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  • Oxford study warns against using AI chatbots for medical advice

    Oxford study warns against using AI chatbots for medical advice

    Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots to seek medical advice can expose patients to risks, a new study has found.

    The research concluded that AI tools used for medical decision-making frequently produce inaccurate and inconsistent information, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate advice. The study was conducted by researchers from the Oxford Internet Institute and the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford and was published in the journal Nature Medicine.

    The findings raise concerns as large language model-based chatbots are increasingly used by people seeking guidance on symptoms and possible health conditions.

    Dr Rebecca Payne, a general practitioner and co-author of the study, said that the research showed that AI systems are not ready to function as a substitute for medical professionals. “Despite all the hype, AI just isn’t ready to take on the role of the physician,” she said.

    She cautioned that people who rely on AI-generated medical responses may be put at risk. “Patients need to be aware that asking a large language model about their symptoms can be dangerous, giving wrong diagnoses and failing to recognise when urgent help is needed,” Dr Payne added.


    As part of the study, researchers asked nearly 1,300 participants to assess a series of health-related scenarios. Participants were required to identify possible conditions and decide what action should be taken.

    Some participants used AI tools powered by large language models to receive suggested diagnoses and guidance on next steps, while others relied on traditional methods, including consulting a GP.

    Researchers evaluated the responses and found that AI-generated advice often combined correct information with incorrect or misleading guidance. The study noted that many users struggled to determine which parts of the information provided by the AI could be trusted.

    Although the study found that AI chatbots perform well in standardised medical knowledge tests, researchers said this did not translate into safe or reliable use in real-world health situations. The research warned that using AI systems to assess personal medical symptoms could place users at risk.

    “These findings highlight the difficulty of building AI systems that can genuinely support people in sensitive, high-stakes areas like health,” Dr Payne said.

    The study’s lead author, Andrew Bean of the Oxford Internet Institute said that the results demonstrated ongoing limitations in how AI systems interact with people.

  • ‘Do you want me to say Asim Azhar’: Hania responds to question on favourite singer

    ‘Do you want me to say Asim Azhar’: Hania responds to question on favourite singer

    Hania Aamir sparked a social media frenzy after delivering a sharp five-word response to a question about her favourite singer during a recent public interaction.

    The moment, now widely shared by entertainment portals, came when an audience member asked the actress about her favourite singer and the possibility of a future collaboration. Instead of giving a predictable answer, Hania leaned toward the microphone, smiled, and said, “Do you want me to say Asim Azhar?”

    Her response drew loud laughter and cheers from the crowd. Within hours, the clip spread across social media, with fans applauding her confidence and carefree attitude.

    The remark has reignited speculation about her connection with singer Asim Azhar. Interest in their past relationship resurfaced after Asim confirmed his separation from Merub Ali last year, prompting fans to closely track any signs of renewed contact between the two stars.

    Online chatter intensified recently after fans noticed that Hania and Asim wore similar black sweaters in separate social media posts. The coincidence added fuel to reunion rumours that continue to circulate online.

    Speculation escalated further after some fans began predicting a possible Ramadan 2026 nikkah. The talk gained traction when Hania jokingly mentioned a “Dopahar Jummah” wedding date responding a comment that quickly went viral.

    Reports have also claimed that both celebrities attended the same Qawwali night in Lahore but avoided appearing together in photographs. However, neither Hania nor Asim has addressed or confirmed any reconciliation.

    Hania continues to enjoy a strong run professionally. She remains Pakistan’s most-followed celebrity on Instagram with more than 19 million followers. Her drama Meri Zindagi Hai Tu recently crossed 1.35 billion views on YouTube, underlining its popularity in Pakistan and abroad.

    She also made her Indian Punjabi cinema debut in the horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3, which released on June 27, 2025. Although the film did not receive a theatrical release in India, it performed exceptionally well internationally and emerged as a major hit in Pakistan, placing it among the highest-grossing Punjabi films to date.

