ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has introduced new social media rules to make digital networks and internet service providers block and remove “unlawful online content” or face shutdown in case of non-compliance, making digital rights activists claim the measure has been taken to curb freedom of expression in the country.
Under the rules notified on Wednesday, social media companies are bound to block access to unlawful online content within twenty-four hours — or in emergency cases, within six hours — after being reported by a government authority.
If a social media company or internet service provider fails to abide by the rules, “the authority may issue directions for blocking of the entire online system or any services provided by such service providers or social media company,” reads the 13-page document.
Islamabad has been struggling to regulate online content by blocking and removing fake news and propaganda against the country’s national security institutions, including the army, blasphemous content, and other sensitive material that violates cultural and ethnic norms of the country. So far, the authorities have fully received cooperation from social media companies in the absence of local rules that regulate these networking platforms.
“The purpose of these rules is to ensure effective implementation of local laws through quick removal of unlawful, defamatory, obscene and pornographic content from social media platforms,” Khurram Ali Mehran, a spokesman for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told Arab News.
He said the rules were framed in compliance with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act that was passed by parliament in 2016. “We are asking social media companies to open their offices in Pakistan to address genuine complaints of our users as per the law,” he said.
The government issued almost similar social media rules earlier in February, but later withdrew them after protests from digital rights activists and social media giants.
Under the rules, the social media companies and internet service providers with more than half a million users in Pakistan are required to register with the authority, establish a permanent office in Islamabad, and appoint a focal person based in the country within nine months and within three months, respectively, of coming into force of these rules.
The rules also suggest that the companies will be bound to establish one or more database servers in Pakistan within eighteen months of coming into force of these rules to store data and online content, but it is subject to the promulgation of data protection law.
“This is just to give the impression that there is a legal cover for this [blocking the online dissent and freedom of expression], but how legal this is and how constitutional this is, is up for challenge,” Farieha Aziz, a digital rights activist who heads Bolo Bhi, told Arab News.
She said the government was shrouding it all with the provision of a complaint mechanism to address grievances, but that was not enough to deal with the important issue. “Journalists and activists have a lot to lose out because social media is now their only other avenue [to express themselves],” Aziz said.
Any person aggrieved by any order or direction of the authority under the rules may file a review application within thirty days from the date of the passing of the order, and it will be decided within thirty working days. An appeal against the authority’s order can also be filed in a high court within thirty days of the order of the authority.
The rules allow any individual, government department, including a law enforcement or intelligence agency, to file a complaint against any unlawful online content with reasons for its removal or blocking access on digital platforms.
The rules have also brought internet services providers on a par with the social media companies and all the requirements have been applied to them as well, which they have termed unnecessary and in violation of the country’s cyber laws.
“We neither have capability nor the resources to monitor our traffic and identify those indulging in any unlawful online activity,” Wahaj-us-Siraj, convener of the Internet Services Providers Association of Pakistan, told Arab News.
“The government has unnecessarily dragged us into it,” he said. “This will make our business difficult, and provide the government with a tool to twist telecom operators’ arm.”
Pakistan introduces social media rules to block access to ‘unlawful’ online content
https://arab.news/6be3g
Pakistan introduces social media rules to block access to ‘unlawful’ online content
- Social networking websites are required to remove unlawful content in 24 hours after receiving a government directive
- Digital rights activists and telecom operators term the rules illegal and an attempt to curb freedom of expression in the country
Government seeks swift justice in May 9 rioting cases as US lawmakers urge Imran Khan’s release
- Pakistan’s information minister says there’s ‘incontrovertible evidence’ of PTI’s involvement in May 9 violence
- His assertion comes after 40 US lawmakers raised concern over Khan’s imprisonment in a letter to Biden
ISLAMABAD: Information minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday urged the judiciary to deliver swift justice in May 9 rioting cases while presenting “incontrovertible evidence” against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after US lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to advocate for the release of the party’s jailed founder, ex-premier Imran Khan.
