Internet speed in Pakistan has greatly slowed down after the government tested a firewall, Geo has said.
The country’s internet-based businesses are in fear. However, internet traffic and speed will return to normal after the trial ends.
An official told Geo that the purpose of the system is to control social media influencers who are involved in spreading fake news in the eyes of the government and to hide or block the content of these influencers.
The government has earmarked more than 30 billion rupees in the development budget to acquire and install the filtering system. These funds were given to the Ministry of Information Technology, but the project is being run by another powerhouse. In this project, the Ministry of Information Technology is no more than a post office.
The firewall has been under construction since January this year, including the procurement and installation of the system. Concerned authorities will be given control of the system in a few weeks.
Several videos of an armed UK cop holding a taser over a man lying face down on the floor are going viral on social media. The cop can be seen striking the man twice while other officers shout at onlookers in Manchester Airport.
Onlookers can be heard shouting in the video as the cops proceed to kick and stamp on the man’s heads. The chaotic scene continued as another person is heard yelling “move back”, while a female officer is seen turning her taser towards other individuals present.
Other voices in the video plead, “Stop kicking people”, and a slew of expletives as multiple officers surround the men on the ground.
Reports suggest the men being beaten by police officers are British Pakistanis.
Videos of two young men who were arrested and then released by the police have also emerged online. Their lawyer has confirmed that Fahir and Ammad were assaulted by the police at the airport in front of their mother who could be seen protecting one of them in the video that went viral. The lawyer claimed that they were arrested by the police and upon their release they themselves went to the hospital for first-aid whereas it was the duty of the police to provide them with medical help. The lawyer stressed that a “complaint has been filed against the police officers that have assaulted both Fahir and Amaad and their elderly mother who was just there as a bystander”.
The same Twitter thread claimed that someone at the airport had hit the trolley of the boys’ mother, and this escalated a fight, adding that the boys were released by the police because of the lack of evidence.
Dawn’s Atika Rehman reports that the incident happened on Wednesday afternoon (July 24).
Greater Manchester Police responded to the viral video by saying that an armed officer had been attacked while attempting to arrest someone, following a fight in Terminal 2 of the airport on Tuesday.
Police issued a statement following the release of the video on social media that four men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of assaulting emergency service workers.
The police said that a female officer suffered from a broken nose, and other officers required hospitalisation.
BBC News quoted Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry as saying: “We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.”
The IOPC said it would assess GMP’s referral “and decide what further action is required”.
A protest was held following the footage release where one of the protesters had told the crowd they were “no longer going to settle” for “police brutality”, the Manchester Evening News reported.
People from the British-Pakistani community expressed their disappointment at the police for mistreating the boys. A criminal lawyer in UK, Attik Malik posted a video of him expressing the disgust he felt after the videos and pronounced, “enough is enough.”
Apna Gourmet Cola, a beloved beverage from Gourmet Foods, has captivated the hearts of Pakistanis with its rich flavors and deep cultural resonance. Each sip—whether it’s classic cola or refreshing Lemon Up—evokes nostalgia and a taste of home.
The latest Communication of Apna Gourmet Cola has set new records, amassing an incredible 53 Million views within the first 10 days of launch, making it a cultural sensation that has captivated the nation. This response not only underscores the widespread popularity of Apna Gourmet Cola but also solidifies its position as the favored choice among Pakistani consumers, resonating deeply with its audience.
What sets Apna Gourmet Cola apart is how it beautifully embraces Pakistani identity, reflected in communication strategies that resonate with authenticity and relatability. Enriching everyday moments with a touch of “desi-ness” that everyone can appreciate. Apna Gourmet Cola sets a trend by embracing local and homegrown flavors, setting itself apart in the market.
With a steadfast commitment to taste and quality, Apna Gourmet Cola continues to innovate, ensuring each sip exceeds consumer expectations. As Pakistan’s taste of choice, Apna Gourmet Cola invites everyone to savor the essence of the nation and celebrate moments of joy. Whether at family gatherings, festive occasions, or everyday enjoyment, Apna Gourmet Cola embodies the spirit of Pakistan.
With its refreshing taste and cultural significance, Apna Gourmet Cola remains a symbol of pride and unity for all Pakistanis to enjoy
Controversial writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar has claimed that his kidnappers named actors Noman Ijaz and Saba Qamar during his abduction.
In a podcast interview, Qamar recounted his kidnapping, explaining that he hesitated to file a report because the kidnappers had named Noman Ijaz and Saba Qamar.
“I dislike Noman Ijaz, but he is an outstanding actor. Despite my differences with Saba Qamar, I admire her acting. These are not the kind of people who would do such a thing,” Qamar said, implying that the kidnappers were trying to confuse him.
Qamar expressed surprise at the support he received from Indian fans during the ordeal, noting the contrast with the hostility and mockery he faced in Pakistan. “I didn’t know the kidnappers’ motives. I was just worried about my wife and daughters. When they tortured me, I told them to kill me if they wanted,” he added.
He shared that his wife now wants to leave Pakistan due to the distress caused by the incident, but he remains deeply attached to his homeland and has no plans to emigrate.
