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July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Punjab Launches Cyber Cell to Monitor Sectarian Content Ahead of Muharram, 17 arrested

Punjab Launches Cyber Cell to Monitor Sectarian Content Ahead of Muharram, 17 arrested

In order to counter sectarianism during the month of Muharram, the Punjab Home Department has launched its first-ever cyber patrolling and quick response cell. This state-of-the-art unit will operate round the clock to keep a close eye on social media activity for hateful content and take strict legal action against violators. Within the last 24 hours alone, the Punjab police have registered 9 cases of sectarian hateful content. Within these cases, 10 people have been arrested – 8 for posts on Facebook and 2 for sharing content on WhatsApp. The arrests were made across Punjab in Sargodha, Sahiwal, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Rajanpur, and Layyah. This cyber cell operates in collaboration with the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Reported material is relayed to the Special Branch, which coordinates with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block such content. So far, a total of 271 accounts have been flagged and 17 arrests made. A dedicated "Muharram e-Portal" links all districts with the central unit for streamlined coordination and reporting, while live surveillance monitors major Muharram processions and gatherings from the control room.

July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Sahiwal police arrested three men in separate cases in the last 24 hours for alleged online hate speech, blasphemous content, and sectarian hate. As Ashura on July 6th draws closer, the Punjab government has ordered strict security measures regarding hateful content on social media. DPO Tahir said, “The police are maintaining zero tolerance to such incidents.” The police officer stressed the importance of being cautious while using online platforms and warned against using them to hurt sectarian beliefs. The arrests were made under Sections 295-A and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), as well as Section 11 (hate speech) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2026

July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on IT Minister Unveils Smart City Plan for Islamabad, Stays Silent on PTCL-Telenor Merger

IT Minister Unveils Smart City Plan for Islamabad, Stays Silent on PTCL-Telenor Merger

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Islamabad will be transformed into a model digitally smart city within six to eight months. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly directed officials to accelerate this digital transformation. All schools, hospitals, and police stations in Islamabad will be connected to high-speed internet. The government has already finalized fibre connectivity for all public schools, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and healthcare facilities. When asked about the PTCL-Telenor merger deal currently under review by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), the minister declined to comment, stating the matter was being handled separately. While these companies have refused to provide free public WiFi throughout Islamabad, the minister confirmed that free access will be available in select public locations. The ministry is also introducing AI education from kindergarten to Grade 6, with plans to extend the model to Gilgit-Baltistan and other remote regions. Additionally, efforts are underway to enable BHUs to provide online medical consultations with specialists.

June 30, 2025 - Comments Off on Teenager in Karachi Killed in Scuffle Over Girl’s Profile Picture

Teenager in Karachi Killed in Scuffle Over Girl’s Profile Picture

According to the Jamshed Quarters police, seven boys were sitting at a restaurant near Kanzul Imam mosque when an argument broke out. During the altercation, Abdur Rehman was pushed and hit his head on the handle of a parked motorcycle, dying on the spot. Police arrived at the scene and took six suspects into custody, including the victim’s cousin. Following questioning, SHO Ansar Ahmed Butt revealed that the argument started when Abdullah found a picture of his girlfriend on Manan Ali’s phone. When Abdur Rehman tried to intervene, Manan allegedly pushed him, resulting in his death. The victim’s body was transferred to Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

June 29, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCIA Arrests Two in Multan for Rs20 Billion Online Fraud; Third Suspect Sought

NCCIA Arrests Two in Multan for Rs20 Billion Online Fraud; Third Suspect Sought

The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested two suspects in Multan for their alleged involvement in an online fraud scheme amounting to Rs 20 billion. The main suspect, Samar Abbas, and his assistant were apprehended during a targeted operation. A third suspect, Abdul Hai, is currently being traced. According to NCCIA, Abbas had been on the run for over a year and was finally caught in the Layyah district. The accused reportedly lured citizens into fake online trading schemes, promising high returns but defrauding them of billions. The Director of NCCIA confirmed that hundreds of complaints have been filed related to this massive scam, considered one of the largest cyber fraud cases in the region. Authorities stated the group used advanced digital strategies and fabricated investment trends on fake platforms to deceive the public.

June 27, 2025 - Comments Off on Online loan scam gang busted, 18 remanded in NCCIA custody

Online loan scam gang busted, 18 remanded in NCCIA custody

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) conducted a successful raid apprehending 18 individuals suspected to be involved in an online loan scam. Several digital devices were recovered, revealing an elaborate scam targeting both locals and foreign nationals from the Gulf Countries. Preliminary examination suggests that the scammers lured victims into giving up precious personal and financial details under the guise of attractive advertisements. This information was then used to extort money. Suspects also made use of sophisticated software such as “Voice over IP” (VoIP) to gain access to other WhatsApp contacts, made spoofed calls, and tricked people into giving up their information. Those apprehended have been booked under different sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including Electronic Fraud, Forgery, and unauthorized access to user  information.

June 26, 2025 - Comments Off on Interior ministry vows to take strict action against religious hate online during Muharram 

Interior ministry vows to take strict action against religious hate online during Muharram 

In an effort to increase security measures across the country during Muharram, the interior ministry announced a plan on Thursday to tackle religious hate speech on social media. In this regard, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has been asked to monitor social media for hateful content. Whether the government will also be suspending internet and mobile services during religious processions, is yet to be decided. 

Further security measures include monitoring religious gatherings throughout the holy month via technology. Previously this week, provincial governments in Punjab and KP have also planned to impose Section 144 from 1st to 10th Muharram, barring people from public gatherings, protests and any other actions that disrupt peace. 

June 26, 2025 - Comments Off on PM approves search committee for Pakistan Digital Authority appointments 

PM approves search committee for Pakistan Digital Authority appointments 

On Thursday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif approved the search and selection of members for the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act. 

 

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication issued a notification stating that the search committee will appoint a chairperson and two members for the PDA. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister of IT, has been appointed as convener of the committee. In addition to selecting members of the PDA, the committee will also be responsible for making recommendations in regards to salaries and benefits given to employed persons.  

 

The act, approved by the federal cabinet in June 2024 and passed by the senate in January 2025, aims to transform Pakistan into a "digital nation” by combining digital society, digital economy and digital governance under one roof. The PDA, a body established for the act, will develop, plan and implement a digital masterplan for the entire country.

June 26, 2025 - Comments Off on Nadra employees arrested for selling individuals data

Nadra employees arrested for selling individuals data

In Hyderabad, official NADRA employees Abdul Hakeem and Mohsin Iqbal were found and caught selling citizens' data. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have arrested the two after a tip off received by an individual. Under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, a formal complaint was filed. Investigators verified that the suspects sold NADRA data using WhatsApp groups. Both the culprits were unable to defend their positions or the fact that they had access to vital Nadra data.. The accused were transferred to NCCIA Hyderabad and their cell phones were confiscated.

June 26, 2025 - Comments Off on KP police acquire anti-drone technology to counter terror threats

KP police acquire anti-drone technology to counter terror threats

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) police have employed high-tech gadgets like anti-drone technologies to counter the increase in aerial terrorism threats in Pakistan. In sensitive areas such as North Waziristan the advanced technology will help in identifying and neutralizing the drones. A police officer from KP mentioned the importance of including the latest technology in security operations. The sudden rise in terrorism by the Taliban in Afghanistan has triggered greater alerts at borders.