The violence on May 9, 2023, erupted after Khan’s brief detention on graft charges, with individuals carrying PTI flags vandalizing government buildings and military properties, including setting fire to the official residence of a senior Pakistani general.
PTI has denied any involvement in the violence, maintaining that neither its leaders nor supporters orchestrated the riots, while complaining about a sweeping state crackdown targeted the party.
During a news conference in Lahore, Tarar played videos from May 9, asserting that the footage clearly implicated PTI in the rioting.
“This is incontrovertible evidence,” he said. “Now it is the responsibility of the courts to ensure swift justice.”
The minister asked PTI leaders to publicly apologize over the May 9 events, which he described as part of a larger conspiracy against Pakistan.
His assertion came only a day after more than 40 US lawmakers raised concerns about the former prime minister’s imprisonment, asking President Biden to push for his release.
“A focal point of our concern is the unlawful detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, widely perceived to be Pakistan’s most popular political figure,” the letter said, seeking a more active approach from the US embassy in Pakistan, including “advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles” in the country.
The letter follows a similar note written last month by the over 60 US lawmakers to Biden, asking him to use his administration’s “substantial leverage” with Pakistan to secure Khan’s release.
The former Pakistani prime minister had accused the Americans of hatching a conspiracy against his administration shortly before his ouster from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022.
He was viewed to be critical of US policies, though his supporters believe the change of government in Washington could help secure his release from prison after President-elect Donald Trump takes over.
ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan
- People in Islamabad, Karachi, Abbottabad, Murree, Nathia Gali and Taxila will get a glimpse of the trophy
- The ICC Champions Trophy, returning after an eight-year gap, will be organized from February 19 to March 9
ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated trophy tour of one of the International Cricket Council’s most prestigious tournaments, scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year, kicked off in Islamabad on Saturday, with the coveted silverware set to visit seven cities across the country until November 25.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, as Indian authorities have refused to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the country’s cricket board to seek clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid hosting model for the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, where all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship.
“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour delivered with DP World will start in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday,” the ICC said in a statement. “The prestigious silverware will journey across the eight participating nations during the Tour, providing unique experiences for fans.”
The trophy was displayed in Islamabad on the opening day of the tour and is set to travel to Taxila and Khanpur on November 17, Abbottabad on November 18, Murree on November 19, Nathia Gali on November 20 and Karachi from November 22 to 25.
Following its journey across Pakistan, the trophy will embark on an international tour, visiting Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and India.
“A series of physical and digital engagements traversing iconic destinations, sporting events, and key battles in the international cricket calendar form the Trophy Tour schedule,” the ICC added. “Fans will be treated to a content series titled ‘Champion on Tour’ that will document the Trophy Tour’s journey around the world through the unique lens of food, music, and cricket,” it continued.
ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya expressed pleasure at the launch of the trophy tour as well.
“The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport’s passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy,” he said.
The men’s Champions Trophy is making a comeback in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, the reigning champion, claimed the title in the 2017 final against India. The last edition of the tournament was held in England.
Pakistani authors hail Sharjah book fair as step toward bridging readers-writers gap
- The 43rd edition of Sharjah International Book Fair started on Nov. 6 and will conclude on Sunday
- Pakistani writers Amna Mufti and Rumana Husain focused on their works during panel discussions
KARACHI: Pakistani authors participating in the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, set to conclude this weekend, described the event on Saturday as the first step toward bridging the gap between writers and readers residing in the two countries.
The event is touted as one of the largest book fairs in the world. The 43rd edition of the annual event was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, on November 6 and will end on November 17.
During its 11-day run, the event hosted over 2,500 publishers from more than 100 nations while celebrating over 400 authors under the theme “It Starts with a Book.” Among literary figures from around the world, Pakistani authors Amna Mufti, Rumana Husain and Dr. Osama Siddique participated in the fair for the first time.
