sindh launch facial
| |

Sindh to launch facial recognition attendance syst…

KARACHI: The Sindh government is set to introduce a facial recognition-based attendance system in government schools across six districts from August 17, aiming to strengthen staff monitoring and improve teacher availability for students.

The Facial Recognition Attendance Monitoring and Evaluation System (FRAMES) will initially be launched as a pilot project, with one district selected from each division. The system will monitor attendance of both teaching and non-teaching staff through a digital mobile application.

The pilot phase will cover Karachi East, Hyderabad, Naushehro Feroze, Jacobabad, Ghotki and Umerkot, with attendance of around 49,565 employees to be monitored through the system.

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said the initiative would gradually be expanded to all districts if the pilot proves successful. He said the application had been designed to be user-friendly, while a mechanism had also been established to identify and resolve technical issues promptly.

The minister said FRAMES was not merely an attendance tool but was intended to ensure students have access to teachers during school hours. Staff members will be able to record attendance using their own phones or those of a headmaster or colleague.

The system will also function without an internet connection, with attendance data automatically updated once connectivity becomes available. Teachers will be required to record both their arrival and departure from school.

Employees will be able to view their attendance records through the application and download monthly reports. The system will also allow teachers to submit leave requests online from home, with approvals processed digitally.

Training for education officials, school heads and teachers has been completed to ensure smooth implementation. The government has also provided special training to school heads to assist staff in using the system.

FRAMES is available on both Android and Apple devices, while employees who have not yet completed registration have been advised to contact the Directorate General Monitoring and Evaluation office to update their records.

Similar Posts

  • PAAM opposes DRAP’s proposed alternative medicine rules 2026

    LAHORE: A covert gambit by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to impose arbitrary regulations on the alternative medicine sector has been laid bare, sparking widespread outrage across the pharmaceutical industry. ​The regulatory body is accused of using an upcoming ‘Pak Health Expo’, organized by an association at a local hotel in Islamabad on August 12–13, as a smokescreen to push through controversial policies. Reliable sources revealed that the final draft of the highly contentious “Alternative Medicines Rules 2026” has already been finalized behind closed doors, completely bypassing key industry stakeholders. According to these sources, the draft has already been forwarded to the Law and Justice Division for formal vetting. Against this backdrop, the industry has termed DRAP’s sudden announcement of a “consultative session” at the expo issued on a mere 48-hour notice as a farcical exercise in paperwork, designed solely to create a false record of stakeholder consensus. Insiders further alleged that top DRAP officials had been cold-calling homeopathic and Unani pharmaceutical firms over the past several days, pressuring them to purchase expensive stalls worth hundreds of thousands of rupees at the private event. Following a widespread boycott of the expo by established manufacturers, DRAP reportedly engineered the controversial regulatory session within the event to corner the industry into participation. Reacting strongly to the development, Kashif Aslam Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Alternative Medicine (PAAM), categorically rejected DRAP’s maneuvers, stating that the leadership had anticipated the bureaucratic trap. ​”When the final draft has already been sent to the Law and Justice Division for vetting, this sudden drama of a consultative session at a private venue is nothing but an absolute mockery,” Malik questioned while speaking to journalists. The PAAM chairman emphasized that leaning on private event platforms to legitimize sensitive, sector-defining legislation is clear evidence of regulatory bad faith. He maintained that if DRAP were genuinely sincere about consultation, it would have convened an official, independent roundtable with all veteran associations where the actual draft could be scrutinized transparently. The PAAM leadership has announced that any back-door attempt to benefit a favored private group or to bulldoze industry-hostile clauses under the guise of an expo crowd will be resisted tooth and nail. Kashif Aslam ​Malik reiterated that this persistent bureaucratic high-handedness and regulatory blackmail are precisely why PAAM continues to spearhead the movement for a dedicated, independent federal ministry for alternative medicine. The association demands that policies governing traditional and alternative health sciences be framed by domain experts who understand the discipline, rather than traditional regulators.

