Tag: twitter

  • X finds Salman Akram Raja’s past remarks on judiciary’s seniority principle

    X finds Salman Akram Raja’s past remarks on judiciary’s seniority principle

    The coalition government successfully passed the controversial 26th constitutional amendment, aimed at judicial reforms, yesterday, which has been deemed as the “bleakest moment in our parliamentary history” by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Salman Akram Raja.

    The lawyer posted on X on October 20, “The bleakest moment in our parliamentary history is underway. A contrived body that should protect the basic constitutional value of an independent judiciary is about to hand over control of a suppressed judiciary to the executive effectively – Estab. Just 1 senator could save us.”

    While Raja has called the amendments a move to “suppress judiciary”, netizens refuse to forget the PTI leader’s past opinions about the judicial system.

    One social media user posted Salman’s tweets from 2021, in which he criticises the seniority principle in the elevation of judges of the top judiciary – a principle which has been amended through the 26th constitutional amendment.

    In August 2021, Salman wrote, “I have always maintained, including in our exchanges in the press, that the issue is the credibility of those making the appointments, not seniority as a principle per se. Seniority is in fact no principle at all. But credibility is key. Each appointment needs examination by the bar.”

    He also wrote: “Democracy is about interrogating power. The adoption of mindless seniority that stifles debate is acceptance of defeat. The credibility of those appointing is the key issue. Credibility is earned, doesn’t come with high office.”

    Furthermore, in a Twitter debate about judicial appointments back in 2021, the PTI leader emphasised that “seniority stunts the system.”

    Now, PTI strongly opposed the constitutional amendments and refused to vote in favour of the bill in parliament. The bill, containing 22 clauses, was presented by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in the Senate, where it secured 65 votes, a two-thirds majority in the Upper House.

    The 26th Constitutional Amendment bill was tabled at the National Assembly following approval from the Upper House and passed with a two-thirds majority as 225 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill in NA, while the magic number in the Lower House was 224 votes.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council’s 12-member National Assembly (MNA) opposed the Constitutional Amendments In the National Assembly.

    “225 members cast their votes for ayes, 12 for nos. Consequently, the bill is passed by the assembly by not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the assembly,” the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, said.

    Following the passage of the bill from the NA, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked, “Today’s amendment, the 26th, is not just an amendment, but an example of national solidarity and consensus. A new sun will rise, emanating across the nation.”

  • ‘X is banned amid security concerns,’ reveals Attaullah Tarar

    ‘X is banned amid security concerns,’ reveals Attaullah Tarar

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaulah Tarar reiterated on Friday that the ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been imposed amid security concerns in Pakistan.

    Speaking to Voice of America in New York, he cleared that this particular step taken by the previous interim government should not be perceived as an attempt to curb freedom of expression.

    The Information Minister pointed out that X was being used by separatist and terrorist groups, which were propogating against the country.

    “Terrorists broadcast their terrorist activities on social media,” he said.

    Tarrar stressed on the need to establish a mechanism to regulate social media to avoid its misuse.

    “As Pakistanis, we can request the management of X to remove anti-state content uploaded by terrorists,” he added.

  • Who is Khaled Anam calling unqualified celebrities?                   

    Who is Khaled Anam calling unqualified celebrities?                   

      
     
    In the field of entertainment and television, Khaled Anam stands out not only for outstanding acting skills but also for being very candid.
     
     
    The actor cum singer was no less candid when he appeared as a guest on ‘Haute Talk with Hassan Choudhary’. Anam expressed frustration with unqualified critics who share negative opinions on social media about drama serials.
     
    Hassan Choundhary asked “So, what feedback are you receiving feedback about ‘Gentleman’ from friends, family, views, and fans?”

    Anam replied, “Gentleman has been getting good feedback till now. Most importantly, people like the character of a progressive father. He is a strong character, and I am hoping that I am able to portray it well. But then there is this program on television, where actresses showed up and were reviewing dramas, and according to them, it is this very bad character who is trying to get his daughter involved with a man.”

     
    The Gentlemen actor went on to say, “They took it badly, that’s their opinion. These things shouldn’t be happening. Reviewers need to be qualified to critique a drama, based to what we were taught during our theater training.”  
     
     Anam emphasized the importance of qualified criticism:

    “A person cannot critique something if they haven’t studied theater. You have no right to criticize something just because you don’t like it. Only someone who has studied acting and theater can give criticism. It’s okay, they’re just friends, and they’re just doing a show. Apart from that, social media is a really dangerous thing because everyone believes they have the right to criticize and degrade others.”
     
    Here is the video of Nadia Khan who talked about Zarnab’s father.

     Yumna Zaidi is playing the character of Zarnab and Khaled Anam is playing her father.

  • ‘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.

  • Will Young Stunners be allowed to perform in India?

    Will Young Stunners be allowed to perform in India?

    If you’re a fan of the talented Pakistani hip-hop duo, Young Stunners, you might have seen the buzz about their upcoming tour in India. Two stars Talha Anjum and Talhah Yunus, who are the Young Stunners have gained a massive following across the border.

