ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to tighten measures against individuals traveling abroad on fake documents.
A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain resulted in several key decisions.
Authorities resolved to make the issuance of Protector documents foolproof and implement reforms in the immigration system to facilitate travelers. Federal ministers have been asked to submit final recommendations within seven days.
The meeting also directed a crackdown on individuals and agent networks involved in the fake visa trade.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the launch of a pilot AI-based app to prevent illegal immigration, stating that the system will identify who is eligible to travel and who is not.
He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against fake visas and agent mafias, ensuring that deported individuals cannot obtain new visas once their passports are canceled. Additionally, a standardized international driving license will be issued through the National Police Bureau.
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that illegal travel harms Pakistan’s global reputation, and the immigration reforms aim to facilitate citizens while improving the country’s international standing.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed that labor visa holders must possess authentic documents and assured full support from the ministry to strengthen the Protector and immigration systems.
ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to establish a Cyber Security Authority at the federal level to bolster national digital security.
As per available information, the Ministry of Information Technology has finalized the preliminary draft of the Cyber Security Act and circulated it among key stakeholders for their feedback and consultation.
The Ministry stated that the National Cyber Security Policy provides a nationwide framework for digital security, and its implementation is underway under the Digital Economy Enhancement Program.
The IT Ministry document said that progress has been made on Secure Data Exchange Layer, Digital Identity projects, while data from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) and Telecom have been identified as critical digital infrastructure.
According to officials, the authority will recommend cyber security measures for critical national infrastructure while the Cyber Security Authority will implement cyber security measures in the country.
LONDON: More than 119,000 cars were reported stolen in the United Kingdom in 2024, averaging nearly 320 vehicles per day, according to international news agencies.
Authorities attribute the surge largely to modern keyless car technology, which allows thieves to intercept electronic signals and steal vehicles within minutes using specialized devices.
In response, the UK government has introduced stricter laws. Possessing or sharing such electronic devices is now considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.
The rise in vehicle theft has sparked concerns among car owners, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and public awareness campaigns regarding keyless entry vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that 257,000 British citizens left the country in 2024.
Media reports indicate that the UK’s net migration last year was 20% lower than expected, with December 2024 figures dropping to 34,500.
Previously, net migration estimates were based on international passenger surveys, but the ONS now uses revised calculations derived from Department for Work and Pensions data.
The report also highlighted an increase in citizens returning to the UK, with the number of returnees reaching 143,000.
Experts say the trends reflect changing migration patterns and could influence future policymaking regarding workforce, social services, and residency planning.
ISLAMABAD: The government has announced plans to roll out 30 free Wi-Fi hotspots across Islamabad by December 2025, aiming to improve public access to high-speed internet.
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, stating that work on the project is progressing rapidly and the facilities will be fully operational within the stipulated timeframe.
Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s broader policy to strengthen digital infrastructure in the country.
The free hotspots will be installed near key public areas, markets, and government buildings in Islamabad to provide citizens and students with convenient access to high-speed internet.
The NTC further noted that it currently provides services, including cybersecurity support, to over 3,000 public and private institutions across more than 100 cities nationwide.
Authorities added that the free Wi-Fi project is an important step toward making Islamabad a technology-friendly city and improving digital accessibility for residents.
LAHORE: A software engineer from Lahore, Muhammad Usman Bashir, has developed an innovative artificial intelligence-based software aimed at saving both time and capital in the telecommunications sector.
The software provides a low-cost conversational agent for telecom services, which can be integrated with WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) capabilities for real-time interaction. This integration allows efficient, cost-effective communication solutions for businesses and service providers.
Muhammad Usman Bashir was recently honored with the WebRTC Excellence Award of Asia at the TechNext Summit in Dubai, competing against 80 applications from countries including India, China, and other parts of Asia.
In addition to the AI conversational agent, Bashir has also developed a conference architecture that enhances synchronization in multi-room audio calls, further improving the efficiency and quality of real-time communications.
Abu Dhabi: The first successful flight of a domestically manufactured helicopter has been completed in Abu Dhabi.
The helicopter can carry up to 250 kilograms over a distance of 700 kilometers. The Abu Dhabi government announced that the aircraft will be used primarily for delivery purposes. Its advanced hybrid engine allows it to operate using both electricity and fuel, and the helicopter has been entirely manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
In addition, driverless vehicles are now operational in Abu Dhabi, with regular commercial services having officially started. This development makes Abu Dhabi the first city in the Middle East to operate autonomous vehicles commercially, with two Chinese companies providing the driverless cars.
