Tag: social media

  • Here’s what Hina Bayat thinks of ‘modern marriages’

    Here’s what Hina Bayat thinks of ‘modern marriages’

     

    Why are divorces and breakups rising? Is social media responsible? Or have people stopped compromising? Veteran actress Hina Bayat has shared her two cents on how she thinks relationships are changing.

     

    Appearing on FHM podcast, Hina she shared her opinion on the growing number of divorces in society and how tolerance levels have changed. 

     

    “Why should I blame social media? Basically, over time, people’s tolerance has decreased. I believe that. I’ve heard some people say, ‘I was born to put up with this’, but in any relationship, even at work, not every colleague is someone you click with,” she said when asked about issues in marriages and if social media has played any role in it.

     

    “You have to compromise a little bit somewhere… you have to tolerate something. There are some things you just can’t tolerate. There are lines you don’t cross, and the same applies to marriage… you set your own boundaries.”

     

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai actress emphasised how people now draw clearer boundaries in their relationship. 

     

    “Tolerance is reducing among people. Just a small thing and people can’t tolerate it… both men and women. Women have become financially secure. They know they can earn for themselves and live their life. The stigma around it has decreased,” she said. 

     

    The Humsafar actress further reflected on emotional abuse, calling it more dangerous than physical abuse. She highlighted how financial independence and education have empowered women to recognise what they should or shouldn’t tolerate.

     

    “What women tolerated in the past, they still do today, but emotional torture destroys self-esteem completely. ‘You are good for nothing’ or ‘you can’t do anything’… that’s very dangerous,” she said.

     

    Hina Bayat also acknowledged that social media, education and upbringing have helped women set boundaries and speak up. She emphasised that both side should work to make relationships work.

    “Women were the ones who tolerated. Women were the ones who used to tolerate more and that’s not entirely how it is now. They know what they should tolerate and what they shouldn’t. They’ve become educated. Social media has done this, people have done this. It must have started at home with mothers’ teachings. But many girls have learned from their mothers that this shouldn’t be done and they saw their mothers struggle.”

     

    Hina Bayat also starred in drama such as, ‘Jhumka Jaan’, ‘Ishq Gumshuda’ , ‘Uraan’, ‘Humsafar’, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu’, ‘Khumar’, ‘Jannat say agay’ and ‘Jaan Nisar.’

     

  • ‘Agar social media regulate nahi ho sakta tou usse shut down kar dena chahiye,’ says Azma Bokhari

    ‘Agar social media regulate nahi ho sakta tou usse shut down kar dena chahiye,’ says Azma Bokhari

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokahri expressed concern on Monday over fake content on social media sites in her case and suggested that social media apps should be blocked if they are not regulated.

    Speaking to the media during her appearance at the Lahore High Court (LHC), She said, “Social media platforms are making money in Pakistan but are not accountable to anyone. If social media apps cannot be regulated, they better be shut down.”

    The information minister pointed out that social media was being regulated all over the world except in Pakistan.

    She further added, “Social media cannot be run without regulation. Whenever we talk about regulation of social media, the talk of freedom of speech comes in the way.”

    “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials complain that they cannot question social media apps due to lack of capacity. This highlights the state of social media affairs in Pakistan, where everyone is free and unaccountable,” Azma Bokhari concluded.

  • ‘Social media holds more power than sword and pen,’ says Rubina Ashraf

    ‘Social media holds more power than sword and pen,’ says Rubina Ashraf

    Actress Rubina Ashraf believes that social media is more powerful than a sword and a pen in this time and age.Recently, she appeared as a guest on ‘Gup Shab’ show.

    “Nowadays, people make headlines not because of their work but because of their statements, because today, social media has become very powerful,” she said.

    “People easily express whatever is in their hearts since now, there is more power in social media than a sword and a pen. So, it was bound to happen, but people should use it properly. They must learn,” she added.

    Ashraf also believes that “When children of celebrities are born and raised in the same environment, nepotism is inevitable.”

    Using her daughter as an example, she added, “If I ever get the chance, I would definitely like to work with my daughter, actress Meena Tariq. She grew up watching me and all my friends, whom she considers her aunts. That’s why she was inspired by us to enter this field.”

  • ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    With the primary shift from newspapers to television channels and now to digital media applications, the dissemination of information has become increasingly competitive for newsrooms, with the latest updates just a click away.

    “Delays can be managed with newspapers, but today everything is in your hands—specifically, mobile phones,” says Raees Ansari, Bureau Chief of Geo News in Lahore.

    “Every single second is crucial in reporting now; some footage needs to be sent and put on air instantly. But due to poor network conditions and slow WhatsApp, content is not being sent on time, which is affecting our professional activities,” he reveals.

    Over the past week, internet users across Pakistan have reported network disruptions, with WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram experiencing slowdowns, hindering online activities. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied any connection between these issues and the alleged firewall installation.