“I was really impressed to learn that it was the 43rd edition of the fair and that this vision goes back at least four decades,” Husain told Arab News. “It was commendable how they have carried it for so long.”
“I had a wonderful time at the elegant opening, followed by a captivating award ceremony and gala dinner on the first day,” she continued. “The fair was impressively large.”
Husain was part of a panel discussion titled “Influence of Cultural Expectations and Educational Choices” on the third day of the fair. She shared the stage with co-panelist Dr. Adiy Tweissi from Jordan, while the session was moderated by Sharara Al Ali from Syria.
Husain, who has penned over 80 books for children in Urdu, shared her journey as a writer with a particular niche during an interaction with students of H.H. Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistani School in Dubai.
“It would be a wonderful collaboration with writers in the UAE if our books are translated into Arabic because Arabic is spoken so widely in so many countries throughout the Arab world,” she said. “We have put forth this idea with the organizers.”
Karachi-based Husain along with two other authors were invited to the book fair due to Mufti’s efforts.
“I learned in 2023 that the UAE government is offering a 10-year golden visa to writers. So, I made a portfolio and got mine in no time. In return for their hospitality, I decided to contribute to the literary exchange between the two countries,” Mufti told Arab News.
“I had my session on the second day of the fair, where I discussed my book ‘Pani Mar Raha Hai,’ with Nadia Swan moderating my over hour-long session, followed by a book signing,” she said.
“Pani Mar Raha Hai,” or Water is Dying, is a contemporary Urdu novel addressing the water crisis and highlighting the impact of climate change on human life.
“I was particularly intrigued to see attendees from Kerala [India], in addition to Pakistan, who were very keen to learn about the themes in my book,” said Mufti.
She also noted that the book fair marked the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a lifelong project of Sheikh Sultan. Spanning 127 volumes, it compiles an extensive body of Arabic linguistic knowledge, making it accessible to the public.
In addition to the dictionary, an Arabic encyclopedia covering science, literature, arts and media was also launched on the opening day.
During her stay in the UAE, Mufti has held a session with female students at Woodlem Park School in Ajman, where she shared storytelling techniques with a group of 200 participants from 65 nationalities.
According to Visit Sharjah, the Sharjah International Book Fair features over 400 literary events, including writing workshops, poetry recitations and book signings.
The stalls prominently showcase local favorites, including books on Sharjah and Arabic art and culture. Additionally, live cookery stations allow visitors to experience Arabic cuisine and its preparation.
“It was an initial exchange for the first time,” said Mufti.
“There is a huge number of expat Pakistanis and Indians in Sharjah, and there is significant acceptance for Urdu there,” she added. “Our books could be translated into Arabic and vice versa. This exchange should lead to fruitful outcomes for the expansion of culture and literature in both countries.”
Through ‘Haryali’ art exhibition, Denmark calls for urgent environmental action in Pakistan
- Danish embassy organizes exhibition featuring artworks by 36 Pakistani artists against global warming, pollution
- Pakistan consistently ranks among countries affected most by climate change, where floods killed over 1,700 in 2022
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan’s capital this week organized a powerful art exhibition that called for urgent environmental action to battle climate challenges, with the European country’s ambassador pledging support for Islamabad in transitioning to renewable energy.
Pakistan is one of the world’s worst affected countries due to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing less than one percent of planet-warming emissions. Unusually heavy rains in June 2022 killed over 1,700 people, destroyed critical infrastructure in the country and affected over 33 million people which scientists attributed to climate change.
“Haryali,” which translates to greenery in Urdu, was the name chosen for the exhibition which took place at the Danish ambassador’s residence in Islamabad on Friday night. The exhibition was held to mark 75 years of Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with Denmark at a time when various world leaders have gathered in Baku to attend the COP29 climate conference.
The exhibition featured artworks by 36 Pakistani artists, who highlighted the disastrous effects of climate change and global warming through sculptures and paintings.
“Pakistan is one of the countries in the world suffering the most from climate change and action needs to be taken,” Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf told Arab News on Friday.
