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April 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi Booked Under PECA for ‘False and Provocative’ Video

Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi Booked Under PECA for ‘False and Provocative’ Video

Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi was booked on Saturday under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 over a video statement that police termed “provocative and false,” according to a police spokesperson.

The FIR, filed by ASI Tariq Mumtaz, states that the complainant saw the video on WhatsApp, in which Qureshi alleged that a dumper ran over a woman in the jurisdiction of the Sir Syed Police Station, triggering public outrage and a violent response involving stone-pelting that injured police officials, including a station house officer.

Upon investigation, authorities stated that no such incident had occurred, and both the claim of the woman being run over and the attack on police were found to be false. As a result, an FIR was registered against Qureshi under Section 21 of PECA, which pertains to spreading false and malicious information.

Since its introduction in 2016, PECA has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups, journalists, and civil society, who have described it as a “black law” used to suppress dissent and curtail press freedom. Over the years, it has been repeatedly invoked against journalists, political workers, and digital rights activists.

Qureshi is the latest in a string of journalists to be booked under PECA in recent weeks. On March 20, Farhan Mallick, founder of Raftar and former Samaa TV news director, was arrested for allegedly running “anti-state” content on YouTube. He was charged under both PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code.

Shortly after, Waheed Murad, a journalist with Urdu News, was also arrested under Sections 9, 10, 20, and 26A of PECA for allegedly glorifying an offence and spreading fake information online.

Earlier this month, a police officer in Karachi was similarly booked under PECA for making derogatory remarks against President Asif Ali Zardari.

These recent cases reflect a worrying trend of increased use of PECA against journalists and dissenting voices, prompting fresh calls for reforms to ensure the protection of press freedom and digital rights in Pakistan.

April 11, 2025 - Comments Off on CM Murad announces special unit to tackle social media misuse cases

CM Murad announces special unit to tackle social media misuse cases

In the 32nd Apex Committee Meeting held at CM House on Thursday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced the establishment of a special unit to address cases and complaints regarding the misuse of social media.

 

The unit, which will be called the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, will be created under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and is to be set up within the Home Department. This new authority will regulate content, manage platform operations, and ensure the removal of harmful online material. It will involve collaboration among all federal agencies, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency,  and the provincial police.

April 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Government to review 5G spectrum action policy

Government to review 5G spectrum action policy

The federal government is rethinking its 5G spectrum auction policy, which previously focused on generating revenue and auction earnings. The new focus is on rapid rollout of the new technology, infrastructure development, and ensuring widespread 5G connectivity.

 

Officials say the new strategy values long-term economic and technological progress over short-term profits. The government is reviewing global models like Saudi Arabia’s free-license policy, where telecom companies receive spectrum free of cost in exchange for swift, nationwide service deployment. Pakistan is considering a similar approach, where telecom operators may be offered spectrum without fees but required to ensure full coverage within 2 to 5 years. The Ministry of IT believes that reducing financial barriers will enable telecom providers to invest more in infrastructure, providing a boost to economic growth across key sectors such as health, education, and governance.

April 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Supreme Court Urges Regulated Use of AI to Improve Judicial Efficiency

Supreme Court Urges Regulated Use of AI to Improve Judicial Efficiency

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has recommended the regulated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the judiciary to enhance efficiency and reduce case backlogs, particularly at the district court level.

In an 18-page judgment authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the court emphasized that AI must only be used as a supportive tool and not in ways that compromise judicial independence, constitutional principles, or public trust.

The judgment urged the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan to develop comprehensive guidelines outlining permissible uses of AI in judicial processes. The court stressed the need for calibrated integration, welcoming AI’s potential to streamline functions and legal research without replacing the human conscience essential to justice.

“Courts must pursue a calibrated integration harnessing AI's efficiencies without surrendering the conscience, independence, and humanity that justice demands,” the judgment stated.

The court also highlighted Smart Legal Research as a key area where AI can assist judges by efficiently extracting relevant case law and legal commentary. However, it reiterated that human judgment and ethical reasoning remain irreplaceable.

The bench called on judicial institutions to address systemic delays and adopt innovative case management systems, warning that without reform, the right to fair and timely justice under Articles 10A and 37(d) of the Constitution may be undermined.

April 10, 2025 - Comments Off on Traffic fine system digitised via partnership between Zindigi and AJK Police

Traffic fine system digitised via partnership between Zindigi and AJK Police

Zindigi, a digital financial platform powered by JS Bank, signed a strategic agreement with the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Police on Thursday to upgrade the region’s traffic fine system. This collaboration replaces paper-based methods with a fully digital solution, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency.

 

Under the initiative, AJK Police will receive smart devices and Bluetooth printers to issue real-time e-challans, while citizens will be able to pay fines instantly using mobile wallets, cards, and QR codes.

 

Inspector General AJK Abdul Jabbar highlighted the goal of aligning with modern policing standards, “We aim to bring AJK Police at par with modern police organizations…by embracing advanced technological solutions, we strive to provide greater convenience to the public, fostering trust, enhancing transparency and improving overall safety and security within the region.” Zindigi Founder and Chief Officer Noman Azhar reaffirmed the private sector’s role in driving public sector digitisation without burdening government resources.

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.