    Since the ban on X (formerly Twitter) on February 17, 2024, many have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The ongoing disturbances, however, have complicated internet usage, which is crucial for a number of professions.

    Sumaira Raja, an investigative reporter, who is mostly found out on the field, complains of encountering issues with not only the internet but also phone signals which often prevents her from conveying news on time.

    “I also experience delays with receiving beepers, as head office frequently reports that the number is not available due to poor signals. This situation makes it very difficult to do my job. I’ve tried using a VPN, but it hasn’t worked,” Raja says.

    Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani recalls when javelin champion Arshad Nadeem returned to Pakistan on August 17 after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, all the visuals sent through WhatsApp by reporters were delayed, and they struggled to download them unless they used a VPN.

    “This situation is very challenging and affects our workflow. When reporters are working on a story or covering an event, they need to stay connected with the desk. We usually rely on voice notes to pass instructions, but since we started encountering this issue, we are struggling with that method too,” he says.

    “We have been told that the network disruption is because of the firewall installation. While things are becoming easier around the world, it has been getting harder for us. Everything is happening with the help of technology and the current situation is a major challenge.” says Ansari.

    What’s happening?

    A highly placed source in the IT industry identifies that filtering of content delivery networks (CDNs) through Firewall is causing content to be routed via internet backbone rather than CDNs.

    “This means that around 4 TBs of internet traffic previously served through CDNs, hosted in Pakistan, is becoming ineffective. When all traffic goes on backbone bypassing CDNs, it’s causing massive slowdown at many western destinations that’s happening now,” he explains.

    Recently, Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelance services, warned clients that Pakistani freelancers may experience delays due to internet issues and the use of VPNs to change their locations.

    “Brace for impact. God save the internet in Pakistan”, says the IT expert.

    Background

    It all started on February 17, 2024, about a week into the new government, when X (formerly Twitter) was banned.

    Initially, amid the uproar, the government remained silent on the matter while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seemed aloof until the High Courts of Sindh and Islamabad intervened. The PTA eventually admitted that the ban on X was imposed on the orders of the Ministry of Interior based on reports from intelligence agencies.

    The government eventually justified the ban by attributing it to national security concerns, citing ‘digital terrorism‘ and online propaganda as among the threats.

    Earlier in August, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the government is not against social media but wants to focus on rules and regulations, which, if enforced, could lead to the removal of the ban on X.

    The disruption has now extended beyond X, affecting other widely used apps along with the internet.

    Ironically, since the February 2024 election, the new government has emphasised the need to grow the tech industry in Pakistan.

    In March, Lahore Knowledge Park (a science park) was handed over to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority with the approval of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, with the goal of establishing Pakistan’s largest IT city.

    In June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Shenzhen— the tech hub in China— in hopes of future collaboration. Ironically, he posted on X (Twitter), expressing how “impressed” he was by the “city’s skyline and development that symbolizes modern-day China.”

    Given the lack of proper infrastructure in the country amid burgeoning surveillance, how will Pakistan evolve in the rapidly transforming digital world? It remains to be seen – but likely we won’t be able to download it.

  • Social media apps including WhatsApp experiencing slowdowns yet again

    Social media apps including WhatsApp experiencing slowdowns yet again

    Users across various cities in Pakistan are dealing with drastically slow internet. Reports indicate that messaging apps like WhatsApp are also facing slowdowns.

    People are encountering issues with messages not being downloaded on WhatsApp.

    Geo news reports that according to Down Detector, a website that monitors social media app performance, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are among the platforms that have been slow.

  • Mawra Hocane’s surfing adventure in Australia makes waves on social media

    Mawra Hocane’s surfing adventure in Australia makes waves on social media

    Actor Mawra Hocane has always been in the limelight for her powerful performances and commandong on-screen presence. But she is also known as one of the most fun stars out there.

    Currently, she has been spending quality time in Australia with her family, including her mother, father, brother, and sister-in-law. Mawra has been exploring the beautiful landscapes of Australia with her close friends and family, sharing glimpses of her adventures on social media.
    Hocane shared pictures on her Instagram with caption, “I’ve got WINGS to fly… // HAWAI’I // surfer girl ♀”. Mawra’s recent surfing photos showcase her daring and bold personality.
    Here are the pictures shared by Mawra:

  • 20 year sentence for Saudi teacher over social media posts

    20 year sentence for Saudi teacher over social media posts

    Saudi Arabia has sentenced a teacher to 20 years in prison over critical social media posts, Human Rights Watch and the convicted man’s brother said Tuesday.

    Asaad al-Ghamdi, 47, was arrested in November 2022, in a nighttime raid on his home in the Saudi city of Jeddah, according to HRW.

