Author: businessobserver

The federal government has decided to introduce legislation aimed at regulating social media. In this regard, amendments to the PECA Act 2016 are set to establish the Digital Rights Protection Authority. According to the sources, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved the establishment of the authority by amending the PECA Act. The Cabinet's Legal Reforms Committee had proposed the amended bill and the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority. Recommendations were sought from the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and other stakeholders regarding this bill. According to sources, under these amendments, the Digital Rights Authority will be established under the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The authority will advise the government on matters related to digital rights. It will ensure responsible use of the internet and enforce regulations. The authority will facilitate cooperation with social media platforms to promote a positive digital ecosystem. The proposed Digital R ights Authority will regulate online content. It will investigate violations of the laws on social media. The Digital Rights Authority will take action against violators of the new PECA law. The authority may also summon individuals and witnesses involved in digital rights violations. The Digital Rights Authority may also establish rules to enforce laws on digital rights. The bill recommending the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority will be presented before the federal cabinet. The new proposed PECA bill 2024 will be presented in Parliament after approval by the Cabinet. After the approval from the parliament and president of Pakistan the authority will be established under the Ministry of IT and Telecom. It is worth mentioning that last week the Ministry of IT issued an SRO regarding the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Authority. Source: Pro Pakistani

Freelancers proficient in these areas have the potential to earn upwards of $100,000 on average in 2024, based on data from Salary.com and ZipRecruiter. Fast Company recently published a compelling article titled 'AI: A Game-Changer for Freelancers.' The piece delves into the notion that we're currently witnessing a prime era for freelancing, thanks to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). While the article primarily focuses on elite professionals transitioning into what it terms 'super builders' - referring to highly skilled white-collar tech workers, particularly those with backgrounds at major tech companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google (collectively known as FAANG) - it also raises pertinent questions about AI's broader impact on freelancers and those considering entering the freelance arena. Despite the prominence of the top 2% or 'elite' freelance product builders and consultants the emergence of generative AI offers significant opportunities for other freelancers to har ness AI's productivity and earning potential, irrespective of their elite status. It's widely acknowledged that AI skills are incredibly lucrative, with average pay ranging from $141,000 to $220,000, as per estimates from Salary.com. In the competition for top-tier tech talent to fuel the AI revolution, some companies have even offered salaries reaching as high as $900,000, exemplified by Netflix's product manager position. However, beyond these sky-high salaries, there are three specific skills within the AI realm that stand out as particularly lucrative, even if they may not boast near-million-dollar incomes. Freelancers proficient in these areas have the potential to earn upwards of $100,000 on average in 2024, based on data from Salary.com and ZipRecruiter. Product Management There's a high demand for this skill set, especially among tech startups and businesses outside the tech realm needing apps or products to enhance their operations. As a freelance product manager, you utilize your expertise to va lidate new product ideas by introducing the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to the market or updating existing products to maintain relevance to customers. If you already possess a background in product development or management, you possess a valuable skill with the potential to establish a successful freelance career. A helpful tip: augmenting your skill set with AI knowledge can further enhance your marketability. Average pay range for this skill: $51,500 to $197,000 LLMs, Data Science, and Generative AI Professionals proficient in AI skills are relatively scarce compared to the demand. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from your expertise as a freelancer. If you possess deep industry knowledge and experience in Large Language Models (LLMs), data science, and/or generative AI, you can offer consultancy services, guiding corporate clients on implementing and integrating artificial intelligence tools and applications into their workflows and existing apps. Average pay range for this skill: $61,262 to $22 0,126 Software Development Freelancers who have honed their skills in software development can engage in various exciting freelance projects, ranging from the Internet of Things (IoT) to e-commerce platforms, enterprise-level solutions, and mobile apps. Your role may involve providing advice, making suggestions, teaching others how to develop software, or directly building the product yourself. This skill is highly adaptable and versatile. The average pay range for this skill: $79,021 to $110,088. However, apart from these extravagant salaries, three particular skills in the AI domain shine as notably profitable, even if they don't promise million-dollar incomes. Freelancers skilled in these areas have the opportunity to earn an average of over $100,000 in 2024. Source: Pro Pakistani

