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April 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Newly appointed DG FIA & DG NCCIA call on Interior Minister

Newly appointed DG FIA & DG NCCIA call on Interior Minister

Newly appointed DG of the FIA and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), met with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi who expressed the need to enhance the NCCIA’s capacity. 

While issuing directives for curbing cybercrimes, Mohsin Naqvi stated that cybersecurity was an emerging challenge and successfully combating it would require enhancing the capacity of the NCCIA by sending officers abroad for specialized training.

April 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan chooses Binance founder Zhao as adviser to Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)

Pakistan chooses Binance founder Zhao as adviser to Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)

In a major move to integrate blockchain and digital assets into Pakistan’s financial system, the government appointed Binance founder Changpeng Zhao as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), which was officially launched last month. Zhao will guide efforts on crypto regulation, education, and adoption.

 

The appointment was announced following Zhao’s meetings with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar. “This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,” said Aurangzeb. “We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With Zhao onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.”

 

A day later, Zhao met PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to discuss Pakistan’s digital future. Nawaz Sharif welcomed Zhao’s appointment as a step towards establishing Pakistan as a regional Web3 leader, while Maryam Nawaz emphasised upskilling youth for global digital competitiveness.

April 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink to be operational in Pakistan by end of year, IT Minister

Starlink to be operational in Pakistan by end of year, IT Minister

The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication announced on Monday that Starlink is expected to be operational by November or December of 2025.

 

During the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, it was confirmed that Starlink licensing arrangements approach completion. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman stated, “The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board has given Starlink a temporary NOC to operate in Pakistan. Once regulations are finalised, it will receive a full licence to operate.” Last month, the satellite-based internet service provider, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, was granted an NOC (No Objection Certificate), which allows it to operate in Pakistan.

April 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Suparco invites public proposals for Pakistan’s first human space mission

Suparco invites public proposals for Pakistan’s first human space mission

Pakistan’s first human spaceflight mission to the Chinese Space Station (CSS) is expected by the end of 2026. Pakistan’s space agency, Suparco, has invited scientists, researchers, and students to submit proposals for experiments to be conducted in the extreme thermal, complete vacuum, and microgravity environment of the CSS, as part of this mission.

 

With Pakistan’s astronaut set to join an international mission, Suparco is encouraging submissions that explore innovative ideas in microgravity, especially in agriculture, medicine, physics, and biotechnology. Experiments should be cost-effective, lightweight, and completable within a week. Chosen projects could lead to scientific publications, patents, and commercial applications. This marks a milestone in Pakistan’s space journey and a unique opportunity for public involvement in advancing space research. Proposals are due by April 30, 2025.

April 5, 2025 - Comments Off on New director generals for FIA and cybercrime agency announced

New director generals for FIA and cybercrime agency announced

The federal government has announced the appointments of new chiefs for two major law enforcement agencies. Riffat Mukhtar, a grade-21 officer and current Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police, has been appointed as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Known for his extensive experience, Mukhtar has previously held top roles including IG Sindh and additional secretary in the Interior Ministry. His appointment under the FIA Act, 1974 is expected to strengthen the agency’s response to crimes like terrorism, corruption, and human trafficking.

 

Waqaruddin Syed, a grade-20 officer currently serving within the FIA, has been appointed as the first Director General of the newly established National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). His appointment, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (amended 2025), signals the government’s intent to bolster Pakistan’s cybercrime infrastructure. The NCCIA operates under the Interior Division and will focus on tackling the country’s growing digital threats. Both appointments are effective immediately.

April 3, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink’s entry into Pakistan sparks regulatory and market concerns

Starlink’s entry into Pakistan sparks regulatory and market concerns

Elon Musk’s satellite internet network, Starlink, which had recently been issued a
temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate in Pakistan, is raising regulatory
and competitive concerns, especially in rural and security sensitive areas.
Local telecom companies such as Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone are concerned about its impact on the market, but Starlink’s premium pricing means it is unlikely to replace fibre-based services in urban areas. Its likely target market is armed forces, law enforcement, customs, and influential individuals in areas where fibre penetration is low. Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim commented that Starlink is not and should not be immune to internet shutdowns, however. Telcos also demanded equal regulatory treatment for Starlink, fearing that Pakistan’s lack of anti-dumping laws for telcos might mean that Starlink’s potential subsidies could disrupt the market unfairly.

April 3, 2025 - Comments Off on Two arrested in Karachi for using online platform to commit robberies, kidnappings

Two arrested in Karachi for using online platform to commit robberies, kidnappings

Two persons have been arrested in Karachi for stealing data from an online platform to contact customers regarding deliveries, and then showing up at their addresses impersonating the police, to carry out robberies and kidnappings. Among the items looted were police uniforms, mobile phones, TVs, car documents, ornaments, watches, gold, and cash. In some cases, the suspects kidnapped the victims and forced them to withdraw cash from various ATM and EasyPaisa machines across the city. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to carrying out multiple incidents within Karachi and in other areas, further details of which are currently being gathered.