    Young Stunners’ upcoming performances are in Delhi on December 25, Bengaluru on December 21, and Mumbai on December 13. Skill Box is in charge of organizing the tour and has started accepting pre-registrations for concert tickets, giving priority to those who purchase them early.

    However, the rappers have not announced the tour on their social media and have only updated it with updates about their tours in Australia and Canada. And, some Indian social media users are criticizing the event by reposting previous tweets from Talha Anjum’s accounts, which allegedly made fun of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan, attacked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and called for the independence of Kashmir from Indian rule.

    The organizer for the Young Stunners’ tour, Desi Disco Entertainment, says that the duo’s shows in India are still on, with registrations open on another website for the Young Stunners Mumbai gig.
    Vaheed Khan, the director of Desi Disco, stated in an interview with The Print in India, that the controversy was a part of a larger strategy to attack the show for declining to work with certain handles.

    Vaheed Khan said, “We won’t let a few negative tweets stop our show. Some social media pages wanted a share of our profits, but we refused to promote them. That’s why they started posting negative tweets. Half of these tweets are fake and have nothing to do with Talha or Pakistan.”
    Young Stunners have a huge fan following in India, with the largest number of their Spotify listeners from Mumbai (152,583 listeners) and New Delhi (245,000 listeners). While the controversy swirls, fans await an official confirmation from the duo.

    Here are the previous tweets of Talha Anjum which created a controversy:

  • Mustafa and Sharjeena’s friendly romance” takes over the internet

    Mustafa and Sharjeena’s friendly romance” takes over the internet

    The drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ has introduced Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir to viewers as a new couple. Since opposites usually attract, Hania and Fahad are playing opposing roles to each other. The story of ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ is drawing in viewers and developing quickly. After getting married, Mustafa and Sharjeena are trying to move ahead.

    Mustafa helps Sharjeena adjust into his home by becoming more kind and helpful despite his casual careless attitude. Their bond is interesting to watch.

    The main plot of the drama revolves around the concept of opposites attracting, where Hania, aka Sharjeena, portrays the role of a bibliophile and class topper with a practical approach, while Fahad’s character is a little laid-back.

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Badar Mehmood and produced by Big Bang Entertainment.

    Fans are loving the chemistry between the lead actors, especially in episode 8. Here are some reactions from viewers:

  • X will be restored whenever government signals, says PTA chairman

    Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, stated that social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which is currently banned on government request, will be restored only if the government authorises so.

    Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman reaffirmed that there have been no cyber attacks on telecom infrastructure in the past two years. He stated that the PTA engages platforms on complaints related to social media content violating Pakistani laws and can block social media platforms upon government directive. He noted TikTok’s prompt response to complaints compared to X (formerly Twitter), which acts on only seven per cent of reported violations.

    Responding to Senator Abdul Qadir’s query about unblocking X, Chairman PTA reiterated that the decision rests with the government. He also discussed the licensing process for IoT technology, revealing recent initiatives.

    Federal Minister of Law and Justice Nazir Tarar expressed concerns over posts on social media platforms that could provoke religious sentiments, emphasizing that protests often follow such incidents. He differentiated government actions on YouTube and TikTok from those on X, highlighting differing approaches.

    Chairman PTA addressed VPN usage in Pakistan, acknowledging a significant decline in X users (70%) due to VPN restrictions. He mentioned plans to whitelist specific VPNs for legitimate use in Pakistan.

    Chairman PTA also highlighted the tax burden on telecom users in Pakistan (34.50%), comparing it with rates in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka (20-40%), Bangladesh (21-33%), India (18.5%), and Nepal (26%).

  • Hania Aamir shares hilarious BTS from ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,’ featuring Dua voiceover

    Hania Aamir shares hilarious BTS from ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,’ featuring Dua voiceover

    Hania Aamir, known for her character as Sharjeena in ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,’ delighted fans with a funny behind-the-scenes video (BTS) from the drama. Aamir posted a video on her Instagram and the funny reel that has quickly gone viral.

    Taken from behind-the-scenes on the sets, the video features a montage of the same with the voice in the background from social media sensation Dua, the two-year-old daughter of content creator Arshad, better known as ‘Zainab ke Papa.’
    The video has been watched by at least 6.7 million users, with thousands of fans liking the post and leaving praising comments for the actors and the drama.

    Here is the video shared by Hania Aamir

    The main plot of the drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’, revolves around the concept of opposites attract, where Hania, aka Sharjeena, portrays the role of a bibliophile and class topper with a practical approach, while Fahad’s character is a little laid-back.

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Badar Mehmood and produced by Big Bang Entertainment.

  • Barzakh: X reactions highlight unique, mixed reviews

    Barzakh: X reactions highlight unique, mixed reviews

    Barzakh, the latest web series on Zee Zindagi, is creating waves among viewers with its unique storyline and great production.

    The web series is not your typical Pakistani family drama, but a thought-provoking and visually stunning series which is generating a range of reactions from the audience on X.Here are some of the reactions: Barzakh is also gaining popularity in India. But not all reactions are positive.

    Barzakh is a breakthrough series that defies convention and features outstanding acting and storyline. It may not be for everyone, but praise is growing for its bold concept and superb aesthetic execution. It is absolutely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it before.