    Asim Azhar, meanwhile, continues to maintain his presence on the music charts, with several successful releases keeping him firmly in the spotlight.

  • CM Maryam Nawaz announces Rs10bn for Balochistan, calls for unity against terrorism

    CM Maryam Nawaz announces Rs10bn for Balochistan, calls for unity against terrorism

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced Rs10 billion in assistance for Balochistan during a one-day official visit to Quetta, pledging “every possible” support for the province and calling for national unity and inter-provincial coordination to counter terrorism.


    Her visit comes amid heightened security in Balochistan following a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across multiple locations on January 31. In response to the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the provincial government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan for one month.

    During a meeting with Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Maryam said that she was pleased that her first visit to the province as Punjab chief minister was to Quetta. She praised the people of Balochistan for their resilience and what she described as their deep attachment to Pakistan.

    “We are with Balochistan,” CM Maryam said, stressing that terrorism could only be defeated through national unity. She added that the Punjab government would extend “every possible” support to help the province overcome its challenges and said that the government wanted to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan.

    CM Bugti welcomed Maryam to the province and described Punjab’s announcement of Rs10 billion in support for security forces as a “positive and commendable step.” He said the government and opposition in Balochistan were united on public welfare and emphasised that national unity was essential in the fight against terrorism.

    According to a statement issued by the Balochistan government, Bugti received Maryam at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. “The two leaders discussed peace, public welfare and development in Balochistan, and signalled a joint commitment by the government and opposition to work together on the province’s priorities,” the statement said. It added that both chief ministers agreed that ending terrorism was only possible through national unity and mutual cooperation.

    Earlier, Maryam was received at Quetta airport by Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, CM Bugti, members of the provincial cabinet and senior officials. After the reception, she attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps headquarters before proceeding to the Governor House, where she met Governor Mandokhail.


    Maryam was accompanied by senior Punjab ministers, including Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari, along with the chief secretary of the province. She is also scheduled to meet families affected by the recent terrorist attacks during the visit and express solidarity with them.


    The visit follows the conclusion of “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan last week, during which security forces carried out coordinated, intelligence-driven operations against what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements.

  • India suffers setback as Abhishek Sharma hospitalised during T20 World Cup

    India suffers setback as Abhishek Sharma hospitalised during T20 World Cup

    Indian opener Abhishek Sharma faces uncertainty ahead of the T20 World Cup match against Namibia after doctors admitted him to hospital with a stomach infection.

    According to Indian media reports, Sharma had been unwell even before the recent match against the United States. Despite the illness, he took the field, but his condition worsened after the game. Doctors noted a high fever and immediately put him on intravenous drips to stabilize him.

    Sharma skipped India’s practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi and later checked into a private hospital in the city. Medical staff are running multiple tests to identify the exact nature of the infection and decide the next course of treatment.

    Sharma got out on the very first ball of the innings and did not return to the field during India’s defensive effort. Sanju Samson replaced him in the field, while Sharma also missed the post-match handshake ceremony.

    India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the situation while speaking to reporters. “Abhishek has some stomach-related issues. We hope he will recover within two days,” he said. However, a BCCI official later told local media that Sharma’s availability for the Namibia game remains doubtful at this stage.

    India received some positive updates on the fitness front. Washington Sundar has rejoined the squad, strengthening the team’s all-round options. Jasprit Bumrah has also resumed bowling after a 10-day break and feels sharper with each session.

    According to media reports, Bumrah recently dealt with a brief fever but has now recovered fully.

  • Master MoltyFoam launches Pakistan’s most advanced AI assistant for smart sleep solutions

    Master MoltyFoam launches Pakistan’s most advanced AI assistant for smart sleep solutions

    Choosing the right mattress has long been a challenging decision for Pakistani consumers. With increasing awareness around sleep health, posture, and back pain, the traditional approach of relying on showroom trials or word-of-mouth recommendations is no longer sufficient. As lifestyles evolve and health concerns become more prominent, technology is beginning to play a meaningful role in how people make sleep-related decisions.

