Education
Sports
KPK
Shafi Jan Reviews Muharram Arrangements, Praises Kohat’s Sectarian Harmony
PROVINCE REPORT
KOHAT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information & Public Relations Shafi Jan has said authorities were finalising comprehensive security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Muharram-ul-Haram in Kohat, aiming to ensure peaceful religious observances, uninterrupted public services and inter-sect harmony throughout the holy month.
Speaking at the separate Jirgas with Sunni and Shia community representatives, Jan said a detailed security plan would be implemented to facilitate the safe conduct of Muharram-ul-Haram processions and gatherings. The meetings were attended by the Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz, District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi, retired Chief Justice Ibn-e-Ali, representatives of Member of the National Assembly Shehryar Afridi, officials from security agencies, religious scholars, community elders and civil society members.
Jan described the Kohat as a longstanding example of religious tolerance and mutual respect, noting that Sunni and Shia communities had traditionally cooperated in both religious and social affairs. He expressed the confidence that Muharram would be observed this year in the same spirit of unity and understanding.
Participants reviewed arrangements related to security, sanitation, traffic management, electricity, water supply and healthcare services. Officials agreed to ensure cleanliness along procession routes and around mosques and imambargahs, improve street lighting and maintain water availability while a special traffic plan would be enforced to minimise disruptions.
The Minister said the government was committed to providing a secure environment for mourners and was coordinating with the relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity during processions and religious gatherings. Given the prevailing summer heat, authorities were also prioritising the provision of drinking water, medicines, ambulance services and other essential facilities, he added.
Jan directed the police to further strengthen security at sensitive locations, imambargahs and procession routes and to maintain strict vigilance against any attempts to disrupt peace. He warned that provocative speeches or efforts to incite sectarian tensions would not be tolerated and would be dealt with under the law.
Concluding the meetings, Jan praised the cooperation of religious leaders, community elders, the district administration, police and other institutions saying their collective efforts would help preserve peace, unity and religious harmony during the Muharram-ul-Haram.
National
Digital Health Summit 4.0 Highlights Future of Healthcare Innovation in Pakistan
PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU), in collaboration with the Multi-Stage Innovation and Commercialization Drive (MICD) and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC), successfully organized Digital Health Summit 4.0 under the theme “Embracing Digital Innovation for Healthcare Future.” The summit convened policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, academicians, and industry leaders to explore the future of digital healthcare in Pakistan.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the National Anthem, and a welcome address by Dr. Saeed Ullah Shah. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Vice Chancellor, STMU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research excellence and digital transformation in healthcare.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, who emphasized academia-industry collaboration and research commercialization. The summit featured keynote lectures by Prof. Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, on the evolution of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces, and Prof. Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Founding Chairman and Central Director of Pakistan’s National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), on the growing role of AI and robotics in modern healthcare.
Expert panel discussions examined the digital transformation of healthcare systems and the need to prepare future healthcare professionals with digital skills, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
A major highlight was the Poster Display and Innovation Exhibition Competition, where students, researchers, and innovators showcased promising healthcare technologies, research projects, and entrepreneurial ideas. The summit concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognizing the top three poster presentations and Best Exhibitor.
Professor Dr. Sagheer Ahmed, Director ORIC, STMU and the Organizing Secretary of the Summit delivered the vote of thanks, thanking all participants for their active contributions to the event. The successful organization of Digital Health Summit 4.0 reflects STMU’s continued leadership in promoting digital health and building partnerships that will shape the future of healthcare in Pakistan.
