Lifestyle

MedIQ is making Pakistan's largest private AI investment in healthcare, moving from telemedicine to a data-driven system by developing a local AI infrastructure. This AI automates the entire clinical workflow (triage, note-taking, patient management), significantly increasing hospital throughput and reducing the burden of documentation for overworked clinicians.

Despite persistent user complaints about poor experience, the adoption of digital financial services in Pakistan is experiencing an unassailable boom. As of FY25, digital platforms have over 123 million registered users. Mobile banking is driving high-value transactions, surging 80% to Rs 83.2 trillion and processing more volume than all other digital channels combined. The biggest breakthrough is in throughput digitization, where the digital share of scheduled bank retail transaction value reached a record 21.7%. The primary challenge now is capitalizing on this momentum to digitize the complex business-to-business (B2B) payment universe.

The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has instructed all food outlets to complete their official registration by November 30. Starting December 1, the IFA will launch a strict enforcement campaign, conducting daily inspections. Any establishment found operating unregistered after the deadline will be sealed and heavily fined, according to Deputy Director Dr. Tahira Siddique. Business owners are urged to register immediately to prevent closure.

Federal government ministers are openly opposing the "excessive" mobile phone tax imposed by the PTA. The opposition includes a claim that even the PTA leadership is against the high tax burden. Critics warn the tax is restricting digital access for millions and slowing the country's technological progress. The Standing Committee on Finance has been urged to review the tax regime.

The CDA has started a Rs240 million project to transform an 800-meter section of the Blue Area along Jinnah Avenue into a car-free pedestrian zone. This pilot initiative will feature food outlets and walking streets, providing a safe recreational space. Parking for 1,100 vehicles will be available nearby, and the project is scheduled for completion within 45 days.

Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Google has commenced manufacturing Chromebooks in Haripur, marking a major boost for Pakistan's IT sector. The public-private project, a collaboration with the Ministry of Defence Production and NRTC, aims for an annual production of 600,000 units to provide affordable devices for students. Khawaja noted this reflects growing international confidence, promoting technology transfer and creating new jobs, with current employment at the facility standing around 600 people and future plans for export expansion.

CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa ordered the immediate issuance of plot possession in newly developed sectors to end allottee delays. Following a progress review, the CDA confirmed that road surfacing in I-12 will finish this month, while C-15 roads are due by March next year. To guarantee timely and quality work, the Chairman mandated field presence for officers and approved working groups to both accelerate development and upgrade older areas.

Malik Riaz-backed digital news platform Nukta laid off 37 Pakistani employees less than a year after its launch due to significant financial losses and a need to cut costs. The crisis directly stems from the severe liquidity crunch affecting the real estate tycoon sponsor, whose assets have been seized by the state to recover billions in fines, including a Rs 125 billion Supreme Court levy. Despite the company citing "restructuring" for the job cuts, Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar quickly intervened, announcing that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication would provide jobs to all 37 affected employees.

RAWALPINDI: The Kachehri Chowk area is fully closed for a major construction project (three flyovers and three underpasses) that began on November 3. The City Traffic Police (CTP) has implemented major diversions. Commuters from Rawat/Jhelum Road to Old Airport must use Bahria Phase 1. Other routes to Saddar and Murree Road are heavily altered, requiring traffic to navigate through areas like Morgah, New Lalazar, and Rawal Road. Motorists are urged to strictly follow the diversion plan.