Author: newsdesk

  • New laws to fight cybercrime in Pakistan: Cabinet passes e-safety and data protection bills

    New laws to fight cybercrime in Pakistan: Cabinet passes e-safety and data protection bills

    In a significant development, the federal cabinet of Pakistan granted principle approval to two crucial pieces of legislation on Wednesday, which are expected to have a far-reaching impact on digital rights, e-commerce, and the digital economy of the country.

    The first bill, named the E-Safety Bill 2023, aims to tackle and prevent online crimes such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and blackmailing. To enforce the provisions of this bill, the cabinet also greenlit the establishment of a regulatory authority known as ‘The E-Safety Authority.’ This authority will be responsible for registering and monitoring websites, web channels, YouTube channels, and existing media houses’ websites. The main objective behind this initiative is to safeguard the rights of citizens, businesses, as well as public and private institutions from online harassment and blackmail.

    Presently, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has the authority to monitor content and enforce relevant laws online, while the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) handles cybercrime-related cases. However, the proposed E-Safety Authority will take charge of the front-end monitoring of all websites, promptly addressing violations and imposing penalties. This measure is deemed necessary due to the rapid pace at which cybercrime incidents occur, often exceeding the FIA’s investigative capacity, while the PTA’s role is primarily limited to regulatory functions for internet and telecom service providers.

    According to Dawn, the second bill, titled the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, focuses on protecting user data and preventing the unauthorised use of information systems. The bill will apply to all types of online services, including online shopping platforms, various companies, and social networking websites operating in Pakistan. It aims to safeguard consumers’ data and ensure that it is not misused or illegally accessed.

    As per the official statement, “personal data” under the proposed legislation refers to any information directly or indirectly related to an identifiable individual, encompassing sensitive or critical personal data. The bill mandates all entities collecting or maintaining data, digitally or non-digitally operational in Pakistan, to register themselves locally and appoint a data protection officer. The National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP) will oversee the registration process and will establish sub-offices in provincial capitals and other necessary locations within six months of the bill’s passage.

    However, the approval of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 has raised concerns among international bodies representing internet-based platforms. The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), through its Managing Director Jeff Paine, highlighted that the bill’s current form falls short of international data protection standards and imposes unnecessary complexities that may increase the cost of doing business and hinder foreign investment. The requirement for “critical” data to be stored locally and the restriction on cross-border transfer of other personal data could potentially limit access to global digital services for Pakistanis.

    In response to these concerns, the AIC has called for more transparent stakeholder consultations by the government. Digital rights campaigner and Meta board member, Nighat Dad, expressed similar sentiments, stating that while the bill addresses important issues, the lack of consultations is undemocratic.

    Despite concerns from international bodies, an official from the IT ministry defended the legislation, emphasising that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect Pakistan’s interests and its citizens. He asserted that commercial entities’ apprehensions are primarily driven by their business concerns.

    The approval of these significant bills marks a crucial step towards enhancing digital rights and data protection in Pakistan. As the nation progresses into a more digitally interconnected era, finding a balanced approach that addresses concerns from both local and international stakeholders will be crucial for the country’s digital economy and growth.

  • Kevin Spacey cleared of sexual abuse charges

    Kevin Spacey cleared of sexual abuse charges

    Oscar winner Kevin Spacey has been cleared of nine charges of sexual assault, indecent assault and forcing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity, after a jury found him not guilt in a U.K trial. The actor was on trial after four men accused him of violating boundaries and sexual assault. The first complainant recalled being groped by the ‘House Of Cards’ actor at Old Vic Theatre where he was creative director. Spacey denied the almost-accident and provided evidence that contradicted the time and place the victim had quoted.

    The second survivor accused Spacey of making numerous sexually aggressive comments at a charity event in 2005, before pinning him against the wall. Kevin had denied ever meeting the man at the event.

    The third survivor accused Kevin Spacey of raping him in 2008, when he ended up at the actor’s apartment in London where he fell asleep, and woke up to the actor giving him oral sex. Kevin denied these charges too and presented telephone records which contradicted the man’s accusation.

    The fourth survivor accused Kevin of sexual assault by recalling meeting him at a party in Gloucestershire. Spacey’s defense team called the encounter a “drunken clumsy pass”, and said he had later apologised for his actions.