  • |

    Pakistan refineries ready to sign long-delayed upgrade agreements 

    Pakistan’s oil refineries have agreed to move ahead with long-delayed agreements for upgrading their ageing plants, even as they continue to raise objections over a new financial penalty linked to the petroleum policy. Under the revised arrangement, refineries will be required to surrender 2.5 percent of the deemed duty retained on diesel for the period of delay. Industry representatives have termed the condition unfair, arguing that the delays were largely beyond their control and should not result in a financial burden on the refineries. Despite the disagreement over the penalty, refinery companies have indicated that they do not intend to hold up the signing of the agreements and are prepared to proceed with the modernization programme. The government’s Brownfield Refinery Policy, originally approved in August 2023, was introduced to encourage investment in the modernization and expansion of Pakistan’s existing refining capacity. The policy has subsequently been amended twice in an effort to address implementation issues and facilitate investment in the sector. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has indicated that the long-pending agreements will be finalized shortly, while officials in the Petroleum Division are expecting the documents to be signed by the end of August. Agreements to Be Signed With ISGS A key change under the revised mechanism is that the upgrade agreements will now be executed with Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS), which operates under the Petroleum Division. Previously, the agreements were expected to be concluded through the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The change in the implementing entity is part of the government’s efforts to move the refinery-upgrade programme forward after delays in finalizing the contractual framework. Industry representatives, however, have maintained that refinery companies had already taken substantial steps to comply with the earlier arrangements and should not be penalized for delays that occurred afterward. Refineries Object to 2.5% Penalty Adil Khattak, Chief Executive Officer of Attock Refinery Limited and Chairperson of the Energy Committee of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Attock Refinery and National Refinery had completed several important formalities ahead of the previous deadline of October 22, 2024. According to Khattak, the companies had initialed agreements with Ogra, secured approval from their respective boards and arranged Rs1 billion bank guarantees each as part of the requirements. He said the companies were nevertheless being asked under the revised arrangement to surrender 2.5 percent of the deemed duty retained on diesel for the period between the previous deadline and the signing of the new agreements. The financial implications could be substantial. Khattak said Attock Refinery alone could face a penalty of around Rs7.5 million for every day of delay, increasing the industry’s concerns over the cost of the prolonged implementation process. Refineries argue that imposing the financial charge is inappropriate because they had already completed the required formalities within the earlier timeframe and were not responsible for subsequent delays in finalizing the agreements. Draft Agreements Circulated The Petroleum Division has now circulated draft upgrade agreements among the refineries, marking another step towards implementation of the long-delayed modernization programme. Officials are expected to hold further consultations with the Ministry of Finance, Controller of Accounts and ISGS before the agreements are finalized. Although refinery companies have reservations about the penalty clause, industry representatives have indicated that the disagreement will not prevent them from signing the agreements. The refineries are instead seeking a resolution of the financial issue separately while allowing the broader modernization programme to proceed. Upgrade Seen as Critical for Energy Security The modernization of Pakistan’s refining sector has gained greater importance as the country remains heavily dependent on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand. Khattak estimated that delays in upgrading local refineries are costing Pakistan approximately $1.5 billion annually through additional fuel imports and the resulting foreign exchange outflows. Industry officials argue that upgrading domestic plants would allow refineries to produce a greater proportion of higher-value petroleum products while reducing dependence on imports. The issue has also acquired greater significance amid repeated disruptions and uncertainty in international energy markets. Greater domestic refining capacity and improved processing technology could provide Pakistan with an additional buffer against external supply shocks and volatile global fuel prices. Attock Refinery Moves Toward Financing Attock Refinery has already made considerable progress on the technical side of its proposed modernization project. The company has largely completed its front-end engineering and design work and has begun discussions with banks to arrange financing for the planned investment. The next stage will depend on the finalization of the government agreement and the completion of financing arrangements. For Pakistan, the successful implementation of the brownfield refinery upgrade programme could help improve domestic fuel production, reduce import dependence and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. However, industry stakeholders say timely decisions on the remaining contractual and financial issues will be essential if the government wants to avoid further delays in a programme that was originally launched several years ago.