    Master MoltyFoam, widely regarded as one of the best mattress brands in Pakistan, has taken a significant step in this direction by introducing an AI-powered sleep assistant. This launch reflects a broader shift in how established consumer brands are addressing modern problems through intelligent digital solutions.


     

    Why Smart Sleep Solutions Matter More Than Ever

    Modern routines are more sedentary than ever before. Extended screen time, long working hours, and reduced physical activity have contributed to rising cases of back pain and posture-related discomfort. Traditional mattress shopping does not always account for individual needs. Comfort preferences, body weight, sleeping position, and existing pain points vary from person to person, yet most buying decisions are still based on generic recommendations. This gap highlights the need for smarter, more personalized guidance.

    For consumers searching for the best mattress brand for back pain, the lack of tailored advice often leads to trial-and-error purchases. Smart sleep solutions aim to replace this uncertainty with clarity, allowing individuals to make informed choices based on their specific requirements.

     

    Introducing Pakistan’s Most Advanced AI Sleep Assistant

    Master MoltyFoam’s AI assistant has been designed to address these challenges directly. Rather than functioning as a basic chatbot, it serves as a guided decision-support tool focused on sleep health and product suitability.

    The assistant helps users navigate mattress selection by considering factors relevant to Pakistani consumers, including common sleep habits, climate considerations, and prevalent health concerns. By combining these inputs with product knowledge, the system offers recommendations that feel practical and relevant rather than generic.

    How the AI Assistant Works

    The process begins with user inputs that capture key aspects of sleep behavior. These include preferred sleeping position, body weight range, firmness preference, and any existing discomfort such as lower back pain.

    Based on this information, the AI analyzes patterns and aligns them with appropriate mattress features. The output is presented in clear, easy-to-understand terms, ensuring that users are not overwhelmed by technical jargon. The emphasis remains on clarity and confidence, enabling users to move forward with their choice.

     

    Helping Customers Choose the Best Mattress in Pakistan

    One of the most significant advantages of AI-assisted guidance is the elimination of guesswork. Instead of browsing endless product pages, users are directed toward options that match their specific needs.

    This targeted approach saves time and reduces the likelihood of unsuitable purchases. It also reinforces trust, as recommendations are based on logic and personalization rather than promotional emphasis. For a market searching for the best mattress brands in Pakistan, this level of guidance represents a meaningful upgrade.

     

    Smart Solutions for Back Pain and Orthopaedic Support

    Back pain remains one of the most common sleep-related complaints in Pakistan. The AI assistant addresses this by identifying pain-related inputs and prioritizing features that support spinal alignment and pressure relief. The focus on orthopaedic support reflects a growing understanding that sleep quality and physical health are closely linked.

    What Makes Master MoltyFoam Stand Out Among Mattress Brands in Pakistan

    Innovation has long been central to Master MoltyFoam’s positioning. The introduction of AI-powered personalization reinforces this leadership by combining market understanding with advanced technology. Unlike generic digital tools, this assistant has been developed with an awareness of Pakistani sleep needs, ensuring relevance and usability.

    AI-Powered Mattress Buying vs Traditional Mattress Shopping

    Traditional mattress shopping relies heavily on brief in-store experiences that may not reflect long-term comfort. AI-powered guidance, on the other hand, is data-driven and tailored, offering insights that extend beyond surface impressions.

     

    The Future of Sleep in Pakistan Starts Today

    As AI continues to evolve, its role in consumer decision-making is expected to expand. In the sleep category, this means more accurate recommendations, deeper personalization, and improved overall satisfaction.

    Master MoltyFoam’s AI assistant represents an early but important step in this direction, reinforcing its position as one of the best mattress brands in Pakistan.