DUBAI: Dubai has successfully conducted the first test flight of its air taxi, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s futuristic transportation plans.
The UAE government announced that the air taxi service is expected to be operational for the public by 2026.
The test flight took off from the desert area of Margham, connecting Dubai and Al Ain, and landed at Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai.
Officials stated that the electric air taxi can fly at speeds of up to 320 km/h, accommodate four passengers, and is designed to be environmentally friendly with reduced noise levels.
Further experimental flights are planned over urban areas, and Skyports Company is developing the first air taxi station near Dubai International Airport to facilitate the upcoming service.
KARACHI: The two-day Maritime Conference formally commenced as part of the ongoing Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) at the Karachi Expo Centre. Global experts in maritime affairs are presenting research papers and sharing insights on the growth potential of the maritime sector.
According to organizers, a total of 176 exhibitors, including 28 international and 150 local companies, are showcasing their products and innovations at the event.
A two-day Maritime Conference has also begun as part of PIMEC, where global experts in maritime affairs will present research papers and discuss key developments in the sector.
Among the international participants, Iran’s pavilion has become a major attraction for visitors, while Türkiye has also set up its own display at the exhibition.
The primary objective of hosting PIMEC is to promote the Blue Economy and encourage growth in maritime trade and industry in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, addressing the conference via Zoom from Islamabad, congratulated the Pakistan Navy and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for successfully organizing the international event.
Aurangzeb said it was encouraging to see the international maritime conference being held in Pakistan, adding that the Blue Economy could prove to be a game changer for the country’s economic future.
He acknowledged that Pakistan’s economy had temporarily weakened due to recent floods, but noted that “leading global financial institutions are now recognizing Pakistan’s improving economic trajectory.”
The finance minister emphasized that one of the key goals of the maritime conference was to attract foreign investment and highlight the potential of the Blue Economy in strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
“Through the Blue Economy, Pakistan can achieve its future economic targets,” he said, stressing the need to increase exports and ensure affordable energy for sustainable growth.
Aurangzeb assured participants that the government is committed to resolving policy-related challenges associated with the Blue Economy.
Highlighting Pakistan’s recent economic progress, he said that over the past two and a half years, the government has taken concrete steps toward stability, resulting in a sharp decline in inflation and a reduction in policy rates.
He added that three global credit rating agencies have commended Pakistan’s recent economic measures and that strong coordination among ministries is contributing to continued improvement.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed that the Finance Ministry would extend full cooperation to ensure economic stability, noting that Pakistan also enjoys support from friendly countries in promoting trade and investment.
The finance minister expressed confidence that the Blue Economy could revolutionize Pakistan’s economic landscape, pointing to the vast potential in fisheries and aquaculture. He also said that steps are being taken to modernize Karachi, Gwadar, and Port Qasim, further enhancing Pakistan’s maritime capabilities.
Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, visited various stalls at the exhibition and reviewed a range of modern naval and defense equipment on display.
During the visit, he was given a detailed briefing on Pakistan-made defense technologies and warfare systems, highlighting the country’s progress in indigenous defense production.
From AI dating coaches to virtual reality dates, technology isn’t replacing love — it’s redefining how humans connect, communicate, and commit in the 21st century.
Love in the Age of Algorithms
Romance has always adapted to its era — handwritten letters, landline calls, Facebook messages, and now, AI-powered dating. In 2025, technology is not just helping people find love; it’s shaping how relationships begin, evolve, and sometimes end.
According to a Global Relationship Trends Report 2025 by Statista, over 65% of couples worldwide say they met online — a dramatic increase from just 20% a decade ago. Platforms like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder are being joined by new AI-driven apps that use behavioral data, voice tone, and personality analytics to match people beyond mere looks.
“AI can’t make you fall in love, but it can make the journey more meaningful,” says Sophia Alvarez, founder of the relationship-tech startup HeartSync AI.
These apps no longer just swipe — they understand. They suggest conversation starters, detect emotional compatibility, and even schedule mindful “offline time” for couples to build real-world chemistry.
