Author: Pakistan Tech News

World Bank Consultant Presents Chairman PITB With His Book ‘Technology in Policing’

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Faisal Yousaf was presented with the book titled, ‘Technology in Policing’, authored by World Bank Consultant Burhan Rasool, former Head of Software Engineering at the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). The book offers a comprehensive guide on adopting technology and the necessary cultural shift within Pakistan’s policing system.

Originally envisioned as a training manual, the book has evolved significantly, now featuring case studies and managerial leadership theories that the author developed during his Humphrey Fellowship at the Maxwell School. His extensive experience as the Project Director for the Computerization of Police Stations in Punjab played a critical role in shaping the book’s content and strategic direction.

A notable highlight of Burhan Rasool’s contributions includes the development of Pakistan’s first Urdu-speaking chatbot created to assist senior police officers with daily situation reports. The chatbot was launched as the “Rehbar Bot” during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a crucial role in disseminating authentic information about COVID-19, showcasing the potential of technology in crisis management and public communication.

Chairman Faisal Yousaf congratulated Mr. Burhan Rasool on the successful publication of his book and stated, “This book will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource as we continue our efforts to modernize Pakistan’s policing systems and improve public safety with innovative technological solutions”.

Burhan Rasool is a World Bank Consultant with over a decade of experience in public sector digital transformation. He has contributed to multiple GovTech initiatives for the Governments of Madagascar and Mozambique. Burhan is also a Humphrey Fellow in Technology Policy and Management from the Maxwell School, Syracuse University, New York.

Pakistan IT Industry at Risk: Firewall Causing Mass Exodus of Companies

Pakistan’s burgeoning Information Technology (IT) sector is facing an existential crisis due to the hastily implemented national firewall, according to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). The industry body has issued a dire warning of a mass exodus of IT companies unless the government takes immediate corrective measures.

Ali Ihsan, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, lambasted the government’s decision to impose the firewall without consulting the industry. “The firewall has triggered unprecedented operational disruptions, with prolonged internet disconnections and erratic VPN performance crippling business operations,” he said.

The IT industry, a key driver of Pakistan’s economy, is reeling from the impact. Ihsan estimates financial losses due to the firewall to be around $300 million, a figure that could escalate if the situation persists. Moreover, the opacity surrounding the firewall’s design and objectives has eroded trust among global clients, leading to fears about data privacy and security.

“Clients are looking for reliable partners,” Ihsan stated. “Even if they want to give projects to us due to existing relationships, they prefer not to due to concerns about unreliable connectivity.”

The industry leader emphasized that the firewall is not merely a technical issue but a strategic threat to Pakistan’s economic future. “A mass exodus of IT companies is imminent if we don’t act now,” he warned. “We are at a crossroads, facing a stark choice: to persevere in a hostile environment or seek refuge in more conducive ecosystems.”

P@SHA is demanding an immediate halt to the firewall and a comprehensive review of the government’s cybersecurity strategy. “We insist on a transparent and collaborative approach that safeguards national interests without stifling innovation,” Ihsan said.

The association has urged the government to form a joint committee comprising industry stakeholders to develop a cybersecurity framework that balances national security with the needs of the IT sector. “The internet, its reliability, quality, and throughput are of national interest,” Ihsan added. “Anyone acting against it should review their decisions.”

The IT industry’s contribution to Pakistan’s economy cannot be overstated. It is a major source of foreign exchange and employment, particularly for the youth. The firewall, if left unchecked, threatens to undo years of progress and stifle the sector’s potential.

As the situation worsens, the IT community is watching closely to see how the government responds. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of Pakistan’s IT industry.

Pakistan IT Minister Unveils Digital Initiatives, Addresses Internet Concerns Amid Tech Growth

In a press conference held today, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, unveiled ambitious plans for the country’s digital future while addressing recent concerns about internet restrictions.

Khawaja firmly denied allegations of government-imposed internet censorship, stating, “I can say under oath that the government of Pakistan did not shut down or slow the Internet.” She attributed recent connectivity issues to technical problems with PTCL infrastructure and widespread VPN usage, which she claimed could impact internet speeds.

