Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman have announced that 5G services will be launched within 10 months.
Dr Umar Saif said that hinderances in launching 5G services will be countered swiftly and issues in regards to taxation, teledensity and spectrum will be addressed.
Moreover, quality of the service will also be worked on in order to cater to the masses with the imminent 5G auction.
Both the IT minister and Chairman PTA highlighted that Pakistan’s cellular service quality ranks very very low — 79 out of 100 according to the Inclusive Internet Index — reason being the lack of investment in the telecom infrastructure.
According to Dawn.com, PTA officials pointed out to the minister that telecom operators in Pakistan only have 274 MHz spectrum to serve the 7th largest number of telecom users in the world, whereas, a single telecom operator in Australia uses over 345 MHz.
“For better telecom services, we must ensure immediate improvement in 4G infrastructure and accelerate the rollout of 5G in Pakistan,” the PTA chief said.
While the Ministry announced to launch 5G by the middle of 2023 and was seeking foreign investment, a digital emergency has also been declared due to the “high cost of doing business and restrictions on imports of components and technical parts”, reports Dawn.com.
ARY news has reported that Khairpur police have released four accused in the murder case of 10-year-old Fatima again.
SHO Ameer Chang, Dr Fatah Memon, Dr Ali Hasan Wasan and medical dispenser Imtiaz Merasi have been set free as they were not named in the FIR.
“The evidence of innocence of four accused has been presented to the Joint Investigation Team headed by DSP Abdul Qadoos Kalor,” the Investigation Officer said.
On 28 August, Pakistan Today reported that according to sources having knowledge of the matter, the ‘deal’ is struck through an ‘agent’ of a high-ranked police officer in the Fatima murder case۔
Moreover, according to police sources, the arrested doctor, compounder, the MS, would be released from the Fatima murder case under a “deal of Rs5 million.”
On Tuesday, Ejaz Khaskheli, the driver of prime suspect Asad Shah’s wife Hina Shah, was arrested in Karachi by Khairpur Police while 11 others were also taken into custody from Asad’s mansion.
As reported by Dawn, according to Khairpur SSP Mir Rohail Khoso, Khaskheli was accused of helping Hina Shah in escaping arrest and went into hiding himself.
In Court
On 29 August, local court extended Pir Asad Shah’s physical remand by one day on the request of the police in 10-year-old Fatima’s case.
Shah was produced in the court after his three-day physical remand was completed.
The investigating officer told the court that because the provisions of the Terrorism Act have been included in the case, it should be transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Court.
The court also handed over Asad Shah’s driver Ijaz to the police on judicial remand for facilitating him.
Suspects re-arrested
Four suspects in the 10-year-old Fatima case have been rearrested after a short release on Sunday, 27 August.
The suspects included SHO Ameer Chang; two doctors Dr. Fateh Memon and Dr. Ali Hasan Wasan and hospital worker Imtiaz Meerasi.
According to Investigation Officer (IO) Qazi Bachal, they were released on evidence of their innocence. However, they are still under investigation.
The four were accused of concealing facts, concealing crime and neglect of duties.
Samaa News reported that no suspect was produced in court and that they were free without any investigation allegedly due to political pressure.
Additionally, on Saturday, Judicial Magistrate Khairpur extended the physical remand of Pir Asad Shah, the main suspect in the Fatima murder case, by three days.
Previously
Pir Asad Shah, the main suspect in the Fatima murder case at Ranipur Haveli in Khairpur, was being facilitated by a local SHO of police to remain in contact with his mureeds [followers], Geo News reported.
Earlier, DIG Sukkur Javed Jaskani had said in a conversation with Geo News that the police will not accommodate any pressure in the case.
The seven days long bail period of Hina Shah, another suspect in the case, has also ended.
Pir Asad Shah is the main suspect in the killing of 10-year-old Fatima who was found dead at his Haveli. The child, who was working as a domestic servant at the pir’s Haveli, was hastily buried. However, subsequent exhumation and autopsy revealed that Fatima had multiple injuries over her body, and had been raped vaginally and anally.
In the interbank session held on Wednesday, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) exhibited a decline of 1.39 rupees against the US dollar (USD). The closing exchange rate for the day stood at Rs304.445 per USD, in contrast to the concluding rate of Rs303.052 per USD observed in the preceding session.
Throughout the trading day, the currency displayed a fluctuation, reaching an intraday high bid of Rs304.75 while also touching a low ask of Rs304.6.
On a parallel note, within the open market, Exchange Companies set the buying rate for the dollar at Rs320 and the selling rate at Rs323.
In the ongoing fiscal year, the Pakistani rupee has experienced a depreciation of 18.45 rupees against the dollar, amounting to a 6.06 per cent decrease. Concurrently, within the current calendar year, the PKR has depreciated by 78.01 rupees, reflecting a substantial decline of 25.63 per cent.
