aigenerated independence day
| |

AI-generated Independence Day song released by Pla…

ISLAMABAD: An AI-generated Independence Day song released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the government’s decision to rely on artificial intelligence instead of showcasing the country’s creative talent.

The song, shared by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on social media, is dedicated to Pakistan’s youth and draws inspiration from the poetry and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, particularly the themes of Khudi (selfhood) and the Shaheen (eagle), symbols of confidence, resilience, and ambition.

In his message accompanying the release, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s future depends on a generation of young people who embrace knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and hard work. He described the song as part of the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, which promotes reforms and development projects under the country’s 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan.

Despite its patriotic message, the AI-produced music video has drawn criticism from artists, commentators, and social media users, many of whom argue that the government missed an opportunity to support Pakistan’s musicians, composers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals. Critics say that celebrating Independence Day with an AI-generated production sends the wrong message at a time when local artists continue to seek greater recognition and opportunities.

The release has also reignited broader discussions about the growing use of artificial intelligence in the creative industry. Many artists around the world have voiced concerns that AI-generated content could reduce opportunities for writers, musicians, actors, and visual creators while raising questions about copyright, digital identity, and fair compensation.

In Pakistan, similar concerns have emerged in recent months as actors and performers have warned about contracts involving AI-generated digital replicas and voice cloning. Industry professionals argue that stronger safeguards are needed to protect artists from unauthorized use of their work and likeness.

The Planning Ministry’s latest campaign has therefore become more than just an Independence Day release. It has evolved into a wider conversation about the balance between embracing new technology and preserving the value of human creativity, with many calling for future national campaigns to highlight the work of Pakistan’s own artists alongside technological innovation.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Arshad Nadeem opts for training in South Africa

    Olympic javelin throw gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has decided to undergo training in South Africa ahead of major international competitions. According to sources, Nadeem will not participate in the Lausanne Diamond League scheduled for August 21. His name had initially been included in the entry list for the event. The Pakistani javelin thrower is now planning to train in South Africa. He has previously completed training camps in the country on two occasions. Sources said Nadeem will travel to South Africa on the first available flight once he receives his visa. He is expected to use the training camp to prepare for his upcoming international assignments. Following his training in South Africa, Nadeem will compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The championship is scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 6 to 14. The event will bring together leading athletes from around the world. Nadeem is also expected to compete at the Asian Games after the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The decision to skip the Lausanne Diamond League is part of his revised competition and training plan. The focus is now on preparing thoroughly for the major championships ahead. Nadeem has emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading athletics stars. He made history by winning the Olympic javelin throw gold medal, becoming a major figure in Pakistan’s international sporting success. His planned training stint in South Africa is expected to provide him with an opportunity to work on his technique, strength and overall competition preparation before returning to international action.

  • |

    Amanda Knox defends comedy show after backlash from Meredith Kercher’s sister

    Amanda Knox is standing by her Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, pushing back against claims from Meredith Kercher’s sister that the performance trivializes violence against women. Knox, 39, was convicted and later acquitted of murdering her British roommate Kercher in Italy 19 years ago. She took to Instagram on Thursday to say her show “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory” and “calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.” The show, titled “Cartwheel,” debuted Friday evening and runs for 11 nights straight at the Scottish festival. Its title nods to a widely repeated claim that Knox did cartwheels at the police station after Kercher’s death. The show is being pitched as the story of a woman nearing forty, balancing motherhood while finally processing her wrongful imprisonment. The backlash follows a BBC interview with Kercher’s sister, Stephanie, who said the show “normalizes and trivializes violence against women.” She acknowledged that Knox is free to live her life however she chooses, but argued that turning this particular story into comedy crosses a line. Stephanie stressed that her objection is not about guilt or innocence. She said the same discomfort would apply even if someone else were behind the show, though she admitted it stings more knowing it’s Knox herself. She said she feels strongly that the project shouldn’t be given a platform at all. An online petition demanding the show’s cancellation has gathered more than 4,400 signatures so far. It accuses the show of mocking the tragedy surrounding Kercher’s death and turning it into entertainment. Knox has previously defended the project in other interviews too. She told The Telegraph she believes Kercher would have “appreciated” the show, calling it an honest look at what it means to be a young woman, and even guessed her late roommate would have found parts of it funny. Despite the criticism, Knox appears set on moving forward with the run as planned. The show continues through the rest of its scheduled dates in Edinburgh, with public reaction still divided over whether the format is appropriate for such a painful and personal subject. For now, the controversy has added extra attention to a performance that was already drawing curiosity given Knox’s unusual path from headline-making legal saga to stand-up stage.

  • | |

    Heavy rains trigger flooding in Chilas, 6 killed a…

    CHILAS: Torrential rains triggered flooding in Chilas, disrupting daily life, damaging farmland, and claiming lives as severe weather continued to affect several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Floodwaters inundated streams and water channels, causing widespread destruction to agricultural land and crops. Authorities also closed the Babusar Road to all traffic after floodwaters made the route unsafe for travel. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), six people have lost their lives and another six have been injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 29. The agency said at least 65 houses have also been damaged. Rain-related emergencies were reported in Abbottabad, Peshawar, Swat, Buner, Khyber, Chitral and several other districts, where rescue and relief efforts remain underway. Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore reported that low-level flooding continues at the Kalabagh, Chashma and Guddu barrages along the Indus River, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving situation.