    He was convicted on May 29 by Saudi Arabia’s Specialised Criminal Court, which was established in 2008 to try suspects accused of terrorism, the New York-based rights group said.

    He was sentenced “to 20 years in prison on charges related to his peaceful social media activity”, HRW added, calling it “yet another escalation in the country’s ever-worsening crackdown on freedom of expression”.

    Court documents reviewed by HRW showed that Ghamdi was charged with “challenging the religion and justice of the King and the Crown Prince” and “publishing false and malicious news and rumors”.

    According to HRW, the posts used as evidence against him criticised projects related to the Vision 2030 reform agenda.

    One post mourned Abdallah al-Hamed, a leading Saudi human rights figure who died in prison following his conviction on charges relating to his activism.

    Ghamdi faces the same charges as his brother Mohammad, a government critic who denounced alleged corruption and human rights abuses on social media.

    Mohammad was sentenced to death last year based on his social media activity.

    Their third brother, Saeed, an Islamic scholar and government critic living in exile in the United Kingdom, condemned the latest move by Saudi authorities.

    “The accusations are arbitrary and unjust because they are all based on tweets,” Saeed told AFP, commenting on the verdict against Asaad.

    “Maybe I am the target,” he added.

    Over the past two years, the Saudi judiciary has convicted and handed down lengthy prison terms to dozens of individuals for their social media posts, according to rights groups.

    They include Nourah al-Qahtani, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison in 2022, largely over social media posts criticising the government

    Salma al-Shehab, a member of the Sunni-ruled kingdom’s Shiite minority, was sentenced to 34 years behind bars in 2022 for aiding dissidents seeking to “disrupt public order” in the kingdom by relaying their tweets.

    Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old blogger and fitness instructor, was arrested in November 2022 for challenging Saudi male guardianship laws and requirements for women to wear the customary body-shrouding abaya robe.

    The Specialised Criminal Court sentenced her to 11 years in prison on January 9, but the sentence was only made public later in a Saudi submission to United Nations special rapporteurs enquiring about the case.

  • Social media is like a strict ‘Desi Mom’: Zhalay Sarhadi

    Social media is like a strict ‘Desi Mom’: Zhalay Sarhadi

    Pakistani actress Zhalay Sarhadi recently likened social media to a “strict desi mom”.

    The statement came after she received criticism over her participation in a campaign promoting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

    The campaign, which has been running for several days, celebrates Maryam Nawaz’s achievements and features many social media influencers and famous Pakistani celebrities such as Urwa Hocane, Sanam Saeed, Saba Qamar, Zhalay Sarhadi, and singer Aima Baig.

    Disappointed members of the public, however, condemned the campaign and called for a boycott of the participating artists.

    In response to the criticism, Zhalay Sarhadi shared a light-hearted message on her Instagram, comparing social media users to a strict “desi mom.”

    “Social media is just like a desi mom. After a whole day of work, if you leave a glass on the table, you’ll hear, ‘Useless! You don’t do anything,’” she wrote.

  • Court issues notice to PTA in TikTok ban case

    Court issues notice to PTA in TikTok ban case

    The Peshawar High Court has sought a response from the federal government within 15 days on the request to impose a complete ban on TikTok. The petition stated that relevant authorities have failed to remove ‘profane and obscene’ content on the app.

    According to media reports, the bench, comprising of Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, fixed June 20 for the hearing.

    The petition was filed by a lawyer, Imran Khan, who requested the court to order the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Ministry of Information to arrest the defendants on TikTok in Pakistan and to ban the platform permanently.

    According to the petition, the guidelines of Tik Tok violate the Constitution of Pakistan.

    It has also been requested to the court to direct the defendants to not allow social applications in future which would affect the moral values of the people of Pakistan.

    Barrister Babar Shehzad Imran appeared on behalf of the petitioner and argued that while there are benefits of social media, some social media platforms have opened the way for blasphemy against decency, morality and the glory of Islam in countries like Pakistan.

  • Netizens react hilariously to Behroze Sabzwari’s remarks about Khan’s drinking

    Netizens react hilariously to Behroze Sabzwari’s remarks about Khan’s drinking

    Renowned Pakistani actor Behroze Sabzwari recently appeared on a podcast with Adnan Faisal on his YouTube channel FHM Pakistan in which he defended Chairman PTI Imran Khan’s character by stating, “I’ve shared a drink with him [Imran Khan] on numerous occasions, and he has never consumed more than one.”

    As expected, the small clip has gone viral on social media websites and people have opinions.

    One user posted that the hilarious situation is like a friend defending him in front of his father.

    Many users pointed out the apparent hypocrisy in former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speeches about developing “Riyasat-e-Madina” – a model of Islamic State founded on Islamic principles and laws.

    And then there were also PTI-supported accounts, some of whom claimed the video was “fake” and “propaganda”.