Do you remember the news of a drone carrying drugs falling near Kahna?
This year in July a drone carrying six kilograms of drugs, worth millions of rupees, crashed in the outskirts of Lahore. Recently a case has been registered against a senior official of the Lahore police, who headed the anti-narcotics wing of the city police, for alleged involvement in cross-border drug smuggling via drones.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) Imran Kishwar confirmed the “involvement of a DSP”, saying that the official was booked by the ANF.
“We have constituted a high-powered committee of senior police officers to further expand the scope of the investigation into the illegal cross-border smuggling of the drug,” the DIG told Dawn.
He said that Lahore SSP Internal Accountability (IAB) Tauqeer Naeem would head the committee while SP Crime Record Officer Aftab Phularwan and a DSP would assist him in this matter.
According to departmental sources, the issue was escalated to the prime minister after reports suggested that some elements were sending drugs from Kasur to India through drones. They further suggested that a gang of drug traffickers were using unmanned aerial vehicles to smuggle huge quantities of methamphetamine (locally known as ice) from Lahore to India.
Sources said a drone could carry up to six kilograms of drugs, which would be delivered at a given location in Indian Punjab after flying across the border.
Departmental action has already been initiated against the police officer, DIG said, adding that further proceedings would be made in the light of the inquiry report.
The use of technology to smuggle drugs sent alarm bells ringing in ANF, evident from recent arrests made by the force. A subsequent probe revealed that DSP Mazhar Iqbal, who secured interim bail after a case was registered against him, was also involved in the alleged smuggling.
The smugglers on both sides of the border were using “some means of communication to get alerts about the delivery of the drug”, the officials said.
They added that payments against these drugs would be made in the UAE.
After country-wide protests against unprecedented hikes in electricity bills, Pakistan’s caretaker government has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek approval before announcing any relief for the people.
According to Geo News, the IMF asked Pakistan to share a written plan for relief on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the federal cabinet had a meeting with interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take into consideration all possible options but no decision was officially announced.
The Power Division has shared proposals with the authorities but first, the IMF is to be taken on board as loans from the Fund bear strict conditions.
In July, a $3 billion loan agreement was signed with the IMF with stringent financial regulations to be followed during the programme.
Under the bailout package, the former government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) approved a stark increase in electricity rates, resulting in increased bills.
As reported by Geo News, Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar had a virtual meeting with IMF representative Esther Perez to discuss relief measures.
They were made aware of the current situation and continuing protests across the country.
While the Pakistan team submitted various proposals for relief in electricity bills, IMF officials requested the relief plan in writing which, according to Geo, will be shared today.
With the price of sugar skyrocketing in the market, aided by the exploitative practices of the sugar mill cartel, and the commodity facing scarcity, a decision has been reached to import 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar from Brazil.
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan has formally communicated its intention to procure sugar from the South American nation. This comes as a reversal of trends, considering that sugar had been exported back in June; however, preparations are now underway for its import in September.
Nevertheless, there are concerns that the price of sugar might surge further in the market following its import. It is anticipated that sugar could reach a staggering Rs200 per kilogramme.
Insider sources have disclosed that the country is grappling with a significant shortage of sugar after its previous export. In November 2022, sugar was priced at Rs91, but following its export, the price catapulted to Rs180. The impending import of 100,000 metric tonnes is feared to exacerbate the price increase.
Speaking on the issue, Food Secretary Zaman Wattoo revealed that the recent surge in sugar prices has collectively burdened the masses with an additional cost of Rs47 billion.
Meanwhile, the price of sugar persistently climbs, now touching the Rs170 per kilogramme mark in the retail sector. Over a span of just four days, the price has gradually escalated by Rs10 per kilogramme.
At the wholesale level, sugar is valued at Rs16,400 per 100 kilogrammes. Different sugar mills are offering rates ranging from Rs15,800 to Rs16,600 per 100 kilogrammes.
According to Samaa, despite the ongoing dynamics, there is still no officially defined market rate for sugar, leaving room for potential further spikes in pricing. Furthermore, considering the current market conditions, the export of sugar has been placed under a temporary prohibition.
President Dr Arif Alvi is seeking an increase in his salary. Official documents show that the president has asked for two raises, first with effect from July 1, 2021 and second with effect from July 1, 2023, as per Geo News.
Currently, the president draws a monthly salary of Rs 846,550 and wants a two-step raise to Rs 1,024,325 and Rs 1,229,190 per month with effect from July 2021 and July 2023 respectively.
In a letter written to the Secretary Cabinet through his Military Secretary earlier this month, the President’s Secretariat has desired amendment in the Fourth Schedule of President’s Salary Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act, 2018 to allow the president’s salary, a) Rs 1,024,325 per month with effect from July 1, 2021, and b) Rs 1,229,190 per month with effect from July 1, 2023.
