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April 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Preliminary draft of online harassment law in Punjab complete

Preliminary draft of online harassment law in Punjab complete

The government of Punjab has prepared a preliminary draft of the Punjab Online Safety Act 2026 to combat rising cases of online harassment and blackmail. Expected to be presented to the provincial assembly soon, the law includes a virtual police station, a mobile app, and a front desk service for victims of online harassment to ensure confidentiality in reporting. It will also introduce stricter punishments for perpetrators. 

 

April 9, 2026 - Comments Off on AI-Doctored Video Falsely Attributed to Shashi Tharoor Goes Viral

AI-Doctored Video Falsely Attributed to Shashi Tharoor Goes Viral

A viral video circulating on social media falsely claiming to show Indian politician Shashi Tharoor criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Pakistan’s role in a US-Iran ceasefire has been debunked as AI-manipulated content. Fact-checkers found that the clip was taken from an older interview and altered using AI-generated voice dubbing. Visual and audio inconsistencies, along with forensic analysis, confirmed the presence of synthetic manipulation, while no credible sources reported such remarks. The spread of the video highlights growing concerns around deepfakes and their role in shaping political narratives and misinformation during sensitive geopolitical developments.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on AI-Doctored Video Falsely Shows Indian Anchor Reacting to Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role

AI-Doctored Video Falsely Shows Indian Anchor Reacting to Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role

A viral video claiming to show an Indian news anchor angrily reacting to Pakistan’s role in brokering a US-Iran ceasefire has been debunked as false and AI-manipulated. Fact-checkers identified multiple visual inconsistencies, including distorted objects and incoherent on-screen text, while forensic tools confirmed the audio was largely AI-generated. The clip was widely circulated by social media accounts and public figures, amplifying a misleading narrative around regional diplomacy. Experts warn that such AI-generated content is increasingly being used to influence public perception and fuel information warfare during sensitive geopolitical developments.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Google Updates Gemini AI with Mental Health Safeguards Amid Lawsuit

Google Updates Gemini AI with Mental Health Safeguards Amid Lawsuit

Google has announced new mental health safeguards for its Gemini AI chatbot following a lawsuit alleging the tool contributed to a user’s suicide. The update introduces a redesigned “Help is available” feature that detects signs of distress and provides users with one-click access to crisis hotlines via call, text, or chat. The feature remains active throughout the conversation once triggered. Google also pledged $30 million to support global crisis hotlines and additional funding for AI safety training initiatives. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of AI chatbots and their potential risks, with ongoing legal cases raising concerns about accountability, user safety, and ethical AI design.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on KP Proposes Digital Payment Bill to Transition Towards Cashless Economy

KP Proposes Digital Payment Bill to Transition Towards Cashless Economy

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced the Digital Payment Bill 2026, aiming to transition the province towards a cashless economy. The proposed law mandates businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities to adopt digital payment systems and display QR codes for transactions. It also prohibits additional charges on customers using digital payments and imposes penalties on businesses that refuse to comply. Authorities say the initiative will enhance transparency, improve financial inclusion, and strengthen the provincial economy, with banks and service providers required to support implementation. The bill is currently awaiting approval in the provincial assembly.

 

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Sindh Fuel Subsidy Portal Restored After Hacking Attempts, Officials Confirm

Sindh Fuel Subsidy Portal Restored After Hacking Attempts, Officials Confirm

The Sindh government’s online fuel subsidy portal for motorcyclists was temporarily shut down due to repeated hacking attempts, according to Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla. The system has since been restored after security measures were implemented. The portal, launched to provide Rs2,000 monthly subsidies to registered motorcyclists, saw high demand, with 15,000 registrations and 3,000 successful applications so far. Authorities confirmed that payments have been transferred to 1,500 beneficiaries via Sindh Bank accounts. The incident highlights growing cybersecurity challenges in digital public service delivery as governments expand technology-based welfare systems.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

The Sindh High Court has set aside the appointment of the provincial director of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), ruling that the position was unlawfully assigned to a junior officer. The court directed authorities to appoint the senior-most eligible officer to hold acting charge until a regular promotion is made. The bench observed that the decision violated statutory rules and principles of merit, describing the appointment as arbitrary and without lawful authority. The ruling also raised questions about administrative practices following the transfer of cybercrime functions from the FIA to NCCIA, reinforcing the importance of transparency and due process in public sector appointments.

April 7, 2026 - Comments Off on LHC Grants Bail to Pakistani-Canadian Scholar in Cybercrime Case

LHC Grants Bail to Pakistani-Canadian Scholar in Cybercrime Case

The Lahore High Court has granted post-arrest bail to Pakistani-Canadian PhD scholar Hamza Ahmad Khan in a cybercrime case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The case, filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), alleged that Khan had made anti-state posts on social media platforms. The court approved bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 after hearing arguments that questioned the legality and transparency of the investigation. The petitioner’s counsel maintained that the case was fabricated and lacked merit, emphasising that bail is a right when evidence is inconclusive. The case has raised concerns around due process, digital expression, and the application of cybercrime laws.

 

April 7, 2026 - Comments Off on 187 Cases Registered Under Amended PECA to Curb Digital Misinformation

187 Cases Registered Under Amended PECA to Curb Digital Misinformation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the National Assembly that 187 cases have been registered under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for the intentional spread of false information online. Under Section 26A, the law criminalises the dissemination of fake content that may incite fear, panic, or public disorder. The ministry stated that enforcement targets malicious actors while safeguarding freedom of expression, noting that the law does not apply to legitimate criticism or journalistic work conducted in good faith. Officials emphasised that all cases undergo due process and judicial review to balance regulation with constitutional protections.

April 7, 2026 - Comments Off on Balochistan Launches Digital Business Facilitation Centre to Boost Investment

Balochistan Launches Digital Business Facilitation Centre to Boost Investment

The Balochistan government has launched a Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) to streamline business processes and improve the investment climate in the province. Designed as a one-window digital platform, the centre will allow entrepreneurs to complete licensing, registration, and other regulatory requirements without visiting multiple government departments. Officials say the initiative aims to modernise governance, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance investor confidence. Business leaders have welcomed the move, calling it a long-awaited reform to support economic growth and simplify doing business in the region.