  • | |

    Lahore Metro Bus shutdown averted

    The Lahore Metro Bus service will continue operating after a possible shutdown was avoided following talks between the service operator and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA). The operator, VEDA, had raised financial and other concerns that had created uncertainty over the future of the mass transit service. PMTA General Manager Operations Uzair Shah said the authority was seriously considering VEDA’s demands. He said negotiations were continuing to address the company’s concerns. According to the official, there was no immediate threat to the Metro Bus operation, and commuters would continue to receive transport services as usual. The two sides are expected to hold another round of discussions on Tuesday. The meeting will focus on resolving VEDA’s outstanding demands and finding a workable solution to the issues between the operator and the authority. The development has provided relief to thousands of passengers who rely on the Lahore Metro Bus for daily travel across the city. Officials hope that the ongoing negotiations will lead to an agreement and prevent any disruption to the service in the future.

  • |

    Cotton prices rise further across Pakistan

      Cotton prices have continued their upward movement in Pakistan, with rates increasing by Rs500 per maund as the market remains firm amid changing supply and demand conditions. According to Ehsan-ul-Haq, chairman of the Exchange Ginners Forum (EGF), the price of cotton in Punjab has risen to Rs19,300 per maund, while rates in Sindh have reached Rs18,400 per maund. The latest increase highlights the continued volatility in the domestic cotton market, where prices have been fluctuating in response to market activity and the availability of quality cotton. Ginners and traders are closely monitoring the situation as changes in supply and buying interest continue to influence prices across major cotton-producing regions. Punjab and Sindh remain key cotton-producing areas in the country, and movements in prices in these provinces often have a direct impact on the wider textile and agricultural sectors. The textile industry, one of Pakistan’s major economic sectors, relies heavily on a steady supply of locally produced cotton to meet the demand for yarn and other textile products. Ehsan-ul-Haq said the market could experience further fluctuations in the coming days. He noted that cotton prices may remain sensitive to changes in supply, demand and overall trading activity. Market participants are now watching developments closely to assess whether the recent rise will continue or whether prices will stabilise after the latest increase. Any significant change in cotton availability or buying trends could lead to further movement in rates, adding to uncertainty for growers, ginners, traders and textile manufacturers. The latest price increase comes at a time when stakeholders across the cotton supply chain are keeping a close eye on market conditions. Further developments in domestic trading activity are expected to determine the direction of cotton prices in the near term.

  • |

    Zelensky alleges Russia shared satellite intelligence with Iran to target US bases