    The judge has dismissed all of the charges.

    In October 2022 the actor won a $40 million lawsuit brought in by actor Anthony Rapp, who had accused the Oscar winner of sexual battery, but a judge dismissed the complaint.

  • Indian couple sells baby to buy iPhone for Instagram reels

    Indian couple sells baby to buy iPhone for Instagram reels

    An Indian couple has been accused of selling their 8-month-old son in order to purchase an iPhone for creating Instagram reels.

    The couple, residents of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, were also accused of attempting to sell their seven-year-old daughter. Police have rescued the baby and arrested the mother and the buyer of the infant.

    The father, Jaydev, is believed to be in police custody, despite some conflicting reports suggesting he is still at large. A local councilor has been quoted by Indian media as saying, “After selling the boy, Jaydev also tried to sell the girl on Saturday midnight. We informed the police. Police have arrested Jaydev.”

    Initially, it was reported that the couple had sold the baby to buy alcohol. Locals described frequent episodes of intoxication and quarrels within the family and with neighbors.

    The incident was uncovered on Saturday, July 22, when neighbors noticed the financially struggling couple’s sudden acquisition of an iPhone and the coinciding disappearance of their baby. Initially, the couple claimed the child was with a relative, but suspicions from the neighborhood led to police involvement.

    Upon police interrogation, the mother confessed to selling the baby and using the money to travel around West Bengal, creating Instagram reels. Subsequently, the police managed to rescue the baby from a woman named Priyanka Ghosh in the Khardaha area.

  • FBR freezes PIA’s bank accounts for not paying Rs2.8 billion in taxes

    FBR freezes PIA’s bank accounts for not paying Rs2.8 billion in taxes

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, has found itself embroiled in a tax dispute as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) took the drastic step of freezing the airline’s bank accounts. This move comes at a critical time when the government has shifted the burden of revenue generation onto the general public, leading to growing concerns about the fairness of the taxation system.

    According to the FBR, PIA owes approximately Rs2.8 billion in taxes. However, the airline disputes this figure, claiming that the amount owed stands around Rs1.3 billion. A PIA spokesperson confirmed the ongoing communication between the airline’s management and the FBR, expressing hope that the bank accounts would be unblocked in the near future.

    Despite the harsh measure taken by the FBR, the PIA spokesperson reassured the public that the airline’s flight operations and other activities were continuing to function smoothly.

    The situation with PIA not paying taxes raises questions about the government’s tax collection policies. A recent report from the Finance Division revealed that government expenditure was on the rise in FY23, largely due to increased revenue collection through non-tax measures and indirect taxes. This indicates a failure to effectively broaden the tax base and implement direct taxation for various sectors.

    Critics argue that the government’s approach seems to focus on imposing indirect taxes on the masses, while offering some protection to the wealthier classes, even amid the current financial crunch. The freezing of PIA’s bank accounts further reinforces this perception, leaving the public questioning the fairness of the taxation system.

    Meanwhile, the report also highlighted that the government’s interest rate hikes policy is facing opposition, particularly from the business community. The State Bank of Pakistan has been unwilling to reverse the rate hikes, despite continuous protests and grave consequences faced by the public.

    As the PIA tax dispute continues, the government is under pressure to address the broader issues surrounding taxation and revenue generation to create a more equitable and sustainable financial framework.

  • ‘Necktie is a cross’: senior Taliban official says bow ties are Christian symbol, wants ban

    ‘Necktie is a cross’: senior Taliban official says bow ties are Christian symbol, wants ban

    In a recent announcement, a prominent Afghan Taliban official has declared neckties to be representative of the Christian cross, calling for their removal from public realm.

    Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, the head of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate—an organization dedicated to directing individuals towards ‘proper’ Islamic paths—expressed his disapproval of Afghan Muslims, particularly professionals such as doctors and engineers, who wear neckties.

    During his speech broadcasted by Tolo TV, Wror stated, “Sometimes, when I go to hospitals and other areas, an Afghan Muslim engineer or doctor wears a necktie.” He proceeded to emphasize the religious implications of the accessory, declaring, “What is a tie? It is the cross. It is ordered in Sharia that you should break it and eliminate it.”