The letter stated, “In Pursuance of para 3(2) of President’s Salary, Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act 2018, published in the Gazette Notification (Part I), the remuneration of the President shall be a symbolic one rupee higher than the salary of any holder of Public Office in relation to affairs of the Federation. Accordingly, pay of the honorable President was fixed at Rs 846,550/- per month in 2018 as reflected in the Fourth Schedule of the Act ibid.”
The letter further pointed out that the salary of the Chief Justice of Pakistan being a holder of Public Office was increased twice in the last 2 years through Presidential Orders. Pay of Chief Justice of Pakistan was fixed at Rs 1,024,324/ per month w.e.f 01 July 2021 and subsequently at Rs 1,229,189/ per month w.e.f. 01 July 2023. As per the rules, the salary of the President was not enhanced in relation to the laid down principle of one rupee higher than the salary of any holder of public office i.e. Chief Justice of Pakistan.
On the basis of the above, the Presidency sought changes in the Fourth Schedule of President’s Salary Allowances and Privileges (Amendment) Act 2018 accordingly.
The Cabinet Division referred the case to the Law Ministry, which on August 18 advised the former to process the case for a raise in Alvi’s salary.
The Law Ministry stated, “The Federal Government by virtue of section 3(2) of the same Act has the power to amend that Schedule by way of a notification in the official gazette henceforth in relation to the issue at hand the Federal Government is competent to amend the Fourth Schedule by way of gazette notification and no amendment in the Fourth Schedule is required via an amending Act to effectuate a revision in the salary of the President.”
The matter was also referred to the Finance Division, which on August 22 also supported the proposed increase in the salary of the president through amendment in the Fourth Schedule of the President (Salary, Allowances & Privileges) Act, 1975.
The matter is expected to be presented before the cabinet for approval. The president, besides getting the desired increases, will also get a hefty amount as arrears as the two-step raises will be allowed with effect from July 2021 and July 2023 respectively.
Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem arrived back in Pakistan on Monday night from Budapest, where he won a silver medal in the athletics championship in Hungary.
Nadeem become the first-ever Pakistani to win a silver medal in an athletics championship, missing the gold medal by just 35cm (centimeters). He threw the javelin 87.82 meters to claim the second spot in the championship.
On his arrival, Arshad Nadeem said that better training facilities should be built around the nation.
“There isn’t a single stadium in Pakistan where we can train. To achieve victory for Pakistan, we require better training facilities and support,” he said, adding that if given the necessary resources, he might win gold at the Olympics in Paris.
Under the condition of anonymity, one of Arshad’s doctors stated that even though the Pakistan Sports Board had set up a training camp for him prior to the world championships, his daily meal allotment was only Rs850.
Arshad, however, has battled difficulties and triumphed through hardship to become a sensation on the global stage. His first international tournament after recovering from an elbow surgery took place at the World Championships.
He remarked, “I’m grateful to everyone for their support and prayers for my accomplishment. I also want to express my gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Athletics Federation of Pakistan for their gracious assistance with the event’s planning.”
Taylor Swift is taking her super successful Eras tour around the globe, with four sold out shows in Mexico City while more will follow in Germany, Singapore, Japan and other countries.
As usual hum Pakistanis were left out of the planning. So X user Yusra Amjad imagined a hilarious twist on how everything would pan out if the Eras tour came to Karachi.
“The only place in Pakistan that the Eras Tour could take place is the National Stadium in Karachi, btw. It has a capacity of 50k (Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is 29k only),” the poet wrote.
The only place in Pakistan that the Eras Tour could take place is the National Stadium in Karachi, btw. It has a capacity of 50k (Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is 29k only)
A special court has extended the judicial remand of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan under the official secret act till September 13 in the cipher case. He will remain in jail until September 13, Geo has reported.
Today’s hearing, conducted in Attock Jail, was headed by Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. Due to security concerns expressed by the Interior Ministry, the hearing took place at the jail.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned in the Attock jail since August 5. However, on Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned the decision of a lower court to jail Imran Khan for three years.
According to the report in Geo News, Imran Khan’s five-member legal team including Naeem Haider Panjotha, Salman Safdar, Intizar Panjotha, Ali Ijaz Buttar, and Umair Niazi also attended the hearing.
On the other hand, a special court extended the judicial remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case for 14 days.
The FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) detained Qureshi earlier this month after receiving a complaint from Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar alleging violations of Sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923, r/w 34 PP.
“Consequent upon the conclusion of the enquiry No. 111/2023 dated 05.10.2022, registered in the CTW, FIA Islamabad, it transpired that former prime minister namely Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, former foreign minister namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi and their other associates are involved in communications of information contained in secret classified document (Cipher Telegram received from Parep. Washington dated 7th March, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised person (i.e. public at large) by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security,” the FIR stated.
