ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned against hot and dry weather conditions across Karachi throughout this week, with temperatures expected
to soar to 42 degrees Celsius starting today, Monday.
Heatwaves, which kill dozens of people in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi each year, are unusual in October when temperatures in the densely populated city
normally rise no higher than 35 degrees.
“High pressure area formed over central Asia inducing wind flow from North to Northwest over Sindh including Karachi,” a statement released on Sunday said. “Under
its influence, heatwave condition is likely to prevail over Karachi during next 6-8 days with day temperatures rising to 40-42ºC.”
In 2015, a June heatwave killed about 1,500 people in Karachi, which is Pakistan’s largest city, and left over 70,000 hospitalized, most with heat stroke.
Officials say they are working to try to avoid a repeat of that heat disaster – a particular challenge as climate change brings ever-hotter years, particularly
in already broiling South Asia.
In unusual turn of weather, heatwave to bake Karachi this week
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In unusual turn of weather, heatwave to bake Karachi this week
- Temperatures are expected to soar to 42 degrees Celsius which is unusual for October
- A June 2015 heatwave killed about 1,500 people in Karachi and left over 70,000 hospitalized
Pakistan partners with Meta to roll out AI program for teachers’ training
- Around 300 Higher Education Commission members have so far been trained through the program
- The development comes as the country embraces AI across education, industry and government
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) program in collaboration with American tech giant Meta and Atomcamp ed-tech platform to upgrade skills of university faculty in line with modern technology, state media reported on Friday.
Around 300 HEC members have so far been trained by Atomcamp, which offers services in AI, data science and analytics, enhancing their professional skills and laying the groundwork for the use of modern technology in higher education.
Pakistan has been increasingly embracing AI across education, industry and government, with startups developing solutions for finance, health care and e-commerce, and policymakers planning to integrate AI into public service and digital infrastructure.
“Under this initiative, Atomcamp provided advanced training on AI to faculty members across Pakistan, while HEC provided the necessary support and partnership for this program,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.
“The main objective of this program is to enhance the skills of teaching staff in universities across the country and align the quality of teaching with modern requirements.”
The government plans to introduce more AI and emerging technology programs to bring Pakistani universities at par with global standards, according to the report.
In August last year, Pakistan unveiled its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy to develop AI infrastructure, train one million people in related skills and ensure responsible, ethical use of the technology.
The policy outlines six pillars, including AI innovation, public awareness, secure systems, sectoral transformation, infrastructure and international partnerships, for advancement in the country.