“And this is not something that Pakistan can do by themselves, and from the Danish side we are ready to help with all the expertise that we have gained through our battle also to make a greener society.”
Linulf said Denmark uses solar, wind, water and biomass to generate electricity, adding that Pakistan has an abundance of all of these resources.
“I would love to see Pakistan transforming its energy sector into a more sustainable energy sector,” he said.
Iman Bilal, a Pakistani sculptor, highlighted the health dangers associated with microplastics.
“We’re deteriorating our health, it’s internalized,” she said, stressing the role of art in motivating stakeholders to take action to avoid environmental degradation.
Kareem Ahmed Khan, an artist from the scenic Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan severely impacted by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), reflected on climate change’s devastating impact on his region.
“For the past seven to eight years, I’ve been working to highlight the impact of climate change on my region,” Khan told Arab News.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke at a number of events at COP29 earlier this week, used the forum to highlight the need to restore confidence in the pledging process and increase climate finance for vulnerable, developing countries.
Spencer Johnson takes five as Australia beat Pakistan to clinch T20 series
- Pakistan fell short by 13 runs despite Haris Rauf’s impressive 4-22, which restricted the hosts to 147-9
- Australia, having won the rain-hit opener in Brisbane, will host the final game in Hobart on Monday
SYDNEY: Speedster Spencer Johnson took 5-26 to propel Australia to a tense 13-run victory over Pakistan in Sydney on Saturday and seal their three-match T20 series with a game to go.
Set just 148 to win after Haris Rauf claimed 4-22 to keep the hosts in check, Pakistan were all out for 134 in the final over despite a lively 52 from Usman Khan.
Australia won a rain-hit first match in Brisbane by 29 runs with the final game at Hobart on Monday.
“We thought we were there or thereabouts and I thought the way the bowlers went about it was brilliant,” said Australian captain Josh Inglis.
“There’s so many options in this team I can go to. Every time I turned to Johnson tonight, he got a wicket. The way they played tonight was really good.”
Australia secured a vital breakthrough by removing Babar Azam (3) off Xavier Bartlett in the second over and Pakistan’s woes deepened when Johnson accounted for Sahibzada Farhan (5).
Runs were hard to come by and after facing 26 balls for 16, skipper Mohammad Rizwan knew he had to up the tempo.
But it cost him with Tim David taking a fine diving catch in the deep off Johnson, who then bagged Salman Agha next ball, caught behind by Inglis to leave Pakistan on 44-4 after 10 overs.
Khan played himself in and brought up his first T20 half-century.
But Johnson struck again with Abbas Afridi (4) following soon after to earn the 28-year-old a maiden five-wicket haul in his seventh T20.
Two wickets in an over by spin king Adam Zampa piled the pressure on Pakistan who were unable to rise to the challenge.
Earlier, Australia was restricted to 147-9 after a rip-roaring start, but a slew of dropped catches cost Pakistan.
“If you take the positives, the boys bowled very well. We know Australia is not an easy team,” said Rizwan.
“But if you drop crucial catches, it will cost you the game.
“We all know the pitch wasn’t easy to bat,” he added.
Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short stitched together a highly entertaining 52-run opening stand off just 22 balls before Rauf struck twice in three deliveries.
After tempting Fraser-McGurk (20) into another slog that was taken in the deep by Agha, he enticed a leading edge from Inglis (0).
Pakistan had their tails up and Short quickly followed for 32, bowled by Afridi, with three wickets falling for four runs.
Marcus Stoinis survived two dropped catches but finally fell on 14, reverse-sweeping to Sufiyan Muqeem, who was brought into side for Haseebullah Khan.
Muqeem’s wrist-spin then took care of dangerman Glenn Maxwell (21) as the runs dried up.
David was removed by Rauf for 18 and he collected his fourth by bowling Bartlett (5).
Aaron Hardie made a handy 28 before Afridi removed him and Johnson in successive balls in the final over.
