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April 21, 2026 - Comments Off on Amnesty International Reports Global Rights Crisis and Pakistani Restrictions

Amnesty International Reports Global Rights Crisis and Pakistani Restrictions

Amnesty International’s 2026 report warns of a global assault on human rights, highlighting Pakistan’s weaponization of cybercrime and anti-terror laws to silence dissent. The watchdog noted that the 27th Amendment undermined judicial independence while authorities used detention and internet shutdowns to suppress activists. Pakistan’s web monitoring systems, updated with Chinese technology, reportedly facilitated increased surveillance. The findings detail restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the targeting of journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Amnesty emphasized that technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly enabling state repression, creating an unprecedented crisis for fundamental civil liberties across the globe.

April 20, 2026 - Comments Off on British Universities Revealed to Employ Private Intelligence Firm to Monitor Protests

British Universities Revealed to Employ Private Intelligence Firm to Monitor Protests

An investigation revealed that twelve elite British universities paid Horus Security Consultancy, a firm led by former military intelligence officials, to monitor student protesters and academics. Since 2022, institutions like Oxford and LSE have spent over £440,000 on social media surveillance and background checks, particularly targeting pro-Palestine activists. The firm utilized artificial intelligence tools to harvest open-source data and conduct counter-terror threat assessments on guest speakers. While universities claim these measures ensure campus safety, the United Nations and civil rights groups expressed profound legal concerns regarding disproportionate data collection and the erosion of free speech on academic campuses within the UK.

 

April 18, 2026 - Comments Off on Punjab Government Launches Mass Digital Skills Initiative for Students

Punjab Government Launches Mass Digital Skills Initiative for Students

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved free Google certification courses for over 100,000 students across Punjab, covering subjects like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This initiative waives fees ranging from $400 to $1,000 to standardize college education. Additionally, 166 government colleges will receive modern information technology laboratories. The program includes the Honhaar Scholarship, awarding stipends and scholarships to thousands of eligible students. This digital upskilling effort aims to provide vocational training for both public and private institution attendees. The government also authorized electric buses for college transit and introduced performance indicators for educators to ensure provincial academic standards effectively within the province.

April 17, 2026 - Comments Off on PTA, FIA to face contempt plea

PTA, FIA to face contempt plea

Lahore High Court (LHC) heard a contempt petition against the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the director general of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The petition accuses both officials of failing to comply with previous court orders directing the removal of allegedly blasphemous content from social media platforms. During proceedings, the judge questioned how Pakistani laws could be enforced on global platforms such as YouTube and X when those companies do not maintain offices in Pakistan. Relevant authorities were asked to submit a detailed compliance report explaining what steps had been taken to remove such content across platforms. 

April 14, 2026 - Comments Off on Govt to collaborate with Google to promote AI skills

Govt to collaborate with Google to promote AI skills

In collaboration with the Pakistani government, Google is set to launch “AI Seekho 2026,” a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping young people with AI skills. The programme seeks to prepare youth for a transition towards AI-driven economy and society. It offers free access to advanced tools, cloud services, and training platforms such as Google AI Studio. Moreover, the programme will include online learning phases and physical hackathons where participants will build apps for prizes. A key feature is “vibe coding” which allows users to develop software using natural language.  

 

April 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Repair work on submarine cable to disrupt internet from Tuesday: PTCL

Repair work on submarine cable to disrupt internet from Tuesday: PTCL

PTCL has announced repair work on one of Pakistan’s submarine internet cables from April 14 to APril 20, warning users that internet services may slow down, particularly during evening peak hours. PTCL said that the maintenance was necessary to restore and improve connectivity through one of its fibre-optic systems that help provide international internet access in Pakistan.

April 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Geo News receives show-cause notice from PEMRA for reporting Asha Bhosle’s death

Geo News receives show-cause notice from PEMRA for reporting Asha Bhosle’s death

Geo News was issued a show-cause notice by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) after the news channel reported on the death of Indian singer Asha Bhosle alongside her songs and film clips. According to the government authority, the broadcast violated a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that banned Indian content on Pakistani television. The managing director of Geo News criticized the move, arguing that it is standard journalistic practice worldwide to revisit an artist’s work when reporting their death, especially when they are a figure of Bhosle’s legendary stature. 

 

April 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Public focused on making AI videos of journalist at US-Iran talks

Public focused on making AI videos of journalist at US-Iran talks

Dawn Images reports that during the high-profile Islamabad Peace Talks between the US and Iran, some Pakistanis chose to focus not on the historic diplomacy but on journalist Gharidah Farooqi and what she was wearing while covering the event. The newspaper condemned the public backlash saying that sexist and regressive remarks were made against the journalist which were completely uncalled for. The piece notes that such harassment is not new with other journalists being subjected to the same harassment in male-dominated fields in the past. Most seriously, the article highlights privacy violations and concerns around AI-enabled harassment, where a photo taken without consent was allegedly used to create inappropriate content. 

 

April 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Photos of Pakistani actress posted to social media without consent

Photos of Pakistani actress posted to social media without consent

Pakistani actor Ramsha Khan publicly criticized social media pages for sharing her personal photos without consent in an attempt to gain engagement and spread rumors. She highlighted that reposting or publishing someone’s images without permission is unethical and that consent remains essential regardless of a person’s public personality. The incident sparked broader discussions online about digital consent, privacy and reflects a growing concern about the misuse of images in Pakistan with a lack of accountability on social media platforms. 

 

April 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Primary schools should have AI education: Balochistan Board of Investment

Primary schools should have AI education: Balochistan Board of Investment

Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment has called for introducing primary school children to artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT) as a part of their education. He emphasized that current education systems lack curriculum and activities that build modern skills and confidence, giving more focus to basic learning. He added that early exposure to AI and IT will help students develop critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to engage effectively with society as it changes. He stressed the need for reform in school curricula to align with modern technological demands and ensure equal standards in both public and private institutions.