    Neckties, a Christian symbol or merely official garb?

    Neckties have a long and complex history, dating back to the 17th century. Originating from a piece of cloth worn around the necks of Croatian soldiers hired by King Louise XIII of France, neckties soon became a fashion staple at royal gatherings.

    As the trend was adopted by the French elite, it quickly spread throughout Europe. Over the years, the design and style of ties have seen many transformations. Today, ties come in various fabrics, cuts, widths, and patterns, enabling wearers to express their personal style.

    The typical attire for Taliban officials consists of shalwar kameez, a waistcoat, and a turban. While Western fashion has become increasingly rare following the Taliban’s ascension to power, neckties can still be spotted occasionally, especially among professionals.

  • ‘This is not Punjab Police’; When Gen Bajwa resigned in anger

    ‘This is not Punjab Police’; When Gen Bajwa resigned in anger

    Since the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a Vote of No Confidence in April 2022, political analysts have wondered what led to a falling out between the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the then-Army Chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    Kamran Yousaf has unveiled new details of the falling-out between the two. In a report for Express Tribune, Yousaf has revealed that at one point in the growing chasm between the two, General Bajwa resigned from the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    On the morning of October 7, 2021, General Bajwa informed Azam Khan, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, that he was resigning, giving the Premier one week to appoint a new Chief.

    The information, conveyed on a phone call, left the government in panic. Within the hour, top military officials reached out to General Bajwa, pleading with him to not resign.

    How had matters reached this point? The fallout begun when Imran Khan secured a vote of confidence after his candidate for senate, Hafeez Sheikh, was defeated by the opposition’s candidate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani. General Bajwa told Imran Khan that after securing members for his vote, the establishment will no longer manage political maneuvering for his government.
    He was also told that General Faiz Hameed, Director-General of Inter-Serviced Intelligence (DG ISI) will be transferred from his post, in line with army procedures. Imran asked for a month, then more time.

    In October, General Bajwa informed the Prime Minister that the transfer cannot be delayed further, to which Imran replied by asking for changes in the procedure. This led to a heated argument between the two former proponents of ‘same page’.

    “This is not the Punjab Police, Mr Prime Minister,” Bajwa told Imran bluntly.

    Imran agreed to the change, leading to ISPR issuing a notification.

    The very next morning, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry issued a statement that the appointment was the Prime Minister’s domain, hinting that the appointment was not done with his approval.

    A furious General Bajwa conveyed to the PM office his decision to resign. Convinced to not do so by military officials, he again met Imran Khan where the two reached a compromise.

    General Faiz would serve for a few more weeks while Imran would then agree to Bajwa’s candidate.

    The relationship between the two was, however, damaged and would never be the same again.

  • FBR hikes motor vehicle tax by 200% for non-filers

    FBR hikes motor vehicle tax by 200% for non-filers

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented significant changes to the tax structure for motor vehicles in an effort to boost government revenue and encourage tax compliance. The new regulations apply to both Active Taxpayers List (ATL) filers and non-filers.

    For individuals not on the ATL, the tax rates on motor vehicles have been increased by a substantial 200 per cent. This means that non-filers will now be subject to fixed tax rates of 18 per cent, 24 per cent, and 30 per cent, based on the engine capacity of their vehicles, specifically 2001cc to 2500cc, 2501cc to 3000cc, and above 3000cc, respectively.

    On the other hand, ATL filers will experience a different taxation structure. Instead of fixed tax amounts, they will be required to pay tax at a rate of 6 per cent, 8 per cent, and 10 per cent, depending on the engine capacity of their motor vehicles, namely 2001cc to 2500cc, 2501cc to 3000cc, and above 3000cc, respectively.

    In cases where the engine capacity is not applicable, and the value of the vehicle exceeds Rs5,000,000, the tax rate will be 3 per cent of the import value (including customs duty, sales tax, and federal excise duty for imported vehicles, and invoice value for locally manufactured or assembled vehicles).

    It is worth noting that certain exemptions have been made. Pakistan’s government agencies and foreign diplomats will not be subject to these revised tax rates.