    Smart sleep solutions are no longer a concept of the future. They are becoming an essential part of how consumers choose the best mattress in Pakistan. By integrating AI into the decision-making process, Master MoltyFoam has introduced a tool that prioritizes clarity, comfort, and confidence.

    Readers interested in exploring a more informed approach to mattress selection can experience this AI assistant and discover a sleep solution tailored to their needs.

    FAQs

    Is AI helpful in choosing a mattress?

    Yes. AI can simplify mattress selection by considering individual factors such as sleeping position, comfort preferences, and physical concerns. By processing these inputs together, an AI assistant can offer more relevant guidance than generic recommendations, helping consumers make better-informed decisions.

    Can an AI assistant replace in-store mattress trials?

    An AI assistant does not replace physical trials but complements them. It helps narrow down choices before purchase by aligning options with individual needs, making in-store or online selection more efficient and confident.


    Why is Master MoltyFoam considered one of the best mattress brands in Pakistan?

    Master MoltyFoam is widely recognized for its long-standing focus on sleep innovation, product quality, and understanding of local sleep needs. The introduction of AI-powered support further strengthens its position by offering personalized guidance and a more informed mattress-buying experience.

  • ‘Freedom or death’: PTI finalises post-Eid long march

    ‘Freedom or death’: PTI finalises post-Eid long march

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised plans for a long march two weeks after Eidul Fitr, aiming to press for the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, party sources confirmed to a private media outlet’s reporter. 

    Preparations are already underway, including a specially equipped container that will serve as the command and protest hub during the demonstration. The container has been fitted with modern amenities such as CCTV cameras, air-conditioning units, and speakers to help with coordination and ensure participant comfort in case of an extended sit-in.

    Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi inspected the container, which prominently displays the slogan “Freedom or Death” on its exterior, reflecting the party’s stance ahead of the planned protest. According to PTI insiders, the march is expected to culminate at Adiala Jail, where protesters will stage a sit-in (dharna) until the party founder is released.

    The announcement follows directives issued to PTI’s organisational wings and district units to prepare for the march. Party leadership has indicated that the exact date will be announced before the end of Ramazan to allow time for mobilisation.

    Confirming the development, PTI Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem said the party had taken a clear decision to proceed with the protest. “Our leadership has instructed all workers to prepare for the demonstration,” he said.

    “The protest will remain peaceful, and we will continue our democratic struggle. The party will announce the route, whether to Islamabad or directly to Adiala Jail, and workers will follow the instructions accordingly.”

    Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023.

  • Malala becomes second Pakistani woman with portrait at Oxford

    Malala becomes second Pakistani woman with portrait at Oxford

    Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai’s portrait was unveiled at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, making her the second Pakistani woman, after the late former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, to have her portrait displayed at the university.

    The portrait was painted by artist Isabella Watling and was unveiled at an event attended by nearly 200 people, including Oxford alumni, academics and members of Malala’s family. Those present also included her parents Ziauddin Yousafzai and Toor Pekai Yousafzai, her brother Khushal Khan Yousafzai and her husband Asser Malik.

    Speaking to a private news channel, Malala said Benazir Bhutto remained a source of inspiration for her and described it as an honour that her portrait would be placed at the same college where Bhutto’s portrait is displayed.

    “Benazir is not only an inspiration for women in Pakistan but for women around the world. I have always adored her,” she said.

    Malala said countries should act in line with human rights and said Muslim countries also had a responsibility to condemn the Taliban’s actions. She said the Taliban must understand that acquiring knowledge is part of faith and that denying girls education in the name of religion was not acceptable.

    “This is an extremely dangerous time regarding the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan,” she said, adding that Taliban were stripping girls of their fundamental right to education.

    She also said that preventing girls from receiving education was against the message of Islam. “The Taliban are not allowing women to go outside their homes or work, and the future of children there looks bleak.”

    Malala said Afghan women and girls continued to pursue education despite restrictions. “Afghan women and girls have not lost hope and are still pursuing education through secret schools and online learning,” she said.