The minister announced that Pakistan’s IT exports have reached a record high of over 3 billion rupees this year. “I thank all the boys and girls who made this goal possible,” Khawaja said, highlighting the sector’s growing importance to the national economy.

Key initiatives outlined by the minister include:

  1. The establishment of a Digitization Commission, to be headed by the Prime Minister
  2. Plans to introduce 5G spectrum in 2025
  3. Construction of IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi, with the Islamabad facility expected to create more than 10,000 jobs
  4. A substantial budget allocation of 60 billion rupees for IT development, including 4 billion specifically for training children in IT skills
  5. Partnerships with global tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft for IT education programs
  6. Implementation of 250 e-employment centers across the country
  7. Development of a comprehensive ecosystem for the gaming industry

Khawaja also revealed plans to introduce coding skills training at the primary school level and mentioned ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on digital transformation projects.

Addressing cybersecurity concerns, the minister stated, “The government is not monitoring anyone. We are only working to prevent harassment on social media and provide safe and secure internet to the people.”

However, Khawaja’s statements noticeably avoided direct mention of the controversial national firewall, which she had previously defended as a necessary cybersecurity measure. This omission has raised questions among critics about the government’s stance on internet freedom.

As Pakistan continues its push for digital advancement, the government faces the challenge of balancing rapid technological growth with concerns over online privacy and freedom of access. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of these initiatives as they begin to take shape.

Prudential Partners with Google Cloud to Build the Future of Insurance with AI

Prudential plc (Prudential) and Google Cloud today announced an expanded strategic partnership to build innovative AI-powered products and applications that will help enhance customer, agent and employee experiences. Google Cloud will support Prudential’s new AI Lab – the first partnership of its kind for the insurance industry in Asia and Africa – which will focus on solving business and customer challenges.

Launching later this year, the AI Lab is designed to accelerate Prudential’s adoption of machine learning, AI and generative AI (gen AI), while also driving progress towards Prudential’s strategic priorities of:

  • Delivering a better customer experience;
  • Driving technology-powered distribution; and
  • Improving access to affordable, quality healthcare

The Lab will provide Prudential’s 15,000 employees with a new sandbox environment and step-by-step process for turning their ideas into scalable AI products and applications. This includes access to leading large language models, advanced and secure gen AI and data analytics solutions, and end-to-end Cloud provision. The partnership presents an opportunity to shape the future of AI in life and health insurance.

Supported by Google Cloud’s deep expertise in health-focused AI, the Lab will initially prioritize ways of using AI to provide improved access to quality healthcare, while supporting agents’ ability to deliver a seamless and personalized customer experience. The Lab will also focus on using AI to improve operating processes – with the goal of delivering a better experience for customers, agents and employees alike, and driving new, bottom-line efficiencies.

Anil Wadhwani, Chief Executive Officer, Prudential plc, said: “Prudential is committed to leveraging technological innovation to create value for all our stakeholders. We are actively using data, advanced analytics and AI to create an exceptional customer and agent experience – while helping us work smarter and faster. Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud will unlock the innovation and creativity of our 15,000 employees and increase our speed to market, particularly in health insurance, where we see tremendous growth opportunities. By deepening our collaboration, we will build the future of insurance for our customers.”

Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud, said: “Generative AI represents a significant opportunity to drive innovation in the insurance industry. Our collaboration with Prudential and the launch of its AI Lab will help to reimagine customer experiences, optimize operations, and unlock new growth possibilities. Google Cloud is committed to providing the AI and data analytics capabilities, as well as the expertise needed to support Prudential’s vision for the future of insurance.”

Based in Singapore, the AI Lab will also partner with institutes of higher learning, research centers, promising start-ups and AI experts. This launch deepens the working relationship between Prudential and Google Cloud that was established in 2019. With the aim of driving better insurance, health, and financial outcomes across Asia and Africa, both organizations have been collaborating on digital transformation initiatives that have the potential to benefit millions globally.