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal says the government has deep commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC. He was talking to Chairman National Energy Administration of China Zhang Jianghua in Beijing today. Ahsan Iqbal said Green Corridor, announced by Vice Premier He Lifeng during his visit to Pakistan is an important pillar of second phase of CPEC. He said energy projects, under CPEC phase-I, contributed to overcoming power outages in Pakistan. The Minister said government intends to diversify energy mix during the next phase of CPEC towards clean and renewable energy. He said we intend to reform energy sector to be efficient and affordable in order to provide electricity to consumers and businesses at cheaper rates by cutting line losses and power theft. Both sides discussed new initiatives to improve energy management system, aimed at reducing theft and line losses. The Minister also briefed the Chinese side on the steps taken by the government to enhanc e safety and security of the Chinese nationals on several projects in Pakistan. Both sides also discussed to diversify energy mix for the production of electricity in the country. In that context, Minister for Planning sought Chinese continued cooperation for the early implementation of the Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydro Power Projects. Emphasizing the importance of the work of CPEC's Joint Coordination Committee, which is the highest-level decision-making body, both sides agreed to hold the next round of the Joint Working Group meeting on Energy at an early date. The meeting was part of a series of engagements of Professor Ahsan Iqbal in Beijing to prepare for the next round of Joint Coordination Committee meeting as well as for the preparation of the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to China. Earlier, the Minister met top Chinese companies specializing in power transmission and distribution. These include Power China, TBEA Co. Ltd., and Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute. The meeting was held at Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. The Minister informed the companies about ongoing transmission losses faced by power sector in Pakistan and encouraged them to provide assistance through technological, innovative and cost effective means. The Chinese companies made presentations to the Minister and SAPM, highlighting their expertise in power transmission and practical application of their expertise in other countries. Source: Radio Pakistan

The basic kits, which include inverter and wooden structure. France-based company DualSun, which makes solar panels that also work as water heaters, has introduced a new type of solar kit that can be folded up. These kits are designed for homes and outdoor spaces, with a power range of 420 W to 1.68 kW. They're called Preasy plug-and-play PV kits, requiring no dedicated engineer for installation nor any additional hardware. They're great for people who want solar power but can't easily install traditional solar panels on their roofs. This might be because of cost, the way their roof faces, or other reasons. Only a small number of homes in France have solar panels right now. The CEO of DualSun, Jérôme Mouterde, says that even though France has a lot of potential for solar energy, not many homes are using it yet. He believes making solar technology easier to install is important. These new kits come in different setups and are based on special solar panels. They're lightweight and come with everything neede d to set them up. In France, the basic kits, which include inverter and wooden structure, cost about pound 680 ($726), including tax. DualSun says these kits can produce a good amount of electricity each year, which can save money on electricity bills. They estimate that in Marseille, a city in southern France, the savings over 10 years could be around pound 2,200, and in Lille, a city in the north, it could be around pound 1,460. The company believes these easy-to-install kits can help more homes switch to solar power. DualSun has a factory in Jujurieux, eastern France, where they make these solar panels. Source: Pro Pakistani

Britain has reiterated the commitment to support Pakistan in its socio-economic development endeavors. This was expressed by British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriot during a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Thursday. Chief Economist and Director for Economics and Evaluation Directorate in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Professor Adnan Qadir Khan accompanied was also accompanying the High Commissioner. The Finance Minister extended a warm welcome to both guests. The Minister highlighted the government's efforts to stabilize the economy, including achievements such as increased forex reserves, stable currency, decreasing inflation, and a flourishing stock market. Additionally, he outlined key reforms, including privatization, SOE restructuring, FBR digitization, export-driven growth initiatives, and energy sector reforms. Acknowledging the support extended by the UK government, he emphasized that KPI based project would lead to effective impleme ntation, with a view to making support more impactful. Adnan Qadir Khan informed the Minister that the FCDO has successfully concluded work on several pivotal initiatives and extended support for a domestically driven reform program aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainability in Pakistan. Jane Marriott expressed confidence in the potential for deeper collaboration in the future. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has imposed stringent parking restrictions on vehicles belonging to lawyers within its premises. Led by the court's security officer, the initiative includes a complete ban on lawyers' vehicles entering or parking at the LHC. In anticipation of potential unrest, a sizable police presence has been deployed both inside and outside the court premises to forestall any undesirable incidents. This development coincides with a nationwide strike called by lawyers today (Thursday). Of note, water cannons have been strategically positioned at the GPO Chowk in Lahore, highlighting authorities' readiness to maintain order. The decision to enhance security measures follows a recent clash between police and the legal community at GPO Chowk, Lahore, on Wednesday. The confrontation arose when protesting lawyers, demanding the relocation of civil courts to Model Town Kutchery and the withdrawal of terrorism charges against their peers, began throwing stones at security forces. In response to th e escalating situation, law enforcement used water cannons, baton charges, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Subsequently, authorities detained several lawyers in an attempt to restore peace and prevent further escalation of tensions. Source: Pro Pakistani