Maryam calls for global action against hate speech

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz presided over a special meeting to review the progress on Nawaz Sharif IT City (NSITC) project, which saw its Silicon Block formally approved by the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), making it the first institution in Punjab to receive such an endorsement.

During the meeting, it was reported that world-renowned international IT groups have expressed keen interest in the Nawaz Sharif IT City (NSITC) project, with 23 prominent IT companies willing to establish institutions in the NSITC Silicon Block, for which plots have already been acquired. Furthermore, the Imperial College of London will establish a medical college and hospital in collaboration with Novecare, while NetSol will establish Pakistan’s first comprehensive IT university within the NSITC. The Roots Group plans a joint venture with the British University of Warwick. Similarly, renowned companies DataFort and Mari-Tech will jointly build Tier 3 and Tier 4 data centres, and Data Rocks has expressed interest in establishing Punjab’s first FTA-approved lab.

After a briefing on project progress by CEO CBD Imran Amin, the chief minister emphasized the need for more effective, swift, and necessary actions to expedite the completion of NSITC project.

Meanwhile, on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz stated that “hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness must be countered on all fronts.” She highlighted, “The poison of hate speech creates division, chaos, and violence in societies. Hate speech is not only an attack on any individual, it also amounts to attacking the conscience of humanity.”

She outlined, “Islamophobia is the most dangerous form of hateful behaviour. The identity of Muslims, such as mosques and homes, is subjected to the target of hatred. The practice of adopting hatred without any pretext is a constant threat to world peace.”

She emphasized, “The international community must hold accountable such elements who are involved in spreading hatred in the name of freedom of expression. No one will be allowed to sow the seeds of hatred. We will promote love, tolerance, and respect in our dear homeland.”