Pakistan Digital Post

The Pulse of Pakistan's Digital Future

    • Qaswar Abbas Zarkani

    Nipah Virus: AKUH Experts Say No Immediate Threat to Pakistan, Urge Clinical Vigilance Karachi, February 4, 2026 — Infectious disease specialists at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have reassured that recent Nipah virus (NiV) outbreaks in Eastern India and Bangladesh do not currently pose a direct threat to Pakistan, while emphasizing the importance of continued clinical vigilance and pandemic preparedness. Speaking at a media briefing, AKUH experts noted that since 2025, only 10 cases of Nipah virus have been reported globally, with just two instances of human-to-human transmission, making the risk of spread extremely low. “The risk of international spread is considered low,” said Dr Faisal Mahmood, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Associate Chief Medical Officer at AKUH. “While Nipah is a serious infection, it is not an immediate concern for Pakistan. Our healthcare priorities remain focused on pressing domestic challenges, including the recent rise in measles cases.” Experts highlighted that Nipah is primarily a zoonotic virus, transmitted through direct contact with infected bats or consumption of contaminated food such as raw sap or fruit. Casual exposure, such as bats flying nearby, does not pose a threat. “Recent cases have been concentrated in West Bengal and Kerala in India, and in Bangladesh,” said Dr Nosheen Nasir, Section Head of Infectious Diseases at AKUH. “No cases have been reported from western India bordering Pakistan. However, because early symptoms like fever and headache can mimic influenza and may progress to severe brain inflammation, continued clinical vigilance is essential.” AKUH specialists also praised the government’s proactive screening of travellers at entry points, noting that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the value of early preparedness, coordinated response, and public awareness over reactive measures alone. By prioritizing healthcare readiness, experts said Pakistan can strengthen its ability to respond to future public health emergencies, protecting both population health and public confidence.
    News

    Nipah Virus: AKUH Experts Say No Immediate Threat to Pakistan, Urge Clinical Vigilance

    Infectious disease specialists at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have reassured that recent Nipah virus (NiV) outbreaks in Eastern India and Bangladesh do not currently pose a direct threat to Pakistan, while emphasizing the importance of continued clinical vigilance…

    Posted on Qaswar Abbas Zarkani
    Pakistan Highlights Inclusive Digital Growth at Digital Cooperation Organization Assembly
    Digital Pakistan

    Pakistan Highlights Inclusive Digital Growth at Digital Cooperation Organization Assembly

    Federal Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, represented Pakistan at the inaugural session of the 5th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), emphasizing the importance of ethical, inclusive, and secure digital development. pakistan To Chair Digital Cooperation…

    Posted on Qaswar Abbas Zarkani
    National CERT Calls for Data-Driven Cyber Resilience at CyberSec Summit 2026 Karachi: Pakistan must adopt a data-driven and intelligence-led approach to cybersecurity to protect national interests as digital transformation accelerates, Ms. Adeela Waqar, Director Labs at National CERT, said on Tuesday. Delivering a keynote address at the Risk Associates CyberSec Summit 2026, Ms. Waqar said cyber resilience now extends beyond incident response and has become central to national security, critical infrastructure, and economic stability. She warned that increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, particularly those targeting financial systems and critical infrastructure, require proactive national preparedness rather than reactive measures. Highlighting Pakistan’s response, she pointed to the Pakistan Information Security Framework (PISF), ongoing capacity building, and the expanding role of National CERT as a central hub for national cyber intelligence. Ms. Waqar also stressed the importance of trusted, indigenous cybersecurity technologies, calling for closer collaboration between government, industry, academia, and technology partners to strengthen cyber resilience and reduce systemic risks. At the conclusion of the session, Dr Aftab Rizvi presented Ms. Waqar with a shield of appreciation, recognizing her leadership and the growing partnership between public and private sectors in advancing Pakistan’s national cybersecurity agenda.
    IT & Telecommunication

    National CERT Calls for Data-Driven Cyber Resilience at CyberSec Summit 2026

    Pakistan must adopt a data-driven and intelligence-led approach to cybersecurity to protect national interests as digital transformation accelerates, Ms. Adeela Waqar, Director Labs at National CERT, said on Tuesday. Delivering a keynote address at the Risk Associates CyberSec Summit 2026,…

    Posted on Qaswar Abbas Zarkani
    80% Vehicles Now Digitised with M-Tag as Pakistan Pushes Smart Road Reforms
    Digital Pakistan

    80% Vehicles Now Digitised with M-Tag as Pakistan Pushes Smart Road Reforms

    Islamabad: Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in road digitalisation, with 80% of vehicles now equipped with M-Tags, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said on Tuesday, calling it a key step towards fully digital motorways and highways. The…

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    PM Announces Plan to Retrain 1 Million Youth in AI, Tech Skills
    Digital Pakistan

    Pakistan Set to Assume Chairmanship of Digital Cooperation Organization

    Pakistan is set to formally assume the chairmanship of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) during the body’s 5th General Assembly, marking a key milestone in the country’s growing digital diplomacy. The official handover of the DCO council presidency will take…

    Posted on Qaswar Abbas Zarkani
    Punjab Moves to Modern Farming with Tech-Based Agriculture Plan
    Digital Pakistan

    Punjab Moves to Modern Farming with Tech-Based Agriculture Plan

    The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday approved a revised PC-1 of the “Agriculture Innovation and Technology 2021–2025” project, signaling a shift towards technology-based farming to improve productivity and reduce water wastage across the province. The decision was taken at a cabinet…

    Posted on Qaswar Abbas Zarkani
    TCS, Japan’s Nippon Express Form Strategic Partnership to Boost Pakistan’s Trade Connectivity
    News

    TCS, Japan’s Nippon Express Form Strategic Partnership to Boost Pakistan’s Trade Connectivity

    Islamabad: Pakistan’s leading logistics conglomerate TCS Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s global logistics giant Nippon Express Group, in a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s supply chain infrastructure and expanding trade connectivity with international markets. Under the…

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