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of helping Iran identify US military positions in the Gulf by providing satellite intelligence, adding another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between Moscow, Tehran, and Kyiv. His remarks come as Ukraine and Iran exchange fresh accusations following an attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. In a statement shared on social media, Zelensky claimed that Ukraine had observed increased Russian satellite monitoring of Gulf countries and American military installations since the beginning of July. According to him, the satellite images were later used by Iran, with a noticeable connection between the timing of the surveillance and Iranian attacks. He alleged that the imagery was gathered before strikes to assist with planning and then again afterward to evaluate the extent of the damage. While Zelensky did not release evidence to support the claim, he insisted the pattern was clear and significant. The allegations surfaced shortly after Ukraine announced a series of long range military operations in the Caspian Sea. Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had successfully struck vessels carrying military cargo linked to Iran as well as a warship. Ukrainian intelligence later stated that drones had targeted sanctioned cargo ships allegedly involved in transporting military equipment between Iran and Russia. The operation marked one of Kyiv’s most direct actions against assets connected to Tehran and reflected Ukraine’s growing willingness to challenge countries it believes are supporting Russia’s war effort. Iran reacted strongly to the reported strikes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine’s senior diplomat in Tehran to protest what it described as a hostile and unlawful attack. Iranian officials said one sailor was killed and several others were injured when a commercial vessel exploded following the strike. The ministry rejected any suggestion that Iran had played a role in the war between Russia and Ukraine and insisted the country had remained outside the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the attack, describing it as a serious violation of the United Nations Charter. He claimed the operation had been carried out to advance Israeli interests and accused Kyiv of trying to draw Europe deeper into the regional conflict. Araghchi said he had discussed the matter with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, warning that Iran would not allow the incident to pass without a response. Zelensky’s latest accusations regarding Russian support for Iran are not entirely new. Earlier reports citing US officials claimed that Moscow had shared intelligence with Tehran about American military positions in the Middle East during the recent conflict involving Iran and the United States. Those reports also suggested that China could have played a supporting role, although no public evidence has confirmed those claims. The issue has also created mixed messages within the US government. During a congressional hearing, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that Russia and China were helping Iran in different ways. He said there was clear cooperation among American rivals but declined to discuss the full extent of that support, arguing that the details should remain classified for security reasons. Only days later, however, President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with that assessment. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he did not believe Russia or China had assisted Iran. He stated that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him they were not involved in supporting Iranian military operations. Despite those conflicting views, Zelensky maintained that Russian satellite activity offered direct evidence of cooperation. He specifically pointed to satellite surveillance conducted on July 19 and 20, claiming Russian satellites closely monitored four air bases used by the United States in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. According to the Ukrainian leader, the timing of those observations raised serious concerns about Russia’s role in helping Iran monitor American military assets in the region.

  • |

    Vikas Gupta reignites feud with Shilpa Shinde on Lock Upp

    The long-running tension between television personalities Vikas Gupta and Shilpa Shinde resurfaced during the finale week of Lock Upp, reigniting memories of their widely discussed rivalry from Bigg Boss 11. While the two have shared a strained relationship for years, their latest on-screen confrontation once again became one of the most talked-about moments of the reality show. As part of a special task during the finale week, Vikas Gupta entered the show and directly addressed Shilpa Shinde over comments she had made earlier in the season. Instead of offering support, Vikas strongly criticized her behavior and accused her of repeatedly spreading negativity. During the heated exchange, Vikas questioned Shilpa’s conduct, saying she had made offensive remarks about fellow contestant Shivangi and had also made inappropriate comments involving actor Ram Kapoor. He argued that her statements crossed the line and were not harmless jokes, adding that such behavior reflected a pattern that had not changed over the years. The confrontation became more intense when Vikas accused Shilpa of discussing another person’s private life and virginity on national television. He expressed disappointment over the topic being brought into public conversation and said such discussions should never be used for entertainment. According to him, personal matters deserve respect, regardless of disagreements between contestants. Vikas also criticized content creator Shreya Kalra, who had supported Shilpa during the earlier conversation. He questioned why others chose to back remarks that he believed were inappropriate and disrespectful. Shilpa, however, defended herself during the exchange. She explained that the information she referred to had already been circulating on social media and claimed she was only repeating what she had come across online. According to Shilpa, she was merely stating what she believed to be true, leaving it up to viewers to interpret her comments as they wished. Despite her explanation, the incident sparked fresh debate among viewers, with many discussing the limits of personal commentary in reality television. Social media users remained divided, with some supporting Vikas’ stance that contestants should avoid discussing private matters, while others believed Shilpa was simply referring to publicly available rumors. The clash also reminded fans of the bitter rivalry that began during Bigg Boss 11, where the two contestants frequently locked horns throughout the season. Although Shilpa Shinde went on to win the show, her relationship with Vikas Gupta never appeared to recover, and the latest confrontation suggested that their differences remain unresolved. As Lock Upp approaches its finale, the emotional exchange has added another layer of drama to the competition. Whether the confrontation will influence audience opinion or remain just another chapter in the duo’s long-standing feud remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly become one of the standout moments of the season.

Leave a Reply

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