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Two Pakistani startups among 23 selected from Asia-Pacific for Google’s AI Academy

Two Pakistani startups among 23 selected from Asia-Pacific for Google’s AI Academy
Startup founders from Pakistan, Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia gesture for a group photograph during the launching of Google’s first-ever AI Academy, in Singapore on October 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Google)
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Updated 18 October 2024
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Two Pakistani startups among 23 selected from Asia-Pacific for Google’s AI Academy

Two Pakistani startups among 23 selected from Asia-Pacific for Google’s AI Academy
  • Pakistani startups AdalFi and Adlytic AI are among companies from India, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia selected for academy
  • Google launched AI Academy in August this year to aid the growth of artificial intelligence startups in Pakistan and Asia-Pacific
Updated 18 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani start-ups have been selected among 23 companies from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to participate in Google’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy in the region, the search engine giant said on Thursday, with the move intended to enhance the companies’ AI solutions and accelerate business development.
The AI program kicked off earlier this week in a three-day boot camp in Singapore with Pakistan start-ups AdalFi and Adlytic AI among other companies from India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia taking part.
These start-ups will receive over 170 hours of mentorship from AI and Cloud experts, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits apart from opportunities to connect with AI innovators across the APAC region, Google said.
“Two innovative startups from Pakistan are among the 23 chosen from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) to participate in Google’s first-ever AI Academy in the region,” Google said in a press release.
Google launched the AI Academy in August to aid the growth of artificial intelligence startups in Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific. The move was aimed at sparking new cross-border innovations and partnerships that would allow the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources to accelerate the development of AI solutions, helping the APAC region become a “global hub” for AI development.
The statement said these startups were pushing the boundaries of AI innovation in Pakistan and contributing to the region’s vibrant AI ecosystem.
“Pakistani startup AdalFi is increasing access to financial services with its AI-powered credit scoring system, promoting financial inclusivity for millions of individuals and small businesses,” it added. “Adlytic AI is enhancing retail analytics by transforming CCTV cameras into intelligent tools for businesses, helping retailers better use visual and geospatial data to grow their business.”
Head of Google for startups, Micheal Kim, expressed excitement at Google kicking off its first-ever AI Academy in the Asia Pacific region. 
“AI has the potential to be an incredible force multiplier, and it’s incredible to see these 23 startups harnessing AI’s potential to impact some tough challenges, ranging from addressing underserved sectors, like expanding access to financial services and health care, to building AI collaborators for lawyers, democratizing influencer marketing with AI-generated avatars,” he said.
“Through this program, we hope to foster a wave of innovation that will have a ripple effect across the entire Asia-Pacific region.”
All the participating start-ups will be showcasing their “refined AI solutions” to investors, entrepreneurs and AI industry leaders in December later this year on the Ai Academy’s Graduation Day, the press release said.

Topics: Google Google AI Academy Pakistani startup

‘Landmark reforms’: Pakistan cabinet approves amendments to century-old Code of Criminal Procedure

‘Landmark reforms’: Pakistan cabinet approves amendments to century-old Code of Criminal Procedure
Updated 39 sec ago
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‘Landmark reforms’: Pakistan cabinet approves amendments to century-old Code of Criminal Procedure

‘Landmark reforms’: Pakistan cabinet approves amendments to century-old Code of Criminal Procedure
  • The CrPC governs all stages of criminal proceedings in Pakistan, from investigation and prosecution to adjudication and appeals
  • Key changes include facilitating police complaints, electronic recording of statements, and establishing timelines for case hearings
Updated 39 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved amendments to more-than-a-century-old Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a senior official said on Wednesday, adding that the “landmark reforms” would address long-standing issues in the criminal justice system.

Enacted during the British rule in 1898, the CrPC governs all aspects of criminal proceedings in Pakistan, from investigation and prosecution to adjudication and appeals. But many of its provisions were deemed outdated and in need of reforms.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet approved amendments to CrPC, which would now be presented before both houses of parliament for approval. The draft of amendments would then be sent to the president to be signed into law.

Barrister Aqeel Malik, adviser to the prime minister on law and justice and a government spokesperson on legal affairs, said the changes were essential to “streamline” the criminal justice system of the country.

“The amendments to the CrPC were long overdue,” Malik told Arab News. “These landmark reforms will simplify and streamline processes.”

The reforms followed the creation of a committee by PM Sharif, which engaged bar councils, prosecutors, judges, lawyers and experts to ensure the amendments address issues within the system.

The key changes include measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, by recording their statements at the place of their ease, instead of calling them into a police station.

Under Section 46, only female officers can now arrest women, and male officers have been prohibited from arresting female suspects. Newly added provisions, 54-A and 54-C, seek to align the laws with international standards on the treatment of detainees, while modern electronic devices would now be used to record witness statements and facilitate cross-examinations under Section 161-A, according to Malik.

Another reform requires a police station in-charge, or station house officer (SHO), to be an officer of the sub-inspector rank, instead of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), while other amendments focus on making it easier for citizens to file police complaints. Previously, if a police officer refused to lodge a complaint, people had to resort to lengthy procedures to seek redressal. Now, people can approach a superintendent of police (SP) to address their grievances.

The role of prosecutors has been strengthened in the new draft, allowing them to flag deficiencies in police reports and recommend suspending or closing cases. Timelines have also been introduced for speedy resolution of cases.

“The trial court will now have to set a timeline for each case within 15 days of taking cognizance, similar to practices in countries like the UK and the US,” Malik said.

A “case management schedule” has been recommended in the amended draft of CrPC and trials must conclude within a year, with a one-time, four-month extension. Appeals must be decided within six months to a year, with fewer adjournments, and legal heirs can now file appeals if the convicted person dies before appealing a verdict to ensure justice may continue posthumously, according to the official. One of the amendments is the inclusion of psychologists and psychiatrists in medical boards.

“The term ‘lunatic’ has also been removed from the CrPC and replaced with a more appropriate definition for individuals suffering from mental disorders,” he added.

Haider Imam Rizvi, a lawyer and former vice-chairman of the Sindh Bar Council, supported the government’s move, but urged it to “avoid using the reforms to consolidate its power.”

“We had been demanding that the outdated 1898 system needs to be amended,” he said. “If the amendments are being introduced to assert dominance over others and deprive people of their rights in certain aspects of the criminal procedure, then I would consider it an improper exercise of power. However, if these changes are genuinely positive, as we still need to see the draft, then we will support them.”

Malik emphasized the reforms were not politically motivated: “These changes are aimed solely at improving the system to ensure speedy justice.”

Saqib Bashir, a local media reporter who has excessively covered legal cases, welcomed the amendments, urging their effective enforcement.

“The use of modern devices like video links for recording statements is a great step. The timeline is also a welcome step but unless there is a will and enforcement, it could remain an unfulfilled promise,” he said. “The mindset of the police, especially regarding FIRs (first information report), also needs to change for the reforms to succeed.”

Topics: Pakistan Code of Criminal Procedure

Pakistan PM in Cairo to attend D-8 summit

Pakistan PM in Cairo to attend D-8 summit
Updated 19 December 2024
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Pakistan PM in Cairo to attend D-8 summit

Pakistan PM in Cairo to attend D-8 summit
  • Shehbaz Sharif will underline the importance of investing in youth and small medium enterprises for building a strong and inclusive economy
  • The prime minister will also attend a special session of D-8 on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon
Updated 19 December 2024
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address on Thursday the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries in Cairo, Sharif’s office said, with the Pakistan premier expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of member states as well as attend a special meeting on Gaza and Lebanon.

Sharif arrived in Cairo on Wednesday to lead the Pakistan delegation at the D-8 summit on December 18-19. Egypt’s Minister for Public Business Sector Mohamed Shimi and officials of the Pakistani embassy received the prime minister at the airport.

Founded in 1997 in Istanbul, D-8 is an organization for development co-operation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The 11th summit of the bloc is themed as “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

“At the Summit, the Prime Minister will underline the importance of investing in youth and SMEs (small medium enterprises) for building a strong and inclusive economy, creating jobs, advancing innovation, and promoting local entrepreneurship,” Sharif’s office said.

“The Prime Minister will also attend the Special Session of D-8 on the Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction Challenges in Gaza and Lebanon to deliberate on the situation resulting from Israeli aggression in the Middle East.”

The D-8 organization aims to boost economic growth, sustain development and promote and improve standards of living among member states by focusing on bringing improvement and enhancing cooperation in agriculture, trade, transportation, industry, energy and tourism.

Ahead of Thursday’s session, Sharif held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and congratulated him on assuming the office.

The two figures exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral ties covering political, trade and economic matters as well as cooperation at the multilateral fora, according to Sharif’s office.

“Both the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire in Gaza urging for a comprehensive approach for resolution of the Palestinian question, with the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine,” it added.

Sharif is also accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar at the summit.

On Wednesday, Dar attended the 21st meeting of D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers in Cairo, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the D-8 charter and intra-regional cooperation.

He ⁠highlighted the potential for economic collaboration and trade within the D-8 economies, specifically in the areas of agriculture, food security, and tourism. Dar also ⁠expressed Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan’s application for D-8 membership.

Topics: Pakistan Egypt ties D-8 summit Cairo

Pakistani forces kill 11 militants in restive northwest amid surge in attacks

Pakistani forces kill 11 militants in restive northwest amid surge in attacks
Updated 19 December 2024
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Pakistani forces kill 11 militants in restive northwest amid surge in attacks

Pakistani forces kill 11 militants in restive northwest amid surge in attacks
  • The militants were killed in separate engagements in Tank, North Waziristan and Mohmand districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
  • Pakistan has blamed a surge in militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on militants operating out of Afghanistan, Kabul denies the allegation
Updated 19 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed 11 militants in separate operations in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistani military said on Wednesday, amid a surge in attacks in the region.

Seven militants were killed during an exchange of fire in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in KP’s Tank district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.

Two militants were killed in an encounter in North Waziristan district, while a third operation in Mohmand district killed two more militants, following an intense exchange of fire.

“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed khwarij [militants], who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as innocent civilians,” the ISPR said in a statement late Wednesday.

“Sanitization operations are being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area.”

Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed a number of attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups that targeted security forces convoys and check posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

Earlier this month, six Pakistani soldiers and 22 militants were killed in three separate gunfights in Tank, North Waziristan and Kurram districts of KP, according to the military.

Pakistan has frequently accused neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups, urging the Taliban administration in Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by armed factions to launch cross-border attacks.

Afghan officials, however, deny involvement, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.

Topics: Pakistan Militants Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tank Arab News Pakistan

In ‘hope’ ambulances with women drivers in Pakistan’s Sanghar district

In ‘hope’ ambulances with women drivers in Pakistan’s Sanghar district
Updated 19 December 2024
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In ‘hope’ ambulances with women drivers in Pakistan’s Sanghar district

In ‘hope’ ambulances with women drivers in Pakistan’s Sanghar district
  • Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services employed the province’s first two women ambulance drivers in June
  • Employing women is a bold move by SIEHS in a conservative province where women are often denied the most basic rights
Updated 19 December 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

SANGHAR, Sindh: Irum Jatt’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as the ambulance she was driving zipped through the roads of the southern Pakistani city of Sanghar earlier this month, sirens blaring to warn other cars and pedestrians to move out of the way. 

While a woman driving an ambulance is no anomaly in cities like London or New York, in this remote, conservative town in Sindh province, Jatt, 21 and another colleague Shereen Shah, 22, made history in June when they were hired as the first women ambulance drivers for the Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), a semi-governmental organization operating around 283 “HOPE” ambulances across the province. 

Established in 2021, SIEHS employs 750 Emergency Vehicle Operators (EVOs) and launched operations in Sanghar in October 2023 with three ambulances.

In conservative and patriarchal Pakistan, where the right to education, employment and even voting is sometimes not extended to women, employing female ambulance drivers was a bold move by SIEHS and one that has not even been experimented with in large urban centers of the province such as Karachi and Hyderabad. Women in Sindh in general also face many challenges such as discrimination, violence, and limited access to health, education and job opportunities.

