ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has called for ethical use of artificial intelligence by ensuring safety and security of data. Talking here to delegation of Oxford Pakistan Programme from University of Oxford President emphasised on online and open sharing of knowledge and expertise by renowned universities with Pakistani Higher Education Institutions to help improve capacity and capabilities of Pakistani students as per international standards.

 He said exposure of Pakistani students at international institutions, such as Oxford, would help them refine and finetune their ideas, besides helping them achieve their learning goals. President said underscored need for creating linkages between academic research and public policy formulation process by developing and strengthening international collaborations between Pakistani universities and reputed foreign universities.  President appreciated Oxford Pakistan Programme to generate momentum on various Pakistan-related activities at University of Oxford.

 Meeting was informed that Oxford Pakistan Programme is providing scholarships and research grants to economically disadvantaged students belonging to Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab ensuring gender balance, diversity and inclusivity.

Meanwhile, Dr Arif Alvi emphasised need for uniform, comprehensive and all-inclusive facilitation of Differently-Abled Persons (DAPs) for their registration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Talking to NADRA Chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik, President stressed on resolving issues pertaining to issuance of identity cards, provision of healthcare facilities and assessment of their disability level and its nature in hassle-free manner. He said DAPs’ inclusiveness was essential for developing strong and healthy society. President urged need for comprehensive and inclusive awareness campaign at national and provincial levels to eliminate discrimination against DAPs in society and to remove stigmas and stereotypes. He appreciated NADRA for giving free-of-cost services to DAPs, establishing exclusive counters and creating barrier-free access in most of its centres across country. He said that unfortunately DAPs continued to face wide array of issues, including lack of wheelchair-friendly ramps, screen readers, braille, signage and employment opportunities and stressed need for all relevant stakeholders to take measures for extending benefits of modern and Assistive Technology to support them.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 13 2022

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