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May 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division X Account Hacked Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division X Account Hacked Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistan's Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that its official X (formerly Twitter) account was compromised on Friday, following the appearance of a post appealing to international partners for additional loans amid escalating tensions with India. Source: ssb crack

The unauthorized post stated: "Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by the enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate." Source: Profit Pakistan

In response, the Ministry clarified that the message was not officially sanctioned and that efforts were underway to regain control of the account. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's fact-checking wing labeled the post as "fake," asserting that the account had been hacked. Source: Express Tribune 

This incident occurs amidst heightened geopolitical tensions following India's recent military operations, including "Operation Sindoor," targeting alleged terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan. The situation has led to increased cyber activities, with both nations accusing each other of digital intrusions. Source: Times of India

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on PTA responds to cyberattacks, Indian social media blockade

PTA responds to cyberattacks, Indian social media blockade

In response to coordinated cyberattacks and an ongoing social media blockade imposed by India, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed it is actively monitoring threats to national digital infrastructure. The PTA acknowledged reports of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks targeting key Pakistani digital services and vowed to bolster technical protections. It also criticised the Indian government’s moves to block access to Pakistani platforms, including the accounts of several celebrities and news outlets. The PTA stressed the need for global tech platforms to uphold neutrality and not bow to geopolitical pressure. It further called on users to remain vigilant and verify online content as tensions escalate.

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Senior NADRA Official Arrested for Alleged Anti-Army Remarks in WhatsApp Group Under PECA

Senior NADRA Official Arrested for Alleged Anti-Army Remarks in WhatsApp Group Under PECA

A senior National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) official in Lahore was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for allegedly sharing derogatory remarks about the Pakistan Army in a NADRA employees’ WhatsApp group. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed that day, the accused (identified as Hina Rehman Sheikh, a senior executive at NADRA Lahore) had posted content deemed a “mischievous act of subversion” against the Army and the state. The FIR cites offences under Sections 20, 24, 24(A) and 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 in this case. Journalist Zahid Gishkori also confirmed the arrest on social media, reporting that a senior NADRA officer was detained for sharing an anti-Army remark via WhatsApp.

Copy of FIRs:

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Blocks Dozens of Indian YouTube Channels, Websites Over ‘Anti-Pakistan Propaganda’

Pakistan Blocks Dozens of Indian YouTube Channels, Websites Over ‘Anti-Pakistan Propaganda’

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 16 Indian YouTube news channels, 31 YouTube video links, and 32 websites, citing concerns over “false information and anti-Pakistan propaganda.”

In a statement released Wednesday, the PTA said the content targeted in the crackdown was spreading “misleading and harmful narratives aimed at manipulating public perception and undermining national unity.” The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following cross-border hostilities.

Describing the decision as a matter of national security, the PTA reiterated its commitment to defending Pakistan’s digital landscape. “This action has been taken in light of the prevailing regional situation to safeguard national security,” the authority stated.

The PTA did not name the blocked outlets but confirmed that the content in question was part of coordinated misinformation campaigns. The authority also urged citizens to report suspicious content, pledging continued vigilance against disinformation.

The National Security Council echoed the PTA’s concerns, condemning India’s “illegal acts” and reaffirming Pakistan’s right to respond in self-defence.

Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361491/pta-blocks-79-indian-digital-platforms-for-spreading-anti-pakistan-propaganda?fbclid=IwY2xjawKIRZtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtkpYtudubidhY7w0pDd4No7EK5mHk7755SnPLJq8o8a6tk4pQS3I-drwMvp_aem_8HqNMjeJJAiW32N-5qHcxw

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Meta Blocks Muslim News Page in India Amid Escalating Tensions

Meta Blocks Muslim News Page in India Amid Escalating Tensions

Meta has restricted access to the @Muslim Instagram account (6.7M followers) in India following a legal request from the Indian government. The platform cited its policy of complying with content restrictions that allegedly violate local laws.

Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the page’s founder, condemned the move as censorship, saying: “When platforms and countries try to silence media, it tells us that we are doing our job.”

The ban comes amid India’s broader crackdown on Pakistani digital content during its conflict with Pakistan. Indian authorities have already blocked accounts of Pakistani actors, cricketers, and over a dozen YouTube channels.

