In Pakistan, the unregistered use of VPNs for accessing restricted content and engaging in unethical online activities has raised significant concerns. VPNs, while essential for legitimate activities such as ensuring online privacy and enabling secure business communications, are also increasingly used for circumventing restrictions imposed by the government, which has led to unethical practices. One of the primary issues with unregistered VPNs is their role in bypassing government-imposed restrictions on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and other social media channels. While these platforms have been banned in the past due to concerns over their content, users often resort to unregistered VPNs…
Author: Saifullah
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KARACHI: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Sukkur has proposed December 1 as the date for a retake of the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), following a Sindh High Court order for a fresh exam due to compromised procedures in the initial test. In its directive, the court asked the Sindh government to cover all retake expenses and engage IBA Karachi or IBA Sukkur to conduct the new MDCAT. Preparations are progressing, with a question database in development, and a report on the agreement with IBA Sukkur has been submitted by the health department. To oversee the…
ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa is reportedly a top contender for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) position as the current CEC, Sikandar Sultan Raja, nears retirement. According to insider sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has started consultations on potential candidates, with Isa emerging as a strong choice due to his rapport with both the government and the establishment. Raja’s tenure is set to end in approximately two and a half months. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to oppose Isa’s potential appointment. A senior PTI representative, speaking anonymously, expressed strong objections, suggesting Isa’s alleged bias could…
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government is advancing a contentious 30-year forest management plan for Diamer district’s private forests, relying on outdated data from the 1990s. The move has sparked significant opposition from environmentalists and the Forest and Wildlife Department, who warn of potential ecological harm from felling up to 700,000 trees. The plan aims to harvest around 40 million cubic feet of timber based on data collected between 1993 and 1998, which, according to former Forest Secretary Sumair Ahmed, contains over 18 identified flaws. Many recommendations for updating this data remain unaddressed. Forest assessments were reportedly conducted without employing modern scientific…
KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjhar revealed on Monday that law enforcement agencies have arrested four suspects connected to a recent suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers near Karachi Airport. Among those detained are the alleged mastermind and three other suspects: a woman, a rickshaw driver, and a bank employee. Joined by Sindh Police Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon at a press conference in Karachi, Lanjhar shared details of the attack, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three people, including two Chinese engineers, and left 11 others injured. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault.…
As Lahore grapples with dangerously high levels of air pollution, Islamabad is also experiencing a spike in its Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching levels above 200. This level is considered “very unhealthy,” posing serious health risks, especially for people with asthma and respiratory conditions. Exposure to poor air quality can lead to increased respiratory infections, eye irritation, and fatigue. For those with pre-existing health issues, this air pollution can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of asthma attacks and other complications. Safety Tips for Smog Days: Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid outdoor exercise, as it may worsen respiratory issues. Keep Windows…
Sharjah, UAE, November 9, 2024 — His Excellency Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), enhancing cultural and literary ties between Pakistan and the UAE. In a key meeting with His Excellency Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Ambassador Tirmizi expressed gratitude for SBA’s inclusion of Pakistani authors and publishers at SIBF. Mr. Al Ameri lauded Pakistan’s rich literary heritage and highlighted the Sharjah Lightningsource initiative, a platform enabling global authors, including those from Pakistan, to share their work internationally. Ambassador Tirmizi praised SBA’s work…
RAHIM YAR KHAN – Shahid, a notorious social media gangster, was killed during a joint operation by police forces from Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur on Friday. Shahid, who had been wanted for a variety of criminal offenses, including kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, the murder of police officers, and armed robberies, was a high-profile criminal with a significant social media following. Punjab Police Chief, Dr. Usman Anwar, hailed the operation as a significant success. Shahid, leader of the gang, had previously been targeted by law enforcement, with a bounty of Rs 10 million placed on his head. Initial reports suggested…
On Saturday, Rawalpindi imposed Section 144, a law that bans all public gatherings, processions, and rallies, effective until November 10. The decision, made by Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, was influenced by ongoing security concerns, including the planned PTI rally in Swabi on November 9. In addition, the worsening smog in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has contributed to the urgency of the measure, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously recommended actions to mitigate the health risks posed by the pollution. In response to these security and environmental concerns, over 1,000 police officers have been assigned to ensure order during this…
Lahore: A police operation against a group of five armed robbers ended in a violent encounter, leaving all suspects dead and injuring two officers. The confrontation began during a late-night raid on a house where the gang had sought refuge. Upon discovery, the suspects moved to a nearby compound and opened fire, as shown in CCTV footage where one of the robbers is seen shooting at officers. The ensuing gunfire led to the deaths of the suspects—four men and one woman. Station House Officer Khurram Shahzad and Constable Asif sustained injuries in the crossfire and were subsequently treated at Jinnah…
