the latest ICT technologies.

Under the MoU, Huawei will provide COMSATS University Islamabad with equipment and train their resources in delivering the technical training to the attendees of these courses.

Initially, this program will commence with the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore campus. Subsequently, COMSATS University Islamabad will also help develop a similar facility in Karachi as well. This collaboration is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Tahir Naeem, Director (P, D and HRD) at COMSATS University Islamabad, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: 'This collaboration with Huawei represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide students with a comprehensive education in technology and innovation. We are excited to work together to develop programs that will enhance learning and research capabilities.'

Ahmed Bilal Masud, the Director Subsidiary Board at Huawei, emphasized the importance of such collaborations: 'At Huawei, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive innovation. By working with COMSATS University Islamabad, we aim to nurture talent and inspire the next generation of technology leaders.'

The MoU will also pave the way for further collaboration between both organizations including knowledge exchange and fostering an environment of innovation that benefits both institutions and the wider community.

Islamabad:: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified its efforts to control artificial price hikes and enforce official rates for essential goods in the Federal Capital.

In a recent operation directed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, Magistrate Saddar Zone, Mir Yamin conducted a price inspection across several markets within the Tarnol police station's jurisdiction, said the spokesman of ICT's administration.

During the inspection, Mir Yamin visited fruit and vegetable shops, dairy stores, and grocery outlets in Tarnol area. The focus was on ensuring that shopkeepers adhered to the official pricing of essential commodities.

The magistrate arrested seven shopkeepers while heave fines were also imposed to the violators. These traders were found guilty of not displaying the official price lists and charging inflated rates for items like fruits, vegetables, and meat. They were handed over to Police Station Tarnol for further legal action.

Magistrate Yamin urged residents to buy goods at approved prices and report cases of overcharging to the authorities. The initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with market regulations and protect citizens from unfair practices.

The administration has called for public cooperation in addressing price violations, emphasizing that collective vigilance can help stabilize the market.