Lack of trained professionals concern for digital companies, say Pakistani exhibitors at Dubai’s tech show

People can be seen working at the Pakistan Pavilion at the Global Information Technology Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 12, 2022. (AN Photo)
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Updated 12 October 2022
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Lack of trained professionals concern for digital companies, say Pakistani exhibitors at Dubai’s tech show

  • The government is trying to address the issue by setting up ICT bootcamps to help students meet global expectations
  • Pakistani companies say they are working on business development at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition

DUBAI: Pakistan has witnessed an increase in information and communication technology (ICT) exports, said the leading players in the field on Wednesday, though the country was still grappling with a lack of adequately trained professionals which was also a source of concern for many digital companies. 
The view was expressed by Pakistani exhibiters at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) currently taking place in Dubai in which representatives of a large number of ICT companies from across the world are participating. 
The Pakistan Pavilion at the technology show was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin Ul Haque on Monday who said the event provided an “ideal platform” to the innovators and entrepreneurs from his country to interact and network with global ICT players. 
The minister also noted that Pakistan’s ICT exports had doubled in the last three years. 
Speaking to Arab News, Sheheryar Zakaria, who is representing an Islamabad-based software firm at the exhibition, said the idea was to change the international perception of what Pakistan could offer to the world in the field of technology. 




This picture shows Pakistan’s stall at the Global Information Technology Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 12, 2022. (AN Photo)

“We want to get the exposure and see what the rest of the world is focused on,” he said. “To cover the gap of skilled labor, we are hiring fresh grads and training them in technology bootcamps.” 
Other exhibitors also pointed out that Pakistan was beginning to emerge as an important technology development zone in the world, adding it was expected to host the Asia-Pacific ICT Awards in Islamabad in December for the first time. 
“This is the first time 53 Pakistani companies are also participating in GITEX of which 29 are part of the Pakistan Pavilion, 10 are startups while many others are independent exhibitors,” said Muhammad Zohaib Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA). 
The 42nd edition of GITEX, the annual enterprise technology and global digital transformation event, is taking place at Dubai’s World Trade and Exhibition Center until October 14. The companies participating in the event work in the fields of artificial intelligence, blockchain, metaverse, agritech and edtech etc. 
The PASHA chairman said Pakistani firms hoped to generate leads, improve their branding and work on business development by exhibiting in Dubai which is the region’s business hub. 
He maintained the government had recently started ICT bootcamps due to the lack of skilled labor where it was training students within three to six months to meet global expectations. 
Despite such constraints, Pakistan ranked as the second most financially attractive location in the world for offshore outsourcing services on the Kearney’s Global Service Location Index 2021. 
According to a report published by the International Labor Organization last year, the country was also the second largest supplier of online labor in software development and technology. 
The companies involved in Pakistan’s ICT sector are also providing a wide range of services. 
“Recently, we invited some Pakistani celebrities who were interested in producing a drama in the metaverse,” said Zeeshan Abbasi, whose company specializes in blockchain, cloud and artificial intelligence, while discussing the applications of emerging technologies. 
Haque, the information technology minister, already told people in Dubai during the inauguration ceremony of his country’s pavilion at the exhibition that Pakistan’s ICT export remittances had recorded a growth of 47.6 percent in FY 2020-21. 
He also noted that the country’s startups had raised record investment recently which was 450 percent higher than in 2020. 
 


Vehicle-borne bomb in Balochistan kills five paramilitary soldiers, injures over two dozen

Updated 04 January 2025
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Vehicle-borne bomb in Balochistan kills five paramilitary soldiers, injures over two dozen

  • The attack occurred when a convoy of Frontier Corps personnel was moving near Turbat city
  • A Baloch separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack that also injured 11 civilians

QUETTA: At least five paramilitary soldiers of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed and over two dozen others injured in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeted a bus carrying security personnel near Turbat city on Saturday.
The attack was initially confirmed by Rashid Zehri, the area’s district police officer, who said it occurred when a convoy of paramilitary soldiers escorted by FC vehicles was moving from an area about 10 kilometers from Turbat in Kech district.
Zehri said the bus carrying FC personnel caught fire after the attack, adding that the explosion also destroyed two civilian vehicles and two motorbikes without confirming the number of casualties in the attack.
“Civilians injured in the attack have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Turbat, while the paramilitary force has taken its soldiers to the FC camp for medical treatment,” he told Arab News over the phone.
However, a senior provincial administration official, who requested anonymity since he was not authorized to speak to the media, said five paramilitary soldiers were killed in the attack, which also injured nearly 40 others, including civilians.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying “terrorists will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious objectives.”
Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti also called the perpetrators of the attack “unworthy of being called humans.”
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Balochistan, a mineral-rich province sharing borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has faced an insurgency for decades, which has intensified in recent years. The Baloch separatists accuse the Pakistani state of exploiting the region’s resources without adequately benefiting its population. However, Pakistani governments deny the allegations, saying they have launched several development projects to promote prosperity and improve the lives of residents in the province.
The BLA, with a strong presence in Balochistan, has emerged as a major threat to the state, carrying out deadly attacks, including suicide bombings, to target Pakistani security forces. According to provincial administration data, Balochistan witnessed a dramatic surge in militant violence in 2024, resulting in about 300 deaths in over 550 attacks.
Dr. Amjad Baloch, Medical Superintendent of the DHQ Hospital in Turbat, said his staff treated 11 civilians injured in the blast.
“All the injured were brought in stable condition and discharged after their initial medical treatment,” he told Arab News.


Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

  • The government has initiated the process of hiring experts for the development of the SME sector
  • State Bank of Pakistan has also directed banks to simplify the loan application process for SMEs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday described Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of national economy, issuing directives to take necessary measures to integrate them into the global supply chain, according to a statement from his office.
Pakistan has been striving to attract foreign investment as it recovers from a prolonged economic crisis characterized by a tough balance of payments situation, dwindling foreign currency reserves and a depreciating national currency.
While the government has signed various agreements with close allies and sought to promote business-to-business partnerships to drive growth, Sharif recently noted that foreign investment would remain elusive without first strengthening domestic investment.
“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the economy,” he said while presiding over a meeting in Lahore to evaluate the SME sector, according to the statement. “Comprehensive steps are needed to make Pakistani industries a part of the global supply chain.”
The prime minister received a detailed briefing on the operations of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) and was told its board of directors had been constituted and had started holding regular meetings.
“The process of hiring international-standard experts for the development of the SME sector has been initiated,” the official statement said.
“The State Bank of Pakistan has also instructed banks to simplify and streamline the loan application forms for SMEs,” it added.
The meeting was also informed that authorities were in the process of gathering data on SMEs across Pakistan to enable informed decision-making for the sector.


Pakistan in trouble after Ryan Rickelton leads South African run feast

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan in trouble after Ryan Rickelton leads South African run feast

  • Pakistan were 64-3 at the close after double centurion Rickelton led his team to 615 in the first innings
  • Kyle Verreynne says Saim Ayub’s absence due to a broken ankle has made South Africa’s task easier

CAPE TOWN: South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne said his side “need nine more big wickets” after the Proteas dominated Pakistan on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.
Pakistan were 64-3 at the close after double centurion Ryan Rickelton led South Africa to a first innings total of 615.
Verreynne, who hit 100 in a 148-run partnership with Rickelton, said the absence of Pakistan opening batsman Saim Ayub, out for up to six weeks with a broken ankle, made South Africa’s task easier.
“We are focusing on taking nine more wickets, then it will be their tailenders to come,” said Verreynne of the task of bowling out Pakistan twice.
South Africa, already assured of a place in the World Test championship final in England in June, are seeking a seventh successive Test win.
“We have three days to go,” said Verreynne. “We have to stay nice and patient, stay in the channel and the loose shots will come.”
Kagiso Rabada struck twice and Marco Jansen once when Pakistan started their innings.
Babar Azam, forced to open the batting in Ayub’s absence, was 31 not out at the close with his side still 551 runs behind.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot, right, as South Africa’s David Bedingham attempts a catch during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

Left-handed opening batsman Rickelton made a chanceless 259, South Africa’s joint seventh highest Test score, before he was seventh man out with the total on 557.
South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to keep Pakistan in the field until the last man, 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka, was out 40 minutes after tea.
By then, South Africa had added 299 runs to their overnight 316-4, scoring at almost five runs an over.
Resuming on 176, Rickelton was content to play the anchor role while Verreynne hit 100 off 147 balls in a sixth-wicket partnership of 148 off 222 deliveries.