    “I stand with Afghan girls and is supporting their projects. I call on Pakistanis to show solidarity with Afghans and condemn the Taliban’s actions.”

    Malala studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University and graduated in 2020. She is a member of the advisory body of the Oxford Pakistan Programme, which aims to build academic links between Oxford and Pakistan, and provides scholarships for Pakistani and British-Pakistani students.

  • Chicken worth Rs10.75 billion sold during Basant celebrations in Lahore

    Chicken worth Rs10.75 billion sold during Basant celebrations in Lahore

    Chicken worth whopping Rs10.75 billion was sold during the three-day Basant festivities in Lahore, an X post reshared by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has revealed.

    “In Lahore, chicken worth Rs10.75 billion was sold during three Basant days: Poultry Association… over one million vehicles entered Lahore, generating millions of rupees in toll tax,” the post read.

    Separately, data also showed economic gains across several sectors during the celebrations as the event drew residents from Lahore, other cities and even foreigners or expats. These included the purchase of kites and strings, food items, beverages, event tickets, and travel or lodging costs.

    Sales of kites and strings alone generated an estimated Rs2 billion. Hotels in Lahore reported higher occupancy levels during the period, while restaurants and fast-food outlets recorded an increase in customer volume.

    While dessert and sweet shops also reported a rise in sales, analysts estimated that overall business activity during the three days ranged between Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion, reflecting the scale of commercial engagement linked to the celebrations.

    The event also contributed to Pakistan’s visibility abroad. International diplomats and foreign tourists were present during the celebrations, while global media outlets, including BBC and CNN, covered Basant-related developments.

    The coverage focused on the scale of the event, security arrangements and public participation, placing Pakistan on international platforms.

    Urban transport and mobility formed another key aspect of the celebrations. Authorities managed the movement of more than 1.4 million passengers across the city as Lahore’s public transport systems, including the Metrobus and Orange Line, were used extensively.

  • Made-for-Pakistan solution ARVO launches ARVO Education Press (AEP), tailored to out perform global standards

    Made-for-Pakistan solution ARVO launches ARVO Education Press (AEP), tailored to out perform global standards

    Monday, 9th February 2026, marks the official launch of ARVO, during a grand event at Pearl Continental Lahore. Prominent education leaders, principals, and franchisees from Allied Schools network, and educators gathered to experience a system built to deliver value through integration. 

     

    Chairman, Mian Amer Mehmood, outlined the long-term vision of an education model where curriculum, technology, and teacher-enablement function as one strategic framework. During the event, attendees experienced demonstrations in the interactive zones and witnessed how QR-enabled textbooks, digital platforms, and structured resources operate seamlessly together. 

     

    This was not a conceptual presentation; it was a visual model working live!

     

    The key milestone of the ARVO launch was the introduction of ARVO Education Press (AEP), the publishing engine behind the ARVO ecosystem. AEP delivers high-quality, reasonably priced textbooks, crafted by leading subject experts. These books are grounded in learning science and aligned with current standards. 

     

    Emerging from the four-decade legacy of educational excellence of the Punjab Group, ARVO is a transformative EdTech platform that brings together three essential pillars in one cohesive system: affordable, high-quality curriculum, integrated technologies, LMS capabilities, and structured professional development for teachers. 

     

    The question may arise: Why is ARVO needed? Across Pakistan, schools are under pressure to modernize. School administrators grapple to balance the quality and costs. Teachers struggle to deliver deep conceptual learning, Parents demand visibility and progress, and students need future-ready skills. Yet many institutions operate through disconnected, manual, and dated tools. 

     

    ARVO is built to change that!

     

    Derived from the Finnish word for ‘value’, ARVO is a platform whose core principle is creating measurable value for schools, teachers, students, and parents through integration, not addition.

    ARVO has officially introduced its integrated platform in Pakistan, designed to modernize curriculum delivery, strengthen teachers’ support, and improve student engagement while reducing the time and cost impact of the fragmented systems.

