ISLAMABAD: Amid ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to respond to concerns about the slowdown in internet services. Justice Shakil Ahmad of the LHC, while hearing a petition filed by citizen Noman Sarwar against the nationwide internet “shutdown,” announced the reserved verdict on Saturday. Justice Ahmad ordered all parties involved to ensure their representatives’ presence and submit their responses by the next hearing, scheduled for August 21. The court’s directive comes as millions across the country continue to experience difficulties in accessing internet services, particularly…
Author: Saifullah
Saifullah
Saif Ullah is a Pakistani journalist and political commentator known for his bold, pro-Pakistan perspective on national and regional affairs. His work focuses on defense, governance, and accountability, reflecting a strong commitment to Pakistan’s integrity and sovereignty.
ISLAMABAD: Cotton production in Pakistan is projected to decline in 2024-25 due to escalating energy and financial costs, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R). This decline is expected to impact the growth of the textile sector, the ministry informed a parliamentary body. During a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by MNA Syed Hussain Tariq, MNFS&R officials shared that the rising costs would constrain the textile sector, which is a key economic driver. The government had set a target of $25 billion in textile exports for 2023-24,…
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a new minimum monthly salary requirement of 30,000 dirhams for professionals seeking a golden visa for long-term residency, according to recent reports. Immigration experts clarified that this minimum salary threshold applies specifically to the basic salary, excluding additional allowances provided by employers. Previously, the golden visa eligibility was based on the gross salary, including various allowances such as housing, transportation, and other benefits. However, the updated requirement mandates that the net salary must now meet the 30,000 dirhams per month threshold. The UAE introduced the golden visa program in 2022 to attract…
An infection control alert has been issued in Karachi following the confirmation of at least one monkeypox (mpox) case in Pakistan. The alert, which applies to both private and government-run hospitals in the city, was triggered by the Federal Health Ministry’s announcement that a patient returning from a Gulf country had tested positive for the mpox virus. The ministry’s spokesperson noted that sequencing of the confirmed case is underway, but the specific variant of mpox will only be identified once the process is complete. In related developments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health authorities confirmed one mpox case after retracting their earlier statement…
Seven terrorists were killed during a military operation in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. According to the statement, the operation targeted the location of the terrorists, referred to as Khwarij of Fitna Al Khawarij. As a result, seven terrorists were killed, while five others sustained injuries. Read More: Senate Committee Takes Notice of Slow Internet Speeds, Orders Resolution The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. These terrorists had been involved in numerous attacks against both security forces and civilians. The…
Days after the arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid by the Pakistan Army, PTI founder Imran Khan has distanced himself from the retired general. Speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail, the incarcerated PTI leader emphasized that he had no connection with General Faiz and welcomed the military’s internal accountability process. Khan urged that the accountability process should be across the board. Khan revealed that during his tenure as prime minister, he was reluctant to remove General Faiz from his post due to the situation in Afghanistan. He mentioned that General Faiz had strong ties…
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed serious concern over the persistent slow internet speed across Pakistan, directing authorities to resolve the issue within two weeks. The committee also requested a comprehensive report on the financial losses resulting from the internet slowdown. The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, underscored the significant disruptions caused to businesses by the sluggish internet and social media services. Senator Humayun Mohmand emphasized the severe impact on business operations, while Senator Afnanullah Khan estimated the financial losses to be around 500 million. The Secretary of IT attributed the disruptions to a technical…
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday expressed severe frustration over the handling of the case involving the disappearance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Faizan. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, who heard the case, suggested that if basic rights are not to be upheld, it might be better to amend the constitution and remove them entirely. During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogal appeared before the court. Justice Aurangzeb, visibly agitated, questioned the effectiveness of the current system, remarking, “Change the constitution, remove the fundamental rights from it, abolish our jurisdiction, and run the country just like this.…
ISLAMABAD: Fiverr, the leading global freelancing platform, has reportedly disabled the accounts of numerous Pakistani freelancers due to ongoing internet disruptions in the country. On Tuesday, social media in Pakistan was abuzz with screenshots of notifications from Fiverr informing freelancers that their gigs had been deactivated. One viral screenshot shared on social media showed Fiverr explaining that the decision was made to prevent any negative impact on freelancers’ ratings caused by delays in their orders due to the unreliable internet. Fiverr’s message reassured Pakistani freelancers that the deactivation of their gigs was temporary and would not affect their ratings. The…
MIA CHANNU: Renowned religious leader Maulana Tariq Jamil met with Olympic gold medalist and javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem at Tableeghi Markaz in Mian Channu on Tuesday, presenting him with a cheque of Rs0.5 million in recognition of his outstanding achievement. Arshad Nadeem made history by breaking the Olympic record with a 92.97-meter javelin throw during the final held in Paris last week, earning Pakistan its sole gold medal. Upon his return to Lahore, Arshad Nadeem received a hero’s welcome at Allama Iqbal International Airport, where a large crowd, including political leaders, social activists, and sports officials, gathered to celebrate his…
