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May 24, 2025 - Comments Off on SBP launches drive for digitalisation of payments in cattle markets  

SBP launches drive for digitalisation of payments in cattle markets  

In collaboration with 22 commercial banks, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is launching a campaign to promote digital payments in cattle markets nationwide. 

Running from 15th May to 6th June 2025, SBP aims to encourage buyers and sellers to use digital payment methods for purchasing sacrificial animals this Eid alongside online payments for related services such as food, water and parking. 

This initiative is part of SBP’s broader strategic goal to expand digital payments across the country.

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on AI Experts in Karachi Propose Provincial Task Force to Boost Collaboration

AI Experts in Karachi Propose Provincial Task Force to Boost Collaboration

Leading AI experts and professionals from science, technology, health, and education sectors convened at a recent meeting in Karachi to discuss enhancing collaboration across Pakistan’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, particularly in Sindh.

Held at a local hotel, the session brought together specialists from both public and private sectors, who agreed on the need to unify fragmented AI efforts and foster knowledge-sharing. Participants reached a consensus on forming a provincial AI task force to promote integrated, innovative work across government, academia, and industry.

The group also discussed the current scope of AI research and development, emphasizing better coordination between academia and the private sector.

Notable attendees included Proxima CEO Adnan Zaidi, Dr Khalid Khan (PAF-KIET), Ayaz Ahmed and Raza Abbas (Security AI), and Sofia Hussain Ehtesham and Mohsin Kareem (FAST), among other experts.

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2547376/sindh-to-launch-ai-task-force-for-unified-innovation

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Blasphemy Case Filed Against Couple in Faisalabad After Viral Video

Blasphemy Case Filed Against Couple in Faisalabad After Viral Video

Faisalabad Police have registered a blasphemy case against a woman and her husband under Sections 295-A, 295-B, 295-C, and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) after a video of the woman and her sister went viral on social media.

The FIR, lodged by a local MBBS doctor, accuses the couple of endorsing the claim of prophethood made by the woman’s sister. The viral video triggered a mob outside the couple’s residence, where protesters chanted slogans and damaged property, including a parked vehicle.

In response to rising tensions, City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi arrived at the scene to address the crowd. He assured them that legal action would be taken and that the accused would be punished “as per law” following due process. Rizvi committed to personally overseeing the investigation to ensure there were “no loopholes” in pursuing the death penalty if proven guilty.

Source: https://voicepk.net/2023/04/woman-husband-booked-for-alleged-blasphemy-in-faisalabad/

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on SECP Issues Alert Over Fraudulent Loan Schemes on Social Media

SECP Issues Alert Over Fraudulent Loan Schemes on Social Media

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a public warning about fraudulent loan schemes being promoted through social media ads, particularly on platforms like Facebook.

Following a recent crackdown on 141 unauthorized digital lending apps, SECP reports that scammers have shifted to sponsored posts, falsely offering quick, interest-free loans while misusing the names of legitimate organizations to gain public trust.

Victims are lured into paying upfront fees—such as for registration or insurance—or are tricked into sharing sensitive personal information. Once the scammers receive payment or data, they vanish without providing any loans.

SECP is actively working with the FIA and PTA to report and remove these fraudulent ads. The public is urged to verify any financial offers and consult the official list of SECP-licensed entities and approved loan apps on the SECP website.

Source: https://pakobserver.net/scam-alert-issued-in-pakistan-about-fraudulent-loan-schemes-on-social-media/

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has highlighted the transformative potential of SpaceX’s Starlink to bridge Pakistan’s digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The remarks followed a high-level visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, where Ambassador Sheikh, accompanied by Consul General Asim Ali Khan and consulate officials, discussed potential collaboration on satellite internet and space technologies.

SpaceX executives welcomed the delegation and presented Starlink’s capabilities in expanding broadband access through low Earth orbit satellites, with a focus on supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to innovation-led development and expressed optimism about future cooperation in digital infrastructure and space technology.

This visit comes as Pakistan prepares for Starlink’s official launch. Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently announced that licensing will be completed soon, with services expected to begin by November 2025, following temporary registration granted in March.

Source:https://dailytimes.com.pk/1304833/pakistan-eyes-starlink-to-bridge-digital-divide-amid-engagement-with-spacex/

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on 21 Arrested in Lahore, Multan for Global Cybercrime Network

21 Arrested in Lahore, Multan for Global Cybercrime Network

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), in collaboration with the FBI and Dutch police, arrested 21 suspects in Lahore and Multan linked to the HeartSender Group, a cybercrime network behind global digital fraud operations worth over $50 million.

Raids uncovered phishing kits, scam tools, and video tutorials used to defraud over 11,000 victims. Seized items included 32 digital devices, luxury cars (including a Lamborghini Urus), and Dubai real estate documents. Assets worth PKR 480 million were frozen, and 142 cryptocurrency wallets are under investigation.

NCCIA filed charges under PECA 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code, while an Anti-Terrorism Court granted a seven-day remand. Interpol is preparing red notices for remaining suspects.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1911691

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Launches Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Sector

Pakistan Launches Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Sector

The federal government has announced the creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) to regulate the virtual asset sector in line with FATF guidelines and promote growth in the digital economy.

Backed by the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council (PCC), the PDAA will oversee licensing, compliance, and innovation in areas including crypto exchanges, wallets, stablecoins, DeFi platforms, and tokenised assets. The move aims to formalize Pakistan’s $25 billion informal crypto market, attract global investment, and support blockchain-based startups.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb called it a “future-ready framework” to position Pakistan as a regional leader in digital finance. The authority will also explore Bitcoin mining, tokenisation of public assets, and digital exports.

“This is about rewriting our financial future,” said PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, emphasizing the potential for Web3 innovation and broader financial access.

Source: https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/885424-govt-establishes-pakistan-digital-assets-authority-to-comply-with-fatf

May 21, 2025 - Comments Off on Multiple Booked for Sharing False, Provocative Content During Pakistan–India Tensions

Multiple Booked for Sharing False, Provocative Content During Pakistan–India Tensions

Amid heightened tensions with India, Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has expanded its crackdown on online disinformation and anti-state content. FIRs have now been registered against 11 individuals, including three women, for allegedly spreading false, provocative and defamatory content online targeting state institutions and national figures through social media and web TV platforms.

The NCCIA (Sindh Zone) confirmed that several arrests have been made, and over 500 social media accounts have been flagged for similar activity. The agency alleges that the suspects actively disseminated hostile narratives during the India–Pakistan conflict, aiming to incite public distrust and anxiety.

An NCCIA spokesperson stated: “The nominated individuals have been involved in spreading misleading propaganda targeting Pakistan’s armed forces and national leadership. Legal proceedings are in motion, and action against identified accounts is ongoing.”

Earlier this month, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Shabbir Ahmed was also arrested in Mansehra under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) following a speech critical of the government on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The developments have raised alarm among rights groups. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the PECA Amendment Bill 2025, warning that its vague language around “fake news” could be used to silence journalists, activists, and political dissent. HRCP has called for a full parliamentary debate on the bill, which it says threatens basic civil liberties and freedom of expression.

Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/604563-five-booked-for-sharing-false-provocative-content-during-pakistan-india-tensions

https://arynews.tv/11-booked-for-anti-state-propaganda-on-social-media/

May 20, 2025 - Comments Off on PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an official clarification rejecting media reports claiming that a list of YouTube channels has been prepared for blocking by the authority or shared with the federal government.

In a statement released on May 20, 2025, the PTA emphasized that no such list has been formulated or sent to the government. The authority reiterated that its mandate is limited to taking action only against unlawful online content, under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and in accordance with relevant legal frameworks and procedural rules.

PTA further clarified that criminal proceedings, legal action, or enforcement of other relevant laws fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and judicial institutions, not the authority itself.

The statement urged media outlets to verify sensitive news topics through responsible and credible sources before publication to avoid the spread of misinformation and confusion among the public.

Source: https://x.com/PTAofficialpk/status/1924833665680281810

May 16, 2025 - Comments Off on Viral Video of ‘Rafale Jet Shot Down by Pakistan’ is Misleading

Viral Video of ‘Rafale Jet Shot Down by Pakistan’ is Misleading

A viral video shows an Indian Rafale fighter jet shot down by Pakistan near the LoC in Poonch. The video is from June 2024 and shows an Indian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI crash in Nashik, Maharashtra, due to a technical fault, not related to the current conflict.

Multiple Indian outlets, including The Hindu, NDTV, and India Today, confirmed the incident was a training flight accident, with both pilots ejecting safely. The video was falsely re-circulated during the May 2025 military escalation between India and Pakistan.

Although Pakistan’s military has claimed it downed three Rafale jets, this specific video does not depict any such incident.

Source: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/video-does-not-show-rafale-jet-shot-down-by-pakistan-near-loc/