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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.

April 30, 2025 - Comments Off on NADRA app enables online registration of births, deaths, marriages

NADRA app enables online registration of births, deaths, marriages

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a new mobile application allowing citizens to register life events such as births, deaths, and changes in marital status remotely from their homes.

The app was launched during the second meeting of the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework Implementation Committee, attended by federal and provincial officials. Initially being rolled out in Punjab, the application is supported by extended biometric verification services at union councils. According to NADRA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Munir Afsar, the initiative marks a significant step toward improving service delivery and maintaining a more accurate population database. 

NADRA also announced the establishment of one-window counters in Islamabad to streamline citizen access to civil registration services. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman also updated the committee on the finalisation of the National Biometric Policy, signalling further integration of biometric systems in public service delivery.

April 29, 2025 - Comments Off on NCERT warns against sharing sensitive military content amid rising tensions

NCERT warns against sharing sensitive military content amid rising tensions

Amid growing India-Pakistan tensions, India’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a stern advisory warning media personnel and content creators against posting sensitive national security information online.

The advisory highlights a surge in the circulation of videos, images, and commentary disclosing troop movements and military deployments. NCERT warned that such disclosures, whether intentional or accidental, could endanger national security and aid adversaries in planning hostile actions. It further cautioned that sharing mapping coordinates, terrain analysis, or logistical details could assist hostile actors in gathering open-source intelligence, refining targeting strategies, and planning ambushes. The agency also flagged the spread of deepfake content and false narratives, noting their potential to trigger civil unrest or public panic. Media professionals and social media users were urged to refrain from amplifying unverified military-related content and to report disinformation.

A separate NCERT alert issued a day earlier warned of possible state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting Pakistan’s critical infrastructure, media, and government entities.

April 29, 2025 - Comments Off on India blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube channels

India blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube channels

In a move raising concerns about cross-border censorship, the Indian government blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those run by major media outlets, independent journalists, and public figures.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly recommended the bans, which have affected media organisations such as Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, Geo News, and content creators and journalists including Shoaib Akhtar, Asma Shirazi, and Muneeb Farooq. Popular podcast ‘The Pakistan Experience’ by comedian Shehzad Ghias has also been blocked.

Viewers in India attempting to access these channels are now met with a notice citing government orders related to “national security or public order.” Indian tech journalist Aditi Agarwal noted the legal basis for the bans remains unclear.

April 28, 2025 - Comments Off on India protests BBC coverage of Pahalgam attack

India protests BBC coverage of Pahalgam attack

The Indian government has formally objected to the BBC’s coverage of the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, criticising the broadcaster for referring to the attackers as “militants” instead of “terrorists”.

In a letter addressed to BBC India head Jackie Martin, officials expressed concern over the language used and stated that the broadcaster's future coverage would be closely monitored.

The BBC has not issued an official response to the letter, but in earlier statements maintained that it reports “accurately, impartially and responsibly.”