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December 16, 2025 - Comments Off on “Anti-state campaigns” on social media condemned as paid trends

“Anti-state campaigns” on social media condemned as paid trends

State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry has targeted opposition political parties and foreign actors for concocting “paid” social media trends against Pakistan. According to Mr Chaudhry, the Pakistani government has unearthed coordinated social media campaigns on Whatsapp groups and X that promote terrorism and incite anti-state sentiment meant to manipulate public opinion. Mr Chaudhry also asserted that accounts affiliated with PTI are at the root of many such trends spreading misinformation against the state, and called for harsh punishments against individuals who knowingly participate in “paid trends”. Driven by a commercial rather than ideological logic, he also clarified that such rhetoric is not reflective of public opinion.

December 15, 2025 - Comments Off on YouTube content creators granted pre-arrest bail by Lahore Court

YouTube content creators granted pre-arrest bail by Lahore Court

Popular Youtube content creators Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarik have been granted pre-arrest bail till January 6th. Both creators were implicated in multiple FIRs booked under various cybercrime provisions. These relate primarily to PECA-related provisions on the misuse of digital apps, promotion of gambling, and online harassment. Rajab Butt is further booked under blasphemy and cybercrime laws for causing a “religious stir” by allegedly naming his perfume brand after the blasphemy law in Pakistan’s Penal Code. In recent months, the NCCIA has clamped down on multiple YouTube content creators  for promoting gambling applications through their channels.

December 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Online Disinformation rampant as Pakistani man falsely identified as Bondi Beach Gunman

Online Disinformation rampant as Pakistani man falsely identified as Bondi Beach Gunman

A Pakistani-origin businessman in Sydney was falsely identified as one of the two perpetrators of the recent terrorist attack on a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. News outlets have identified the suspects, who happen to be father and son, as Sajid and Naveed Akram. In response to this news, social media platforms flooded with users trying to identify Naveed’s social media account, and ultimately began targeting an Australian-Pakistani bearing the same name. Despite this individual's repeated clarifications, he claims that accounts based in India have started harassing him by sending death threats on various social media platforms. 

December 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Govt hints at banning “uncooperative” social media platforms

Govt hints at banning “uncooperative” social media platforms

According to the Minister of State for Law and Justice, the Pakistani government will consider restrictions on social media platforms that fail to comply with local directives. These comments were targeted at X, which according to the Barrister’s comments, serves as a hotspot of disinformation, terrorism, and anti-state rhetoric. Specifically, the government has expressed repeated frustrations at the platform’s perceived indifference to anti-state tweets posted under PTI leader Imran Khan’s official account. The Pakistani government is currently investigating a ban on the founder's account and such comments serve to build pressure on a platform that views Pakistan as a lucrative market.

November 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Defamation case to be filed against journalist for spreading fake news

Defamation case to be filed against journalist for spreading fake news

On Tuesday, Punjab Information Minister addressed the press to announce the provincial government’s decision to file a defamation case against journalist Ahmed Faraz for spreading ‘fake news’ about Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz. The journalist is alleged to have hosted a social media programme where he discussed false narratives about Maryam Nawaz and the Prime Minister’s son, Hamza Shabaz. The journalist has claimed to not having defamed anyone. 

November 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Digital payments account for up to 88 percent of retail transactions

Digital payments account for up to 88 percent of retail transactions

According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s annual report on Payment Systems, payments made through digital channels accounted for 88 percent of all transactions in the financial year of 2025. This is an increase of approximately 3 percent from last year. Despite the challenges of online financial fraud, the report expressed how this rapid growth of digital payments has not only improved convenience for users but is also a sign of advancements for Pakistan. 

November 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Saba Qamar files defamation notice against Naeem Hanif 

Saba Qamar files defamation notice against Naeem Hanif 

Actress Saba Qamar shared a copy of a defamation notice filed by her against Naeem Hanif, a journalist and YouTuber. The notice was posted onto Qamar’s Instagram account alongside multiple other Instagram stories where the actress detailed how Khan was spreading fake and baseless claims about her on his YouTube podcast. In a news podcast posted in the first week of November, Naeem Khan discussed statements made by Saba Qamar and passed defamatory and sexist remarks against her and other actresses.

November 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Google Chromebook assembly line inaugurated in Pakistan 

Google Chromebook assembly line inaugurated in Pakistan 

Pakistan launched its first Google Chromebook assembly line at a ceremony in Islamabad. Inaugurated by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, this initiative was lauded as a ‘historic milestone’ for the country’s journey towards digital transformation. It was further said that Google’s presence in the country would help them closer to creating an ecosystem for greater collaboration, capacity building and increased access to global platforms. 

November 3, 2025 - Comments Off on Notices issued by LHC to NCCIA on Ducky Bhai bail petition

Notices issued by LHC to NCCIA on Ducky Bhai bail petition

Notices were issued to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority by Lahore High Court (LHC) in regards to Saadur Rehman’s, aka Ducky Bhai, bail petition. The former YouTuber was arrested and charged for promoting illegal gambling applications on his social media account. 

The petition asked the court to grant Rehman bail, while stating that all other suspects arrested at the same time as him have already been released. It further argued that prior to his arrest at the airport, where he was travelling for a work event, Rehman had not been issued any notice to appear for an inquiry. 

October 30, 2025 - Comments Off on Missing NCCIA Official Found in FIA Custody

Missing NCCIA Official Found in FIA Custody

Muhammad Usman, the missing Deputy Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), was found to be in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Usman was reportedly abducted from Islamabad earlier this month. A Lahore Judicial Magistrate short order confirmed he was remanded to three days of physical custody with the FIA. The NCCIA official was nominated in an FIR filed by the wife of YouTuber Ducky Bhai on charges of colluding with other NCCIA officials, misusing authority, and extorting bribes. The FIR alleges that Usman and others transferred millions of rupees to higher-ups.