    Furthermore, the circular introduced tax implications for bank withdrawals based on the withdrawn amount. Non-ATL filers will be taxed Rs303 for withdrawals of Rs50,500 and taxed Rs450 for withdrawals ranging from Rs55,000 to Rs75,000.

    Additionally, to curb unnecessary foreign exchange outflows via credit/debit card transactions, the withholding tax rates for ATL persons have been increased from 1 per cent to 5 per cent, while non-ATL persons will face a higher rate of 10 per cent, up from the previous 2 per cent.

    These adjustments in the tax policy aim to strengthen the country’s revenue generation while encouraging citizens to become active taxpayers.

  • Upto 2-years imprisonment, fines for defaming the Army; Senate approves Army Act amendments

    Upto 2-years imprisonment, fines for defaming the Army; Senate approves Army Act amendments

    The Army Act Amendment Bill has sailed through the Senate on Thursday after Defence Minister Khwaja Asif presented it in the Upper House. The Senate session was chaired by the Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani.

    According to the bill, the disclosure of official information obtained in national interest will be punished by up to 5 years in jail, while anyone who discloses information against the interests of Pakistan or the Pakistan Army will be dealt with under the Secrets Act or Army Act.

    According to the bill, a person on sensitive duty will not become involved in any political activity. Violation of the rule can be sentenced by up to 2 years of imprisonment.

    Any person involved in electronic crimes whose aim is to defame the Army will be prosecuted under Electronic Crimes. It is further stated in the bill that a person involved in defaming the Army or spreading hatred against it will also be sentenced with to up to 2 years imprisonment and fines.

    While this was happening, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) staged a walkout from the Senate, calling the passage of several bills in one day “blind legislation.”

  • PPP’s Sherry didn’t stop Khawaja Asif’s sexist remarks in Parliament and Twitter is refusing to accept her explanation

    PPP’s Sherry didn’t stop Khawaja Asif’s sexist remarks in Parliament and Twitter is refusing to accept her explanation

    Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif once again went on a misogynistic rant in the National Assembly earlier this week. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader passed degrading and sexist comments about women from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling the party’s senators Sania Nishtar, Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Falak Naz Chitrali and Fawzia Arshad “leftover garbage” and implying that they are depraved women.

    Twitter rightfully criticised the 73-year-old for using sexist and gross jokes to put down women, but they also noticed that when this happened, female politicians from PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), were present, including Climate Minister Sherry Rehman.

    Rehman has on Thursday posted a tweet explaining her silence over Khawaja Asif’s sexist speech, but despite her best efforts, you can’t ever ‘woman-splain’ overlooking misogyny.

    “Honestly, I’m sorry,” she wrote. “I was sharing some points on the passage of our National Adaptation Plan with a colleague in the National Assembly yesterday instead of listening to the noise outside House business in Parliament. I would have intervened to stop women Parliamentarians from being insulted. I did hear a tail end, but thought it was the usual political match against each other, not specific to women at all. Of COURSE I was not smiling at the remarks. That was about how pleased I was at the consensus I got in cabinet for the climate plan, which took many nights to get done. Had I heard the remarks of course I would have intervened. My bad.”

    For many Twitter users, this apology was incredibly late and did not send solidarity to the women subjected to Khawaja Asif’s disgusting remarks, which they pointed out to the PPP minister.

  • Veer-Zara Chinese version? Woman travels to KP to marry Pakistani lover

    Veer-Zara Chinese version? Woman travels to KP to marry Pakistani lover

    After Anju from India, a woman from China, Gao Fang, 20, has travelled to Pakistan to marry her lover Javed, 18, who lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    According to the Lower Dir District Police Officer, the two met on Snapchat and remained in contact for three years. The woman travelled on a tourist visa to the Samar Bagh area. Currently, the police has provided Fang with security and restricted her movement due to security concerns.

    The Pakistani man, Javed, lived in Bajaur district, but had shifted to live with his uncle in Lower Dir.

    According to Aaj News, Fang converted to Islam, taking up the Muslim name, Kiswa. Javed also had plans to visit China in the near future.

    This is the second case this week where a foreign woman has travelled to Pakistan to marry a man here.

    Read more: Indian woman marries Pakistani lover from KPK