Meta has not commented further but directed media to its standard legal compliance page. The development occurs as violence escalates between the nuclear-armed neighbors, prompting global concern over regional stability.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/meta-instagram-muslim-news-page

May 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Issues Cybersecurity Advisory Amid Escalating India Tensions

Pakistan Issues Cybersecurity Advisory Amid Escalating India Tensions

As tensions with India intensify, Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning of a surge in cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns targeting national infrastructure.

The advisory highlights that hostile actors are exploiting the regional conflict to spread disinformation, phishing attempts, and fake news via social media and messaging platforms to destabilize public perception.

“Hostile elements are trying to sow chaos and exploit uncertainty,” the advisory noted, urging citizens not to share unverified updates, especially via WhatsApp or X.

CERT called for extreme caution when clicking on suspicious links or engaging with questionable content, emphasizing the need to rely solely on trusted, official sources.

The advisory follows India’s recent airstrikes on Pakistani cities and the Pakistan military’s retaliation, which reportedly downed five Indian jets. Government officials have warned of continued digital warfare alongside conventional military escalations.

CERT has recently requested citizens to join its WhatsApp channel to stay updated on comprehensive cybersecurity updates including verified threats, official advisories, disinformation alerts, best practices, and emergency responses. The channel can be joined via this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7FrQHVvTcbX9KmI26

Source: https://www.samaa.tv/2087333043-cert-warns-pakistan-of-growing-cyber-attacks-amid-india-tensions#google_vignette

May 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Partial Restoration of X (Twitter) Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

Partial Restoration of X (Twitter) Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

After months of state-imposed restrictions, access to X (formerly Twitter) has been partially restored in Pakistan without the use of VPNs or proxies. The platform had been largely inaccessible since the February 2024 general elections, forcing millions to rely on third-party tools.

 

This development comes amid escalating military tensions with India. Earlier this week, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed Indian airstrikes on six Pakistani locations, resulting in civilian casualties. In response, Pakistan reportedly shot down five Indian aircraft that had entered via Indian airspace.

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2544463/access-to-x-partially-restored-in-pakistan

May 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Hania Aamir denies fake statement on Pahalgam attack

Hania Aamir denies fake statement on Pahalgam attack

Pakistani actor Hania Aamir has publicly rejected a fabricated statement circulating on social media that falsely attributed controversial remarks to her in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in India.

The viral post falsely claimed Aamir criticised Pakistan’s military and urged the Indian prime minister to differentiate between civilians and “Islamist terrorists.” In an Instagram story, Aamir clarified that she had never made such a statement, calling it “entirely fabricated” and unreflective of her views. She expressed condolences for the lives lost in the attack and urged restraint, stating, “Pain like this is real, and it deserves empathy, not politicisation.” Aamir also cautioned against disinformation and blame-based narratives that deepen divisions.

Her Instagram account is among several Pakistani celebrity accounts reportedly blocked in India following the April 22 attack, part of a wider clampdown that included bans on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.

May 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists face growing threats to free expression in 2025: PPF report

Journalists face growing threats to free expression in 2025: PPF report

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) released a report titled Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan, outlining an increasingly hostile environment for media professionals in the country.

The report highlights that the year began with the passage of the controversial Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act, 2025, sparking concerns over intensified legal repercussions for online reporting. Alongside this, state-led financial pressure tactics such as withdrawal of advertising from critical outlets–most notably Dawn and Daily Sahafat–were documented.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reportedly continued to target journalists with impunity, contributing to a "dangerous pattern" of intimidation. PPF recorded at least 34 incidents this year, including arrests, detentions, physical assaults, abductions, defamation notices, and online harassment. Threats extended beyond individuals to their families and property, reinforcing the use of coercive tools to silence dissent.

The report paints a grim picture of shrinking space for free expression in Pakistan, calling attention to the urgent need for stronger protections for media workers.

May 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistani FM stations halt Indian music amid rising tensions

Pakistani FM stations halt Indian music amid rising tensions

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has lauded the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) for its decision to stop playing Indian songs on local FM radio stations, calling it a “patriotic gesture” in light of escalating cross-border tensions.

The move follows accusations by India linking Pakistan to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 civilians dead. While Islamabad has denied involvement, diplomatic unease and military alerts have intensified across both sides of the border. In an official letter, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting commended the PBA’s “principled decision,” stating it reflects national unity and supports the government’s efforts to uphold “dignity and sovereignty” during a critical time.

The announcement comes shortly after India banned multiple Pakistani YouTube and Instagram accounts, including those of well-known entertainers like Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, as part of a broader crackdown on Pakistani content.