  • | | |

    Gastroenteritis and Cholera cases rise in Lahore 

      Gastroenteritis and cholera cases have started emerging in Lahore and surrounding areas, raising concerns about the quality of drinking water, food hygiene and sanitation in the city. Health officials have reported a significant number of patients suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses at basic health centres, dispensaries and district health units across Lahore. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Health Lahore, Dr Asif Niazi, said that gastroenteritis cases were being reported at basic health centres, dispensaries and district health units. According to him, approximately 7,000 people were affected by gastroenteritis during the month of July. Dr Niazi further revealed that basic health centres were receiving an average of 271 gastroenteritis patients every day. He said that a significant proportion of those affected were children, with most patients falling between the ages of five and 10. The increasing number of cases has also been observed at major teaching hospitals in Lahore. Senior Medical Officer Dr Mustafa Kamal said that patients suffering from gastroenteritis and cholera were being brought to teaching hospitals for treatment. He stated that Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was receiving between 150 and 200 such patients within a 24-hour period. According to Dr Kamal, a high incidence of dysentery is one of the major symptoms associated with cholera. He added that cholera cases were also being reported in the emergency department and outpatient department of Mayo Hospital. The health officials have linked the rise in gastrointestinal diseases to unsafe drinking water and unhygienic food. Senior Medical Officer Dr Kazim said that contaminated water was one of the major factors contributing to the spread of cholera and other gastrointestinal illnesses. He also warned against consuming food sold by roadside vendors, saying that unhygienic food from carts and stalls could increase the risk of cholera and diarrhoea. According to the medical officer, ice sold in local markets could also be a potential source of contamination and may contribute to the spread of cholera and diarrhoea. Health experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of clean drinking water, proper sanitation and food hygiene in preventing waterborne diseases. Gastroenteritis can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration, while cholera can become particularly dangerous if severe dehydration is not treated promptly. The situation is particularly concerning for children, who can become dehydrated quickly after repeated episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting. With most reported gastroenteritis patients reportedly between five and 10 years of age, health authorities and families may need to pay particular attention to children’s water and food consumption. Residents have been advised to take precautions by drinking safe and properly treated water, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding food and beverages prepared under unhygienic conditions. Particular caution may also be necessary when purchasing ice, as contaminated water used in its preparation can potentially transmit waterborne infections. The rising number of cases has highlighted the need for improved monitoring of drinking-water sources, food outlets and roadside vendors in Lahore and its surrounding areas. Authorities may also need to strengthen public awareness campaigns about preventive measures and ensure that affected patients have timely access to medical treatment. With thousands of cases reported in July and hospitals continuing to receive patients, health officials are closely monitoring the situation. Ensuring access to clean water and safe food remains essential to controlling the spread of gastroenteritis, cholera and other waterborne diseases across Lahore.

  • | |

    Rabya Kulsoom demands action over leaked drama footage

    KARACHI: Pakistani actor Rabya Kulsoom has called for stronger measures against the unauthorised release of footage from television drama sets, saying such leaks should carry legal consequences. The actor raised the issue after unreleased footage from the popular drama Zanjeerain appeared online. The clip reportedly features actors Sajal Ali and Danyal Zafar in a scene that had not yet been broadcast. Kulsoom stressed that actors and production teams should have control over how material recorded on a drama set is used or shared. She argued that private conversations, behind-the-scenes moments and scenes connected to future storylines should not be circulated without consent. In a social media post, the actor urged production houses and television channels to introduce stricter rules to prevent unauthorised recordings from reaching the public. She said repeated leaks could create problems for actors, directors, writers and other members of a production team. According to her, sharing sensitive set material without permission can affect both the privacy of those involved and the impact of an upcoming storyline. Actor Usman Javed, who is also part of Zanjeerain, criticised the leak and questioned how the footage was obtained. He called on those responsible to stop sharing unauthorised material, saying such actions undermine the efforts of the entire cast and crew. The incident has also drawn reactions from viewers, with several fans supporting calls for greater protection of unreleased drama content and actors’ privacy. The leak comes as Zanjeerain approaches its conclusion. The drama has so far aired 29 episodes, with eight episodes remaining before the finale. With several major developments still expected in the remaining episodes, the unauthorised release of footage has raised concerns that future plot points could be revealed before their scheduled broadcast.

  • |

    Pakistan shooters bag 13 medals at British Open

    LONDON: Pakistan’s national shooting team delivered an impressive performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, winning 13 medals, including seven gold medals. The team was led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez. Pakistan competed with a relatively small contingent compared with several other participating countries but still produced strong results. The F-Class British Open was held from August 3 to 8 in Bisley, United Kingdom. Around 185 elite shooters from 24 countries took part in the prestigious international competition. Pakistan participated with a 12-member shooting team. Despite the limited size of the contingent, Pakistani shooters produced notable results in both individual and aggregate events. The team secured a total of 13 medals. These included seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals. The performance highlighted the consistency and competitive ability of Pakistani shooters against some of the world’s experienced F-Class rifle competitors. The British Open was also considered an important preparation event for the 7th F-Class World Championship. The world championship is being held in Bisley from August 10 to 16. Following their strong showing at the British Open, Pakistani shooters are now competing at the world championship. They are facing some of the leading teams and top shooters from around the world. Officials associated with the team said the results at the British Open demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in long-range competitive rifle shooting. They said Pakistani shooters have shown that they can compete successfully at the highest international level. The national team, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, will now aim to build on its medal-winning performance at the F-Class World Championship.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *