Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to enhancing Intellectual Property Rights enforcement and fostering bilateral cooperation. This understanding reached at a meeting between Chairperson IPO-Pakistan Farukh Amil and Kyrgyzstan Ambassador of Ulanbek Totuiaev in Islamabad today. During the meeting, the Chairperson highlighted IPO-Pakistan's unwavering efforts towards ensuring robust enforcement of Intellectual Property rights across Pakistan. The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan emphasized the potential benefits that would emanate from establishing Intellectual Property offices in key regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Sialkot. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation, the Chairperson echoed the sentiment, highlighting the critical role of Central Asian countries in bolstering Pakistan's trade and tourism sectors. The Ambassador further proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IPO-Pakistan and the Patent Office of Kyrgyzstan. Source: Radio Pakistan
Transporters Increase Ticket Prices Before Eid
As Eid ul Fitr approaches, intercity transporters have raised fares across the district, citing the recent spike in petrol prices. Commuters traveling between cities will now have to bear an additional burden of Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 on all routes, with local fares seeing an increase of Rs. 5 to R. s10 as well. With the exodus of residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad expected to begin this Friday, ahead of Eid celebrations, the last working day before Eid falls on Tuesday, April 9. The increase in fares comes amidst heightened travel activity anticipated during this period. In response to concerns about overloading and overcharging during the Eid rush, the Regional Transport Authority has convened a joint meeting with transport terminal owners and major transporters today, April 3. While efforts will be made to address these issues, transporters have indicated reluctance to reduce fares despite the district administration's directives. To accommodate the surge in travelers, Pakistan Railways will commence four special Eid trains from Sunday, April 7. However, the absence of Eid trains originating from Rawalpindi and Islamabad has left passengers reliant on bus transport, prompting concerns among residents. In an effort to manage the increased demand, transport terminals, including the General Bus Stand Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, have completed preparations to cater to travelers. Additional coaches will be added to trains three days before Eid, with seating allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, vehicles will be available for various destinations, including Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, and cities in Azad Kashmir. Ticket bookings have commenced for all routes, with services operating round the clock for passenger convenience. The fare hike is attributed not only to rising petroleum prices but also to increased vehicle costs, spare parts, and labor expenses. Additionally, heightened traffic fines and repair costs have con tributed to the fare adjustment, which is expected to reflect inflationary pressures. The district administration has deployed police personnel at transport terminals from April 6 to April 10 to enforce regulations against overloading and overcharging. Furthermore, transporters have announced separate charges for luggage and mandatory tickets for eight-year-old children, effective immediately. Source: Pro Pakistani
IT Ministry to Establish National AI Fund
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has decided the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fund, aimed at bolstering high-tech initiatives in AI and allied technologies across the country. This fund emerges as a spin-off of the Ignite Technology Fund, with a specific focus on advancing AI endeavors. According to the IT Ministry document, the current mandate of the Ignite Technology Fund encompasses broad support for Research and Development (RandD) initiatives, entrepreneurship, and skill development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). However, there is a notable absence of dedicated provisions for hi-tech sectors, particularly AI and allied technologies. In response, the Ministry has taken the initiative to create a specialized fund tailored to the advancement of Artificial Intelligence. According to the document, the IT Ministry also plans the establishment of Centers of Excellence in AI (CoEAI) in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, supplemented by Auxiliary AI Centers in Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gilgit. These centers are envisioned to provide crucial support by granting access to high-tech computer infrastructure, laboratories, testbeds, and other resources. They will serve as hubs for nurturing AI talent, supporting entrepreneurs and startups working on AI-led products and solutions, and spearheading nationwide civic and social initiatives utilizing AI. While acknowledging the existing role of National Centers for AI in applied RandD at leading academic institutions in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the government identified a gap in regional and central hubs for AI and allied technologies. These hubs are envisaged to provide comprehensive opportunities for skill development, applied RandD, computational resources, test beds, and regulatory sandboxes in AI. Furthermore, the government intends to launch a comprehensive public awareness program on AI and allied technologies at the national level. The program aims to achieve widespread awareness , targeting 90 percent of the population with internet access. Under the auspices of CoEAI, initiatives will include curriculum revisions at all levels of education, training for the existing workforce, and specialized programs catering to marginalized groups such as women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Source: Pro Pakistani