AI Dating Coaches and Emotional Analytics
Artificial Intelligence is now the world’s most unbiased relationship advisor. AI-based “dating coaches” — like FlirtAI, Replika Love, and OpenHeart — provide guidance on emotional communication, dating anxiety, and conflict resolution.
These tools analyze chat histories and behavioral cues to help users become more empathetic and self-aware. For example, they might detect patterns like over-texting, avoidance, or passive-aggressive tone — and gently suggest healthier communication strategies.
While controversial, such systems are becoming popular among Gen Z professionals and digital nomads who want emotionally intelligent partnerships but struggle with time or distance.
Metaverse Marriages and Virtual Love
In 2025, the concept of “real” relationships has expanded. The metaverse — once a gaming space — has become a social frontier. Couples meet in virtual cafes, attend concerts in 3D worlds, and even host digital weddings witnessed by friends through VR headsets.
Japan, South Korea, and the UAE have already recognized metaverse marriage ceremonies as symbolic unions. Pakistani tech developers, too, are entering the space — creating Urdu and South-Asian-themed virtual venues where diaspora couples celebrate cross-border love stories.
Though critics argue this digital intimacy lacks authenticity, supporters say it transcends geography, culture, and physical limitations. Love, they argue, has always been a meeting of minds — not just bodies.
The Globalization of Intimacy
Technology has made love borderless. A Pakistani student can now date someone in Brazil via Tandem, a cultural-exchange app turned global dating hub. Translation AI eliminates language barriers; time-zone calendars synchronize schedules.
The result? Cross-cultural relationships are at an all-time high. According to Pew Research Center (2025), nearly 1 in 5 international marriages began as online connections. Social media, video calls, and shared digital experiences have created what psychologists call “hyperconnected intimacy” — deep bonds formed through constant online presence.
However, experts also warn of “digital fatigue” — the pressure to be always available. The healthiest couples, they say, mix tech convenience with intentional offline time.
Ethics, Privacy, and the Future of Love
As technology evolves, so do moral questions. Who owns the data of your most private conversations? Can AI predict breakups before they happen? Should chatbots replace companionship?
In 2025, relationship privacy is a top concern. Apps like Bumble and OkCupid now offer encrypted chat modes and auto-delete timers for intimate content. Startups are also working on AI consent tools — verifying emotional readiness before sharing sensitive data or images.
This growing emphasis on digital ethics shows that the future of love is not just algorithmic — it’s accountable.
Human Connection Still Wins
Despite the gadgets and algorithms, one truth remains timeless — humans crave real connection. Technology can simulate affection, but it cannot replace the heartbeat of empathy, touch, and trust.
Relationship psychologist Dr. Adeel Rahman says,
“Technology has upgraded how we meet, but not why we love. The essence remains emotional safety and shared growth.”
Whether through an app, a VR headset, or an in-person smile — love continues to evolve, proving that in every age, it finds a way.
From AI governance to green computing, the world’s biggest tech trends of 2025 offer a roadmap for how Pakistan can accelerate its digital transformation.
The year 2025 is defining a new global tech era — one shaped by artificial intelligence, climate tech, and data-driven innovation. Across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, companies are investing billions in technologies that make economies smarter, faster, and more sustainable. For Pakistan, these shifts present valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
Industry analysts highlight five global trends that Pakistan’s digital economy must align with:
1️⃣ AI for Public Sector Efficiency – Governments worldwide are adopting AI to streamline services and policymaking. Pakistan’s provincial departments can replicate these models to improve governance and reduce red tape. 2️⃣ Climate Tech Startups – With sustainability at the forefront, global tech giants are moving toward renewable and circular systems. Pakistani startups in green energy and recycling are beginning to mirror this shift. 3️⃣ Fintech Evolution – The rise of open banking, e-wallets, and digital currencies globally underscores the need for Pakistan’s financial regulators to speed up digital inclusion reforms. 4️⃣ Remote Work & Skill Tech – Hybrid work, digital education, and skill-based hiring are redefining how economies function — creating new employment pathways for Pakistan’s youth. 5️⃣ Cybersecurity & Data Protection – As data breaches rise globally, Pakistan’s IT sector must prioritize stronger privacy laws and cyber resilience frameworks.
Experts from the Global Innovation Index note that developing economies that adapt these lessons early will capture future growth. For Pakistan, bridging policy gaps and investing in tech education are the keys to joining the digital mainstream.
