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July 16, 2025 - Comments Off on Government asked to form commission to probe misuse of blasphemy law

Government asked to form commission to probe misuse of blasphemy law

The Islamabad High Court gave the government 30 days to form a commission to probe misuse of blasphemy laws along with a deadline of four months to report its findings. Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan also expressed concern over the disappearance of Komal Ismail, a woman accused of trapping suspects of blasphemy. The NCCIA has informed the bench that her CNIC is blocked, SIMs are inactive and that she has been put on the Exit Control List.

July 16, 2025 - Comments Off on Controversial 2022 order on PECA section still in ‘legal limbo’

Controversial 2022 order on PECA section still in ‘legal limbo’

The case to strike down Section 20 of the PECA law remains unresolved due to the absence of a detailed judgment even after over three years. The short order, issued in April 2022 by former IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah ruled the law which criminalized criticism of state institutions unconstitutional, but with no explanation to his reasoning. 

Files regarding the case were only recently returned to the IHC but new challenges to PECA amendments have created uncertainty. Legal experts acknowledge that short orders hold legal weight; however, without a detailed explanation their strength is significantly diminished.

July 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Asian Development Bank report shows Pakistani women 35% less likely to own cellphones

Asian Development Bank report shows Pakistani women 35% less likely to own cellphones

Findings from Asian Development Bank’s (ABD) recent report ‘Pakistan Digital Ecosystem” use figures from GSMA to show Pakistani women to be 35% less likely than men to use mobile phones and 38% less likely to use the internet. Other insights from the report say that women disproportionately face online harassment including theft or misuse of their personal information. It further highlighted the lack of digital literacy amongst girls and women and reiterated the need for equal access to technology amongst all genders.

July 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged the Supreme Court to review and amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in consultation with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and other media stakeholders.

In a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, IFJ raised concerns over rising threats to press freedom, citing legal harassment, violence and misuse of PECA against journalists. From May 2024 to April 2025, the IFJ recorded 34 violations including targeted killings of seven journalists. Furthermore, copies of the letter were also sent to the PM, Islamabad High Court CJ and PFUJ President Rana Azeem.

July 14, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCIA raids illegal call centre in Islamabad

NCCIA raids illegal call centre in Islamabad

The NCCIA raided an illegal call centre in Islamabad and arrested five foreign nationals involved in a large-scale digital scam. Using fake online earning platforms, AI-generated images and social media, the call centre tricked victims into sharing personal data, leading to financial losses laundered through crypto wallets. This operation follows recent NCCIA crackdowns across Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan and Lahore, involving over 200 arrests, some involving international cooperation.

July 13, 2025 - Comments Off on Police arrests elderly man over offensive video against Punjab Government

Police arrests elderly man over offensive video against Punjab Government

An elderly citizen from Lahore was arrested after his video on the account of heavy rainfall went viral. The video records his frustration over poor drainage systems and maintenance all over Lahore while using abusive language towards Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and other government officials. After his arrest, he delivered a public apology to the government.

July 12, 2025 - Comments Off on IT Minister meets Google team, stresses government’s focus on AI training in education & workforce

IT Minister meets Google team, stresses government’s focus on AI training in education & workforce

Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across sectors including education, workforce development and industry. In a meeting with Google’s Regional AI team, she emphasized the importance of inclusive access to AI tools. The minister noted the rising interest in AI among young people and businesses, while experts stressed upon the need for regulation to ensure AI development serves the public good and isn’t solely market-driven.

July 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Islamabad court halts banning of 5 more YouTube channels

Islamabad court halts banning of 5 more YouTube channels

An Islamabad District court has temporarily suspended the ban on several YouTube channels that were blocked for allegedly spreading false and defamatory content against the government and military. The original order, released on Tuesday, targeted 27 channels run by Pakistani journalists and influencers. Journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor successfully challenged the ban, followed by five others who were also granted a relief. Petitioners argued they were not given prior notice, thus violating their constitutional rights.

 

The ban attracted significant criticism from rights groups and legal bodies, who called it an attack on free speech. Meanwhile, the government has indicated that possible criminal action may be taken against the channel owners.

July 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Platform launched to boost digital trade

Platform launched to boost digital trade

The Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), has launched Pakistan’s first official platform dedicated to boosting digital trade and e-commerce, with a focus on strengthening regional connectivity through digital corridors. The ceremony emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a secure and globally connected digital trade environment, focusing to support e-commerce and help local businesses reach international markets.

July 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Starlink internet satellite to launch in Pakistan

Starlink internet satellite to launch in Pakistan

Pakistan is set to launch its first satellite internet service, with Starlink likely to begin operations in the country by year end.  Authorities are finalizing a licensing framework after which Starlink will receive formal approval.