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Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister visits PSO House, holds series of high-level meetings
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik accompanied by Zafar Abbas, additional secretary Petroleum, Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), and Director/Deputy Secretary Waqas Ahmed Barlas, visited Pakistan State Oil (PSO) House, Thursday as part of a strategic outreach to key stakeholders in the petroleum sector. They were received by Chairman of the PSO Board of Management, Asif Baig Mohamed, and Abdus Sami, Chief Supply Chain Officer and currently officiating the managing director's office, PSO, along with senior members of the PSO leadership team. During the visit, the federal minister held a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring operational excellence across the sector. The minister engaged with PSO's top management to review the company's performance, supply chain resilience, and automation initiatives. He appreciated PSO for its pivotal role in ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of fuel across the country and the company's ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure and diversify its business model, particularly its forward-looking expansion into renewable energy and emerging segments of the energy market. Malik also met with representatives of the Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC), including Syed Nazir Abbas Zaidi, secretary general, OCAC, members i.e. ZubairShaikh, CEO, Wafi Energy Pakistan, Zahid Mir, MD Pakistan Refinery Limited and Abdus Sami, Chief Supply Chain Officer, PSO. The discussions focused on key industry-wide challenges, regulatory developments, and the need for greater policy alignment to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply chain. In a separate session, the minister met with a delegation from the Petroleum Dealers Association, led by Chairman Abdus Sami Khan, where matters related to dealers' operational challenges and profit margins were brought to the table. The minister assured the dealers that their concerns would be duly considered and addressed through constructive dialogue. 'The government is fully committed to steering Pakistan's energy sector toward greater resilience, sustainability, and innovation. Our focus is on streamlining operations, resolving systemic issues, and fostering a balanced ecosystem that serves consumers and supports economic stability. Enhancing fuel quality, reducing emissions, and advancing the transition to clean energy are central to this vision.' 'In the best interest of the country, all stakeholders must collaborate with a shared commitment to progress. Together, we can build a modern energy sector that meets the evolving needs of our nation.' Malik added. The visit marked a significant step toward enhancing sector-wide collaboration and reinforced the government's commitment to a resilient and people-centred energy framework. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State cabinet approves policy for implementing AI across different sectors
Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy-2025, establishing the state as one of the pioneers in AI-driven governance and innovation in India. The landmark policy introduces the 'Odisha AI Mission' as its cornerstone initiative. Briefing media persons after the cabinet meeting, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja said efforts will be made to create infrastructure needed for promoting AI, besides skilling manpower. "Improvement of administration using AI and promoting AI startups will be among the govt's initiatives under the new policy," he said. The policy framework rests on four key pillars — AI infrastructure, skills development, energy sustainability, and regulatory mechanisms. It aims to accelerate the state's digital transformation while promoting responsible AI adoption across sectors. "The Odisha AI Mission will serve as the apex body for implementing AI initiatives across departments," said a statement issued by the electronics and IT department. The mission will operate through a two-tiered structure, comprising a high-level AI taskforce and an AI cell at the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC). The policy identifies several priority sectors for AI implementation, including healthcare (AI-assisted disease prediction and screening), agriculture (smart irrigation and crop diagnostics), education (multilingual AI tools for personalised learning), disaster management (predictive response systems), and governance (intelligent citizen engagement platforms). Emphasising ethical AI deployment, the policy establishes robust data governance frameworks to prevent misuse and bias. It aligns with national and international standards for secure AI implementation. "This policy positions Odisha as a potential hub for AI-led public innovation and startups," a govt officer said, adding that it complements the objectives of the India AI Mission. State govt expects the policy to catalyse growth in the AI ecosystem, attracting investments and fostering industry-academia collaboration while promoting sustainable and inclusive technological development.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Odisha to train school, college students on emerging technologies, cybersecurity
BHUBANESWAR: The state government has planned to organise special camps for students on emerging technologies and cybersecurity to help them explore career opportunities in advanced fields and sensitise them on safe online practices and data protection. Sources said Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), the technical directorate of the Electronics and IT department, will collaborate with the School and Mass Education (SME) and Higher Education departments for the purpose. OCAC will also rope in an expert agency to organise the training camps at school and college level. An official from OCAC said though emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR), data science, and cybersecurity are redefining career landscape and creating new employment opportunities, a considerable gap pertaining to awareness and preparedness among students regarding these advancements and their career prospects still exists in the state.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Government to raze old OCAC building, set up modern tech business tower
BHUBANESWAR : The state government is planning to demolish the old Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) building and construct a new state-of-the-art Technology Business Tower in its place. Set to be built at a cost of around Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, the mega structure will be equipped with adequate infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration and networking essential for fostering growth of technology-related companies in the city. Apart from the old building OCAC also has a seven-storey building constructed by IDCO at a cost of around Rs 46 crore. Operational since 2014, the facility houses IT, ITeS and ESDM companies in Odisha. It has a total space of 1,57,206 sq ft of super built up area. Considered a major IT hub, it hosts various IT and ITeS companies and also has a dedicated floor for IT/ITeS/ESDM startups with incubatory facilities. OCAC, the technical directorate of Electronics and IT department of the state government, is also functioning from the same building.
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Oil industry assures govt of support amid tensions
Listen to article ISLAMABAD The oil industry has assured the government that it will provide oil supply during this critical period of tension with India. Oil industry officials said that the country has diesel stocks for 35 days, petrol 25 days and furnace oil 152 days. They said that Pakistan had sufficient stocks of jet fuel to meet demand of Pakistan air force to counter offensive launched by India. Oil companies Advisory Council (OCAC) in a letter to DG Oil Petroleum Division offered an expression of support and continued availability of services during critical times. Given the current security situation and its potential impact on energy infrastructure and the oil supply chain, we recognise the immense pressure facing the oil and gas sector, secretary OCAC said in a letter adding that at this critical juncture, when national energy security is paramount, we reaffirm our full commitment to supporting the Government of Pakistan. Our teams are prepared to provide round-the-clock support and are ready to deploy capabilities wherever needed to help ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the oil sector, OCAC said, adding that they remain fully aligned with the Ministry's directives and stand ready to assist whenever called upon. Additionally, we are open to undertaking any special assignments, consultations, or collaborative initiatives that your office may deem necessary, OCAC said, adding, "Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require our assistance." Ali Pervaiz Malik meets Canadian envoy to discuss energy cooperation Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik was called on by Daniel Arsenault, Political and Trade Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission on Wednesday. The discussions focused on opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in clean energy, minerals and geological survey. Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik congratulated Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on assuming office. The meeting explored avenues for collaboration in sustainable energy development. Both sides acknowledged the potential for joint initiatives in clean energy technologies, minerals, enhancing trade between Canada and Pakistan. Minister Malik invited Canadian companies to Pakistan's exploration sector given the huge potential in both onshore and offshore exploration. Canadian Counsellor highlighted the opportunities of cooperation between the Geological Survey of Pakistan and Canada under the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) project. He also extended invitation for the Global Energy Show that happens annually in Canada. Expressing concern over recent escalations between India and Pakistan, Arsenault emphasised the need for restraint to prevent further instability in the region. He underscored Canada's apprehension regarding attacks in densely populated areas and called for calm and better sense to prevail. He expressed hope that the situation will calm down soon. Federal Minister welcomed the Canadian interest in enhancing cooperation with Pakistan. He remarked that Pakistan has made great progress in a short time, and undertook bold steps to strengthen its economy. Pakistan has keen interest in leveraging Canadian expertise and investment to advance its economic transformation goals. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to maintain regular communication to foster mutual understanding and economic cooperation.
