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July 7, 2025 - Comments Off on ​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922531/kp-police-use-drone-jamming-technology-for-first-time-during-ashura

For the first time, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police used drone-jamming technology as part of security arrangements for Ashura processions in Peshawar on Sunday. Capital City Police Officer Qasim Khan confirmed that a drone-jamming gun was deployed using the Peshawar Anti-Drone System, which can disable suspicious drones from up to three kilometres away. According to Khan, this development comes in response to previous drone-related threats in southern KP districts. Across the country, 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis took place, including 12 processions in Peshawar, all concluding peacefully amid tight security. Thousands of police personnel, including snipers and rescue teams, were stationed in major cities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the army, Rangers, and police, for ensuring a secure environment. In a post on X, he commended the coordinated plan implemented from Muharram 1 to Ashura and thanked all officers for their discipline, unity, and dedication throughout the period.

July 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan’s first cybersecurity tool, Dexter, developed to manage security risks

Pakistan’s first cybersecurity tool, Dexter, developed to manage security risks

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922579/pakistans-first-ai-powered-cybersecurity-tool-launched

Pakistan has developed its first domestically AI-powered cybersecurity tool, named “Dexter” which had been launched by SOCByte. Created as an AI-driven Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst, it supports human experts by analyzing incidents and providing crucial insights to improve response capabilities and as Pakistan suffered around 34 million cyberattacks between 2023 and 2024. SOCByte emphasized that “Dexter”, along with future similar solutions, will enhance digital sovereignty, local threat intelligence, job creation and strengthen the national cybersecurity ecosystem.

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

On Yaum-i-Ashura, Pakistan saw heightened surveillance and online monitoring as thousands of processions took place across the country. In Punjab, over 7,500 CCTV cameras were used to track events in real time, with 113,000 personnel deployed for security. Islamabad, Multan, and other cities implemented similar measures using Safe City systems, drones, body-worn cameras, and mobile control rooms. Alongside on-ground monitoring, a significant crackdown on digital content was reported. The Punjab Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell flagged over 1,600 social media accounts for spreading hate speech, resulting in the arrest of 170 individuals. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that similar monitoring efforts were underway nationwide. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the administration’s arrangements, stating this was “not only the best Muharram in terms of arrangements but also the most peaceful one.” She added, “Along with cleaning the roads, the dirt of hatred was also wiped away.”

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

Reuters X Account Withheld and Later Restored in India After Legal Demand

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922497/reuters-x-accounts-withheld-in-india-local-media

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922534/reuters-x-account-restored-in-india-after-suspension-over-legal-demand

Reuters’ official X accounts (@Reuters and @ReutersWorld) were briefly withheld in India due to what X described as a legal demand, sparking confusion within the Indian media along with the Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT who denied issuing any such directive. X via its Global Affairs account issued a statement on May 8 saying it had “received executive orders from the Indian government” to “block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees”.The block, which occurred on July 6, 2025, appeared linked to an older order from May reportedly involving “Operation Sindoor,” though it had not been previously enforced. Following media attention and public reaction, the accounts were restored the next day, with Indian authorities stating they were engaging with X to resolve the issue. “At this time, we are no longer withholding access in India to your account,” X said in an email to the Reuters social media team.

July 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Microsoft shifts business model after massive layoff

Microsoft shifts business model after massive layoff

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922163/microsoft-closes-office-in-pakistan-lays-off-staff

Microsoft has shut down its office in Pakistan after 25 years, laying off its remaining employees as part of a global restructuring strategy. The company will now operate in the country through its regional office and certified partners. While some media reports suggested a complete exit, the Ministry of IT clarified that Microsoft is not leaving Pakistan but is shifting to a different operational model aligned with global trends.

July 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Balochistan announces plans to integrate AI in road network maintenance

Balochistan announces plans to integrate AI in road network maintenance

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922185/balochistan-eyes-ai-to-monitor-maintain-road-network

Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence for monitoring and maintaining the province’s road network, particularly in remote and underserved areas. In a meeting with the Communications and Works Department held on July 5, officials were briefed on an AI-driven system designed to assess road conditions in real time to ensure quality standards and prevent misuse of development funds leveraging towards a more non-traditional path, adopting smarter improved solutions. Bugti emphasized that the adoption of such technology is crucial to enhance transparency, efficiency and the longevity of road infrastructure alongside instructing relevant departments to fast‑track consultations in order to present implementable recommendations for piloting the system.

July 4, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker in Bahawalnagar Held Over Hate Speech

TikToker in Bahawalnagar Held Over Hate Speech

Under sections 188 and 295A of the PECA Act, a case has been filed against Abid Fayyaz, a resident of Qasimka Village. According to the registered FIR, the individual was accused of inciting sectarian hatred by posting abusive content on his TikTok account. The accused is said to have posted inflammatory content about a “specific” Muslim sect in connection to Muharram. The nature of said content has not yet been disclosed, but the TikToker is currently detained by the FIA for further investigations. In the days leading up to Muharram, the Punjab Government has ordered strict crackdowns on online hate speech, which has led to an increased deployment of the PECA Act against the identified culprits.

July 4, 2025 - Comments Off on AI integration across key sectors announced: Federal Planning Minister

AI integration across key sectors announced: Federal Planning Minister

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922042/planning-minister-calls-for-ai-integration-across-sectors

In order for Pakistan to drive national development, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across crucial key sectors where he emphasized the need for a focused 10-year strategic roadmap. These sectors include education, health, agriculture and governance, just to name a few, as the government aims to foster cross-sector collaborations in hopes to establish a national AI fund to support such innovative changes. Plans are also underway to host a national AI workshop including the use of 3D printing, to develop practical, localized AI solutions for Pakistan’s challenges and to place Pakistan at the forefront of technological advancements.

July 3, 2025 - Comments Off on India Blocks Pakistani Social Media Accounts Again After a Brief Period of Visibility

India Blocks Pakistani Social Media Accounts Again After a Brief Period of Visibility

According to sources in the Indian Government, digital restrictions on prominent Pakistani social media accounts have not been lifted. This was done in response to confusion on Indian social media when Instagram accounts of celebrities such as Ahad Raza Mir and Saba Qamar became visible on Wednesday. The same accounts were restricted again the next day, with sources citing an unintentional technical error behind Wednesday’s anomaly. Ever since the military escalation between India and Pakistan in early May, tight digital restrictions have been imposed on both sides of the border curtailing the flow of information and leading to mass blockings of prominent accounts.

July 3, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker arrested with 13 guards for public display of arms

TikToker arrested with 13 guards for public display of arms

https://www.dawn.com/news/1921826/tiktoker-held-with-13-guards-for-public-display-of-arms-in-lahore

On Wednesday, TikToker Kashif Zameer was arrested in Lahore along with 13-armed security guards for publicly exhibiting weapons which directly violated Section 144, which prohibits such acts during Muharram for security reasons. The Police were able to seize multiple firearms prompting a case to be registered. A viral video also displayed Zameer moving through the city with said guards, heavily armed, prompting public concerns of safety.