“Many people believed that it wasn’t possible,” Jatt told Arab News in an interview as she drove on a road in main Sanghar city. 

“But there’s something within a person, a passion that drives them to do something. I felt the same, I wanted to do it, I wanted to drive an ambulance.”

An ambulance under the Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services is pictured in the southern Pakistani city of Sanghar on December 14, 2024. (AN photo)

Jatt, an intermediate degree graduate, saw the job opening for an ambulance driver on social media and applied, having to go through several rounds of tests before her selection. 

“On the road, it’s common for people to stare when they see a woman driving,” Jatt said. 

“Many people don’t give way. While leaving our Sanghar city, motorcyclists don’t give way, and we have to face all of that.”

Female ambulance driver Shereen Shah speaks to Arab News in the southern Pakistani city of Sanghar on December 14, 2024. (AN photo)

Negative stereotypes and biases, including that women were bad drivers or drove slowly, also made the job harder, she said. 

“Some good people get it but there are communities that don’t understand and say things like, ‘You arrived late,’ or ‘You deliberately delayed’. Some might even think, ‘Because it was a woman driving, it took longer’.”

Mumtaz Ali Pirzada, the district manager at the SIEHS, acknowledged the initial resistance by the community to the women ambulance drivers.

“When we first inducted female drivers in Sanghar, and we did and in the future also we will do it, there was significant backlash on social media, most people asked how can a woman drive an ambulance,” he said. 

“But we have broken that stereotype. These women have broken it because they are doing all these things and doing them with a lot of hard work.”

Ambulance driver Irum Jatt closes the trunk of the ambulance in the southern Pakistani city of Sanghar on December 14, 2024. (AN photo)

According to Pirzada, Shah and Jatt often outperformed their male counterparts. 

“But their success isn’t due to sympathy or special treatment, it’s purely their hard work and skills,” he added. “They even handle tasks like changing tires, including the heavy tires of ambulances, which challenges the traditional mindset that only men can manage such tasks.”

Shereen Shah, another women ambulance driver from Sanghar, said the response from the community was improving. 

“When we first started working here, people were shocked to see women driving ambulances, they thought we wouldn’t be able to handle it, that we might hit something,” she told Arab News as she stood by her vehicle. 

“But now, wherever we go, if the traffic police sees us, they salute us and the Sindh police also salute us. They feel proud of us.”

She said it was “so fulfilling” to be able to rescue people from road accidents and other emergencies and deliver them to medical facilities in a timely manner. 

“A few years ago, women rarely stepped out of their homes in this city,” she said. “But today, women are driving vehicles here and that’s a matter of pride for Sanghar.”

Topics: Ambulances Sanghar

UN adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution on self-determination, highlighting Palestinian plight

UN adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution on self-determination, highlighting Palestinian plight
Updated 19 December 2024
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UN adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution on self-determination, highlighting Palestinian plight

UN adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution on self-determination, highlighting Palestinian plight
  • Pakistan has annually tabled the resolution for over four decades to highlight the struggles of oppressed people
  • The resolution addresses the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, challenges colonial and foreign occupation
Updated 19 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution reaffirming the universal right to self-determination, said the foreign office on Wednesday, with a focus on people living under foreign occupation, including in Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan has annually tabled this resolution for over four decades to highlight the struggles of people denied self-determination under colonial domination or foreign subjugation.

“The unanimous adoption of this resolution reflects the collective will of UN member states and strengthens the principle of self-determination, as enshrined in international law, including the UN Charter and the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,” the foreign office said.

“The resolution highlights the plight of people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, reinforcing international support for their legitimate aspirations for self-determination,” it added.

Adopted by consensus, the resolution was supported and co-sponsored by a large number of countries from different regions around the world.

It underscores the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination as essential for advancing human rights globally, sending a message of solidarity to populations struggling against foreign occupation, while calling for an end to intervention and aggression.

The foreign office said the adoption of the resolution demonstrated Pakistan’s leadership in advocating for the rights of oppressed peoples and maintaining the principle of self-determination as a cornerstone of international justice and peace.

Topics: Palestine

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