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October 3, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan and KSA to expand digital cooperation

Pakistan and KSA to expand digital cooperation

Following Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s recent pact, the two countries have discussed advances in digital infrastructure and services. In collaboration with the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), IT Minister Shaza Fatima shared a proposed five-year plan that prioritizes digital transformation in the country including an expansion of fiber networks, cybersecurity and fintech.

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Snapchat to Charge Users for Memories Storage Beyond 5GB

Snapchat to Charge Users for Memories Storage Beyond 5GB

Snapchat has announced it will begin charging users to store older photos and videos in its Memories feature. Until now, users could access content dating back to 2016 without cost. Under the new plan, those with more than 5GB of Memories data will need to pay for storage, while most users under the limit will remain unaffected. New subscription options include 100GB, 250GB with Snapchat+, and 5TB with Snapchat Platinum. The company promised 12 months of temporary storage for excess content. A leaked screenshot suggested pricing could start at 2.99 AUD per month for 100GB. Social media users have criticised the move, with some threatening to abandon the platform.

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Moves to Digitise Judicial System with New Dashboard

Pakistan Moves to Digitise Judicial System with New Dashboard

The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) and National Information Technology Board (NITB) signed an MoU to advance digital reforms in the judicial sector. The agreement will establish an Analytical Dashboard consolidating data across the justice system, integrating indicators from the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee. The tool will allow real-time tracking of case disposal rates, backlog trends, and overall institutional performance, aiming to enhance policymaking and transparency. The Supreme Court also launched an e-office system to digitise file movement, with a case management system for judges planned soon. The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, senior judges, and IT officials, with Justice Ali Baqar Najafi joining online from Lahore.

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists Beaten as Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club

Journalists Beaten as Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered an inquiry into a police raid on the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday afternoon in Islamabad, where journalists were allegedly beaten and equipment damaged. Visuals showed officers with batons attacking journalists and dragging them from the premises. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the raid, calling it one of the “darkest days” for media freedom, and announced nationwide protests including a “black day.” Journalists’ bodies termed the raid “terrorism” and linked it to wider attempts to curb freedom of expression through intimidation and misuse of laws. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and several senior journalists also condemned the incident, demanding accountability and compensation for damages. Government representatives including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry apologised, but journalist groups rejected verbal assurances and called for concrete action.

 

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Imran Khan’s X Account Details FIA Questioning in Prison

Imran Khan’s X Account Details FIA Questioning in Prison

A post on former prime minister Imran Khan’s official X account described his questioning by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) inside prison regarding “anti-state” tweets and foreign policy remarks. Khan claimed he was asked about Afghanistan, army leadership comparisons, and his social media activity. The post alleged that he and his wife, Bushra Begum, face solitary confinement, electricity cuts, and restricted access to newspapers and visits, which he described as psychological torture. This is the first time a detailed account of such questioning has appeared on his social media account. The statement was released in two versions, with an Urdu post appearing first, followed by an English translation.

October 1, 2025 - Comments Off on China Introduces K Visa to Attract Foreign Tech Experts

China Introduces K Visa to Attract Foreign Tech Experts

China has introduced a new K visa to attract young foreign talent in science and technology. The visa, announced in August and launched this week, simplifies immigration procedures by removing the requirement for a domestic sponsor. It allows multiple entries, extended stays, and participation in education, culture, science, and business activities. The initiative contrasts with recent US visa changes, which added a one-time $100,000 fee for H-1B applications. Indian nationals, who make up most H-1B recipients, are likely to be heavily affected. Chinese state media emphasised that the K visa supports openness to international expertise, dismissing claims of an “immigration crisis.” The measure is part of China’s bid to strengthen its global leadership in technology and innovation.

October 1, 2025 - Comments Off on EU Body Flags YouTube Over Lack of Cooperation in Content Disputes

EU Body Flags YouTube Over Lack of Cooperation in Content Disputes

The Appeals Centre Europe, created under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), has criticised major platforms for failing to cooperate in content moderation disputes. The body, which handles appeals from EU users regarding removed content or suspended accounts, found YouTube particularly unresponsive. From November 2024 to August 2025, the centre received nearly 10,000 disputes but was able to adjudicate only 29 out of 343 eligible cases involving YouTube due to a lack of information. Other platforms under review include Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, and Threads. The centre has issued around 1,500 decisions overall, ruling in users’ favour when platforms withheld details. The DSA continues to face scrutiny in the US, where it is criticised as “foreign censorship.”

October 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Islamabad court recalls warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha

Islamabad court recalls warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha

An Islamabad court recalled non-bailable arrest warrants issued against lawyers and rights defenders Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha after they appeared before Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka. The case concerns controversial tweets, with proceedings earlier delayed over missing documents submitted to the FIA. The couple requested more time to challenge trial proceedings, and the court adjourned the hearing until October 7. The judge also directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to provide relevant documents. The development comes amid Mazari’s separate workplace harassment complaint against Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, which has ignited widespread condemnation from lawyers’ bodies.

October 1, 2025 - Comments Off on PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi denies apologising to BCCI

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi denies apologising to BCCI

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asia Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed Indian media reports claiming he apologised to the BCCI after controversy at the Asia Cup final trophy ceremony. The Indian team had refused to collect the trophy, prompting allegations by Indian media against Naqvi of ‘stealing’ the trophy. Responding on social media, he said he “never apologised and never will,” calling the reports propaganda. Naqvi accused India of politicising cricket and reiterated that the trophy could still be collected from the ACC office. The incident follows heightened tensions, with the PCB earlier filing a complaint with the ICC over Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s political remarks during the tournament.

October 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Protests and Communications Blackout Grip AJK for Two Days

Protests and Communications Blackout Grip AJK for Two Days

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remained paralysed for two consecutive days as protests and strikes gripped the region under a sweeping communications blackout. On Monday, rival groups clashed in Muzaffarabad, leaving one shopkeeper dead and several injured near Neelum Bridge. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) accused a government-backed rally of provoking violence, while authorities used tear gas and arrests to disperse demonstrators. Businesses, banks, and transport services were shut across the state, with youth blocking roads and gatherings reported in multiple districts. By Tuesday, tensions escalated as thousands rallied at Lal Chowk demanding accountability. Meanwhile, the suspension of mobile and internet services since Sunday crippled media coverage, leaving local newspapers unable to publish and forcing journalists to travel outside the region to file reports.