Tag: advisory

  • Govt issues warning to be cautious with Indian tech products 

    Govt issues warning to be cautious with Indian tech products 

    The government has warned information technology (IT) and financial institutions, including regulators, to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT) products from India. They say these products could pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s critical information systems. 

    According to Geo News, this warning came through a cybersecurity advisory shared with federal and provincial ministries and regulators. The advisory noted that AI and ICT products from India are used worldwide, especially in the financial industry, to help businesses grow. 

    However, it pointed out that some Pakistani fintech companies and banks are working with Indian firms that offer IT, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. The government is concerned for two main reasons: 

    Indian products could have hidden “backdoors” or malicious software that collects data, including personal information. 

    There might be direct access to Pakistan’s critical systems by Indian entities, allowing them to monitor and control these systems. 

    Read more:

    The government has asked all ministries and regulators to make sure their affiliated organisations and licensees understand the risks of using Indian products. Instead, they suggest consulting with the Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA) to find affordable alternatives from local tech companies. 

    Two years ago, a US company called Exodus Intelligence claimed that India used its software vulnerabilities to spy on Pakistan and China. 

  • Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    After Gilgit-Baltistan reported its third patient, the number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus ‘COVID-19’ infections in Pakistan rose to 21 on Wednesday. Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 15 of the total confirmed cases. Of the remaining, three cases have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan and one case has been reported each in Islamabad, Hyderabad and Quetta.

    In the wake of these developments, the Sindh Health Department has said that any student or employee, who returned to the country within the last fifteen days from abroad will not be allowed to attend school, college or university till they complete their 14-day quarantine at home.

    Here is the Health Department’s advisory:

    1. Any student or employee of all public and private school, college or university who has arrived in Pakistan from abroad or has a family member who has arrived from abroad within last fifteen days, he/she shall not be allowed to send their children to schools, colleges and universities till they complete 14 days stay in their home after coming to Pakistan as a measure of quarantine. All parents must inform the concerned institutes if there is a history of travel of a family member.

    2. Any student, family or employee of all public and private schools, colleges and universities of Sindh province having cough or body ache or fever or shortness of breath or flu shall not be allowed to enter school premises. Moreover, any employee of public and private schools, colleges and universities having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma must avoid attending school, college or university. They should remain at their home.

    3. All students and employees of public and private schools. colleges and universities must avoid gatherings and crowded spaces. There should be minimum space of 1 metre (about 3 feet) between seating at all the institutes.

    4. All must perform hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer.

    5. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing with your flexed elbow or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use. Please avoid spitting and avoid touching your face.

    6. There should be a health desk for health education, screening and awareness regarding COVID-19 to be set by students and employees of public and private schools, colleges and universities.

    7. The Deputy Commissioner concerned, as per provisions under Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act 2014, may exercise his authority to ensure all these preventive measures for prevention of COVID-19 spread.

    A COVID-19 Control Room has also been established at the Commissioner Office Karachi.

    This 24/7 operational facility can be reached at 021-99204452, 021-99206565 and 0316-0111712.