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PM hails AI, Cloud infrastructure as cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital future

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday described the newly inaugurated AI and cloud computing facility as a landmark achievement for Pakistan reflecting the country’s growing technological capabilities and demonstrated that Pakistan could accomplish world-class initiatives through unity, vision and determination.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the country’s first ever AI Cloud Sky47, the prime minister said he was deeply inspired after touring the state-of-the-art facility, which had been completed in record time. Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif praised the engineers, experts and institutions involved in the project, and said the successful execution of the facility showcased the extraordinary talent available in both Pakistan’s military and civilian sectors.

Quoting the national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the prime minister said nations were built through fresh ideas and visionary thinking rather than bricks and stones alone. He stressed that innovation, commitment and collective resolve were the driving forces behind national progress.

Paying tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership, the prime minister said the project stood as a testament to what could be achieved when state institutions worked together with a shared national purpose. He expressed confidence that if the same model of coordination and execution was replicated across other sectors, Pakistan could not only recover from past setbacks but also emerge as a modern, dynamic and forward-looking nation.

“This journey will not be easy, but it is certainly not impossible,” the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan’s success during Marka-e-Haq had already demonstrated that determination, courage and unity could transform seemingly impossible goals into reality.

He maintained that every major challenge presented an opportunity, whereas serious planning, innovation and sustained hard work would shape Pakistan’s future in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

The prime minister also acknowledged the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Ministry of Information Technology, the IT Secretary and strategic technology partner ZTE for their role in delivering the project. He revealed that the facility had an initial capacity of 8.5 megawatts and announced that similar AI and cloud infrastructure would soon be replicated in Karachi and Lahore.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed all state institutions to align themselves with the country’s digital transformation agenda. He described the facility as a priceless gift to the people of Pakistan, and added that it would significantly strengthen the country’s digital security, enhance technological self-reliance and inspire confidence that Pakistan was fully capable of competing in the global digital economy.

The prime minister in his conclusion once again invoked Allama Iqbal’s message of national unity, reminding the audience that an individual derives strength from the collective power of the nation. He ended his speech with prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity and stability and the slogan, “Pakistan Zindabad.”

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Attaullah Tarar, senior government officials and distinguished guests.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.