South Africa players celebrate the wicket of Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

“It was so nice batting with him,” Verreynne said of his partnership with Rickelton. “I thought he would be really tired after batting the whole day yesterday but he was so calm, it just felt like he could do this for ages. It put me at ease and I could just bat normally.”
A rapid seventh-wicket stand of 86 was ended when Rickelton was caught at mid-on going for a big hit after batting for 607 minutes. He faced 343 balls and hit 29 fours and three sixes.
Jansen made 62 off 54 balls and Keshav Maharaj hit 40 off 35 deliveries as the bowlers continued to take a pounding.

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj in action during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

South Africa’s innings ended when Maphaka was bowled second ball for nought to become the 100th Test wicket for Mohammad Abbas.
At 18 years 270 days, Maphaka became South Africa’s youngest Test player when the match started on Friday.
Abbas took three for 94, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan held six catches in the South African innings.

Pakistan’s Aamir Jamal in action during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

With ten wickets, Abbas is the leading wicket-taker in the series after being recalled to the team after a three-year absence.
“I am glad to be back,” 34-year-old Abbas said. “I would enjoy it more when my team was winning but I am satisfied with my effort.”


Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

  • The country’s telecom regulator says there is no Internet service degradation is in the country currently
  • Digital rights activists say government trying to suppress dissenting voices by minimizing online access

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Saturday it had arranged temporary bandwidth to address degraded Internet services caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, ensuring Internet stability across the country.
The AAE-1 cable is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan to the global Internet. Disruptions in these cables can significantly impact Internet performance, affecting individual users and businesses reliant on stable connectivity for daily operations.
“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announces that to address the issue of degradation of Internet services due to fault in AAE1 submarine cable on January 2, 2025, ad hoc bandwidth has been arranged and added in the system,” the PTA said in a statement. “Now there is no degradation of Internet services across the country.”
The telecom regulator added it was actively monitoring restoration efforts for the AAE-1 cable and remained committed to ensuring stable services throughout the process.
The fault comes amid growing scrutiny of the Pakistan government’s handling of Internet and social media policies.
Following the February 2024 general elections, marred by allegations of irregularities, the government faced severe backlash over a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. Local media also reported the government’s decision to establish an Internet firewall aimed at controlling “anti-state propaganda” and content deemed blasphemous, stirring further controversy.
Freelancers and businesses were also instructed later in the year to register VPNs to access online platforms, prompting public outrage, though the government extended the compliance deadline indefinitely since only a fraction of users had adhered to the directive.
Digital rights activists and political rivals accused the government of using these measures to suppress dissent, with a coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also voicing concerns.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government for Internet slowdown, questioning why submarine cable faults always disproportionately affected Pakistan.


Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

  • Pakistan’s air chief witnessed the parade, asking future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies
  • The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region

KARACHI: The Pakistan Naval Academy held a commissioning parade on Saturday to mark the graduation of 49 midshipmen and 29 short-service commissioning cadets, including officers from Iraq, Sri Lanka and other countries, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy.
The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region. The parade’s chief guest, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, was invited to the received by Pakistan’s top naval official Admiral Naveed Ashraf before witnessing the ceremony.
He extended congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and their parents, while specifically addressing foreign cadets and officials.
“He [the air chief] commended Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting high-quality training to cadets, including those from friendly countries,” the official statement said. “He expressed the hope that these cadets from friendly nations will serve as ambassadors, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual respect.”

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, reviews parade during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The air chief emphasized the need for future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies and the evolving geo-strategic landscape.
“In today’s high-tech and information-driven era, only knowledgeable leaders can effectively address emerging challenges,” he told the commissioning term.
Awards were presented to distinction holders, highlighting the diverse achievements of the graduates.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, awards Sword of Honor to the best midshipman, Sri Lanka’s Tennakoon M. L. Vimutkhi, during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The prestigious Sword of Honor went to Midshipman Tennakoon M.L. Vimukthi from Sri Lanka for his exceptional performance. Officer Cadet Ali Jalil Ibrahim Sharif Shuhaib Al Shabani from Iraq was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal, while the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt. Muhammad Imad Ud Din for being the best all-round officer.
The Pakistan Naval Academy has long served as a hub for professional and academic training, equipping cadets with skills to meet modern maritime challenges.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, gestures for a group photograph with graduating cadets during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

Its programs also help foster international cooperation, as displayed by the diverse nationalities of its graduates this year.