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EOC Organizes Media Workshop on Polio Eradication in KP
Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR: The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), organized a workshop for health beat reporters of the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on the role of media in polio eradication on Tuesday.
The workshop aimed to brief journalists on the latest programme performance, persistent challenges to polio eradication in the province, and the role of media in addressing these challenges.
Additional Secretary Health and EOC Coordinator Sarah Rehman, who attended as chief guest, said the government, law enforcement agencies and health department were actively working to eradicate polio. However, she emphasized that government efforts alone were insufficient and called for support from all segments of society, particularly the media.
She said journalists could help change public perceptions, raise awareness about polio vaccination and essential immunization, counter misconceptions, and highlight the tireless efforts of frontline workers.
During a technical session, Dr. Sardar Alam of the World Health Organization (WHO) presented an overview of global, national and provincial polio trends, outlining key challenges and the importance of sustained vaccination campaigns.
Explaining the need for booster dose campaigns in high-risk union councils of Peshawar and Khyber, he stressed strengthening children’s immunity to reduce virus circulation. He called on the media to build community trust and improve vaccine acceptance.
Jahanuddin, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, highlighted the importance of understanding community perceptions, addressing misconceptions and promoting positive attitudes towards vaccination.
UNICEF Communication Officer Shadab Younas emphasized accurate and responsible health reporting, urging journalists to develop human-interest stories, documentaries and engage trusted voices to address vaccine hesitancy.
Peshawar Press Club Vice President Zia ul Haq stressed collaboration between journalists and health authorities to counter misinformation and support eradication efforts.
The workshop was attended by around 50 print, electronic and digital media health reporters, senior journalists, bureau chiefs, Information Department representatives, partner organizations and EOC officials.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Muhammad Ayaz, Deputy Director Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), called for coordinated efforts among journalists, health authorities and the polio programme to strengthen public awareness.
Participants shared suggestions for improving communication and supporting efforts to eradicate polio from the province.
National
Pakistan Takes AI and Tech Expertise to US with Major Business Roadshow
TIMES REPORT
ISLAMABAD : Pakistan is set to strengthen its presence in the global technology market as 16 leading IT companies and two emerging startups participate in Pak–US Tech Connect 2026, a multi-city business roadshow aimed at promoting technology exports, attracting investment and building strategic partnerships with leading American enterprises.
Organised by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the initiative will connect Pakistani technology firms with chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs) and other senior decision-makers from Fortune 1000 companies. The programme focuses on showcasing Pakistan’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise solutions, cloud computing, fintech, cybersecurity and other high-growth technology sectors.
The roadshow schedule includes Silicon Valley on October 16, Dallas on October 19, Washington, D.C., on October 21, and Chicago on October 23, 2026.
The initiative reflects Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of strengthening economic ties with the United States through direct business-to-business engagement, greater trade cooperation and expanded opportunities for Pakistan’s technology industry.
The delegation comprises established Pakistani technology companies with expertise in artificial intelligence, enterprise software, cloud computing, financial technology, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, data engineering and customer experience management.
The 16 participating companies are Systems Limited, 10Pearls, NETSOL Technologies, IBEX Global Solutions, Techlogix Pakistan, Arbisoft, Folio3 Software, CureMD Healthcare, Tkxel, Strategic Systems International (SSI), Emumba, Abacus, TMC, Nextbridge, Excellence Delivered (ExD) and Addo AI.
Two emerging startups, Swich and Heyeve.ai, will also represent Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem. Swich offers a Web3-based financial operating system for merchants, while Heyeve.ai focuses on immersive, artificial intelligence-powered legal training.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistani technology companies had adapted rapidly to the AI era while maintaining competitive costs and lower engineer attrition rates than those of peer countries.
“I am very happy that Pak-US Tech Connect will allow Pakistani tech companies to showcase their globally unique value proposition and their cutting-edge AI products and services to enterprise clients in the US,” she said.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said the American market offered significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships with Pakistan’s technology industry.
“Pak–US Tech Connect helps Pakistani companies build lasting relationships with American businesses and open new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board Faisal Jeddy highlighted the importance of the United States as a major destination for Pakistan’s IT exports.
“The United States is one of Pakistan’s top export markets for IT, accounting for over 50% of the country’s annual technology exports,” he said, adding that the initiative would help Pakistani companies engage with Fortune 1000 decision-makers, develop strategic partnerships and expand their presence in the American technology market.
The roadshow is also expected to help Pakistani technology businesses better understand the evolving requirements of international enterprises in the AI era, identify emerging business opportunities and improve their competitiveness in the global digital economy.
As businesses worldwide increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, cloud infrastructure and advanced digital services, the initiative provides Pakistani firms with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical expertise, innovation and ability to deliver solutions tailored to international clients.
Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 forms part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the international visibility of Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) industry, accelerate technology exports and establish the country as a competitive destination for digital innovation and technology services.
The Pakistan Software Export Board is an apex government body operating under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. It works to promote Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled services industry in domestic and international markets, support the growth of technology businesses and strengthen the country’s position as a global technology services destination.
