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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.

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.