The kidnapping and robbery took place last week in Lahore. According to the police, a woman called Qamar on his phone and invited him to her house to discuss a drama project. When he arrived, armed men abducted him and carried out the robbery.
The internet had little sympathy for the misogynistic writer, who is known for misbehaving with many women. He has also said that he is waging a war against feminists.
In a move that shocked the salaried class, the government imposed a hefty income tax on the earnings of us poor souls on June 12.
The budget 2024-25 documents show the new income tax slabs for the salaried class, which have already been applied since July 1 of this year.
However, it will not matter to the salaried class earning up to 6 lakh rupees per year as the tax on this bracket is zero.
But if you want to know how much tax you’ll be paying on your income, Dawn’s tax calculator can tell you how much tax will be deducted from your salary. You just need to enter your salary in it, and the (scary) details will be in front of you.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday attended the “Change the Game!” Ministerial Forum at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where he addressed a gathering of Pakistanis saying, “There was a fight between the establishment and Imran Khan over his demand to hang the opposition.”
According to the advisor, this was the main reason why friction started between the establishment and former Prime Minister Imran Khan because the establishment did not want to go that far.
Sanaullah said, “Khan’s thinking is not democratic; it is dictatorial and riotous.”
He also remarked that when PTI, under the leadership of Imran Khan, first came into power, Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal offered to work together, but Khan “wanted to put them all in jail.”
PML-N’s senior leader also opined that the no-confidence motion brought against Khan in 2022 was unconstitutional.
He also urged the Pakistanis abroad to help the country in dealing with “digital terrorism.”
The drama ‘Sinf-e-Aahan’ has touched the hearts of many, especially young girls who see it as a beacon of inspiration. It has been praised for its portrayal of strong, driven women and has inspired many people to follow their dreams and have big dreams. This powerful impact was evident in a recent incident involving a qteenage girl and her favorite actress, Kubra Khan.
Thirteen-year-old Laiba left her home to meet Kubra Khan without telling her parents. The girl said,“Kubra Khan is my idol, and I left my house to meet her.” The girl told police that she was motivated by her love for Kubra’s performances, particularly in Sinf-e-Aahan. The police, understanding the innocence of her actions, facilitated her safe return home with the assistance of the Punjab police.
The girl was located by the police using CCTV footage. With some cash in hand, the girl left her house and caught a train to Karachi. Her brother filed a complaint with the police, claiming that his sister had been abducted.
Kubra Khan was informed about the incident in London. She posted a story on her Instagram account about the incident: “So I’m in London, and this was just brought to my attention. I am at a loss of words. I love and appreciate all the love I receive from all my Kuberians. However, I need you guys to understand that your safety is the utmost important thing. The world is scarier than it used to be and I would never EVER want anyone to put themselves in a place of danger because of me. I pray and hope the little girl is safe and sound with her family. P.S. . once I’m back, I’m over-due for a Meet and greet in Lahore. Till then… please stay safe.”
The story of Sinf e Aahan is about six fearless, passionate, and opinionated women from diverse backgrounds who defy convention to join the Pakistan Army and strive to establish themselves as valuable leaders and assets. The drama is written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig.
Meta has shut down 63,000 Instagram accounts for using the social media platform to sexually blackmail people.
The accounts, mostly originated in Nigeria, were involved in the financial and sexual exploitation of adult men in the US who blackmailed people by editing photos uploaded to various Instagram accounts.
These online fraudsters from Nigeria, known as ‘Yahoo Boys’, target people to make money. They also lure people into their trap by telling them that a Nigerian prince has offered them a fantastic return on investment.
Additionally 7,200 Facebook accounts, pages, and groups involved in the fraud have been removed.
The social media giant also dismantled a small integrated network of about 2,500 accounts that groups of about 20 people ran. In this sexual extortion, or ‘sex solicitation’, people are threatened that their sexual images, real or fake, will be released on social media, with the threat of paying them if they don’t want it.
This is not the first time Meta has taken down such networks, but it is disclosing its current operation to “raise awareness” among users.
A police report reveals that Lahore ranks first in the number of children who run away from home due to disputes with their parents. Most boys and girls head to the railway station to leave for other cities.
According to the Railway Police, ninety-six children from various cities in Punjab were returned to their parents over a period of three months. Children tend to leave home when their demands for phones, laptops, and other items are not met.
The help desk explained to Samaa news that railway stations provide an accessible route for children to travel to other cities.
Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP)’s Chairman Rana Mashhood has revealed details of the government’s plan to organize a hockey league.
He said, “Shehbaz Sharif’s vision is that Pakistan’s national sport, which has declined for a long time, should be given its place again. Pakistan reached the finals of major events like the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament after 13 years, and currently, Pakistan hockey players are getting offers to play from major Dutch and Australian clubs.”
Rana further said there is immense talent in Pakistan, it just needs to be given a platform. “We are going to give the youth of Pakistan new hope and a new future. In the next few months, the nation will see our youth progressing in sports, education, IT and technical education.”
Cricket, being the most popular sport by far, already has a Pakistan Super League (PSL). The country needs leagues for other sports like football, hockey and javelin. The League will mark a significant milestone in the country’s sports history and elevate hockey’s popularity and talent in the region.