     

    Instead of managing separate publishers, portals, and training providers, with ARVO, schools operate through one connected ecosystem. Textbooks link directly to digital resources; teachers access structured guides, and administrators gain measurable visibility into implementation and engagement. As a result, the outcome is practical and immediate. ARVO saves time, reduces complexity, and delivers measurable value. 

    As part of the initial rollout, ARVO launched 30 student books and 30 teacher guides for Classes 1–5, covering core subjects including English, Urdu, Social Science, ICT, Mathematics, and Science. In parallel, ARVO introduced a training and certification program focused on pedagogy and effective classroom teaching. 

    ARVO is engineered for sustainable collaboration. Its ecosystem model enables schools to standardize delivery, strengthen instructional quality, monitor outcomes, and eliminate inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems. As ARVO expands, its objective remains clear: deliver lasting change through integration, not addition.

    For Pakistan’s educational leaders, the question is no longer whether to modernize, but how. ARVO offers a Made-for-Pakistan solution, built to outperform global standards and anchored in local value.

    The future of learning is not theoretical.

    With ARVO, it is operational.







  • Internet bashes Aftab Iqbal for undermining Pakistan’s World Cup stance, ‘supporting Indian narrative’

    Internet bashes Aftab Iqbal for undermining Pakistan’s World Cup stance, ‘supporting Indian narrative’

    Pakistani journalist Aftab Iqbal faced a wave of criticism on social media after commenting on Pakistan’s decision to play against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

    Pakistan had initially refused to play following government instructions and tensions over the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh-related issues. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, became a hot topic after the PCB accused the ICC of bias.

    In a video posted on his social media accounts, Aftab Iqbal was asked about the U-turn on Pakistan’s cricket decision.

    “Frankly, it is an embarrassment. I would like to advise my general viewers that you should never issue a threat that you cannot act upon. When you threaten someone, you must be mentally prepared to follow through,” he said.

    He added, “It is exactly like giving someone a loan; you should already be mentally prepared for the possibility that the money may never come back.”

    Aftab Iqbal explained the wider impact of Pakistan’s decision.

    “The damage of this decision is that Pakistan is already known for making empty threats. Tomorrow, if someone threatens India again, what credibility will that threat have? We once said, ‘If you stop our water, we will stop your breathing.’ Neither was the water stopped, nor was anyone’s breathing stopped. Exactly the same thing has happened here.”

    He also warned about future credibility issues.

    “In the future, this pattern will continue. You will keep saying, ‘We have nuclear power, we have nuclear power,’ but people will stop taking you seriously. So now the question is: what should be done? The only answer is this: you must win the match against India at all costs. Your team is a good team. India’s team is not some unbeatable force. Comparatively, you are better than them.”

    He concluded by addressing the team’s morale.

    “Right now, you are demoralised. Your morale is down. And the biggest role in destroying your morale is played by your own government and rulers, who lower your morale day and night,” he said.

    Social media users were quick to react to his statements, with some suggesting he sounded like an Indian journalist.

    One wrote, “It was a tactic to pressurise ICC and BCCI. All Pakistan knew (except Aftab Iqbal) that the match will be played eventually.” Another asked, “Tu phly ya bta k Pakistani ho ya Indian?” A third commented, “Bewakuf ka dosra nam Aftab Iqbal hai. Bhai ICC khud ap k pass chal k aya hai.”

    Other users added, “Allah pak e hadiyat de apko,” “Waise bhi aapki credibility kya hai?” and “Sir aap se aisi language ki umeed nahi thi.”

    The controversy escalated after Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL at the direction of the BCCI, leading Bangladesh to request the ICC move matches outside India. The ICC rejected the request and later replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

    Pakistan stood in support of Bangladesh and initially refused to play India. However, after a request from the President of Sri Lanka and appeals from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan agreed to play the fixture as per the schedule.