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry calls X a national security threat, refuses to take her back

The Interior Ministry on Monday terminated the X service, formerly known as Twitter, as a threat to national security and refused to restore it.

The ministry revealed its position in its response to the Sindh High Court, which is currently hearing a case related to the closure of X in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Interior has classified social media platform X as a threat to national security, asserting that restricting it does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution. The ministry stressed that reinstating X is not possible at the present time.

The ministry said that the restrictions on X were implemented based on intelligence reports, indicating the intentions of some elements to destabilize the country through X. It stressed that the primary responsibility of the ministry is to protect the rights of Pakistani citizens.

The ministry explained that all legal procedures were followed before imposing restrictions on X, stressing that such measures do not violate freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19, despite being subject to legal restrictions.

In its response, the Home Office also clarified that X had not entered into any formal agreements (MOU) with Pakistan. It reiterated that the decision to restrict X was necessary to uphold national laws, stressing that the action was taken in the interests of national security and dignity.

The Ministry of Interior pointed out, based on global practices, that many countries impose restrictions on social media platforms. It stressed that, except for the temporary suspension of X, there is no other viable solution.

Furthermore, the Ministry informed the court that X, as a foreign entity, had been repeatedly reminded to comply with Pakistani laws. It noted that X had been allowed to operate under assurances of compliance and implementation of memoranda of understanding.

On February 17, the Ministry of Interior issued directives for the immediate closure of X in Pakistan.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Latest Price in Pakistan, PTA Tax 2024

Samsung 24 Price and PTA Tax Android phones have led the mobile phone market in Pakistan, and Samsung remains a mile ahead of other companies when it comes to market share, latest specifications and other factors.

Phones Korean company It remains one of the best-selling phones due to its combination of high quality, innovation, and diverse range of models. Known for its advanced technologies and durable builds, the company pushes the boundaries with features like advanced AMOLED displays, powerful processors, and innovative camera systems across its flagship Galaxy S series.

Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 builds on its predecessor with incremental upgrades across key areas. It sports a sleek design featuring flat Victus 2 panels and a sleek aluminum frame. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it comes with 128GB or 256GB of storage paired with up to 12GB of RAM. On the camera front, it features a triple-lens rear setup and a high-resolution front camera. The phone packs a 4,000mAh battery with fast charging capability and an IP68 rating.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Price in Pakistan

The Samsung S24 price starts at Rs 270,000 in Pakistan, and the cost of the high-end models is as follows.

Samsung S24 Plus Price The Samsung S24 Ultra price is INR 475,000 in June 2024.

Samsung Galaxy S24 PTA Tax

model Preferential Trade Area Tax on Passport PTA Tax on CNIC
Samsung Galaxy S24 110,000 rupees 135000 rupees
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 135000 rupees 160,000 rupees
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 145000 rupees 175000 rupees

Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PCs aren't very special right now, but there's one major reason why that's about to change

Copilot Recall and Cocreator get most of the attention with the latest release of Copilot+ PC, but Windows Copilot Runtime is a much bigger deal than many people realize.

What is Pakistan's national firewall, and how will it affect social media?

The Pakistani government is moving to take more stringent management measures Social media With the national firewall, a move that sparked mixed reactions.

This new measure aims to prevent unwanted content from reaching a wider audience, according to information from four different sources. The government is installing a national firewall around the world Internet providers or Internet providers To exercise greater control over social media, with the aim of preventing unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.

The firewall is reported to be currently installed and running. Previously, the government used similar techniques to block websites and social media apps. The new firewall will scan information from different IP addresses.

Pakistan National Firewall

With the primary goal of identifying sources of propaganda material and blocking or limiting the visibility of those sources, the government is working to take control of social media to a new level. Sources within the government claimed that the main focus will likely be on identifying the source of this propaganda to stop it at its source.

The keyword filtering system will detect content that is considered spam or poses a threat to national security, and potentially hide this content from external users.

In Pakistan, one of the leading social media apps X, formerly Twitter, has already been limited, with a human rights activist group calling for the ban to be lifted.

Since much about the firewall is still unknown, it is learned that the filtering system will apply to Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram.

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