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  • Beware of THESE gambling, trading apps banned in Pakistan

    Beware of THESE gambling, trading apps banned in Pakistan

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has declared 46 online gambling, casino, and unregulated forex trading applications illegal across Pakistan.

    According to the agency, the apps were banned after investigations revealed they were not only promoting gambling but also collecting users’ personal data and mobile numbers without consent.

    The banned platforms include betting and casino apps such as Chicken Road, Aviator Game, 1xBet, Betway, Dafabet, 22Bet, Melbet, Parimatch, Bet365, Plinko, 10Cric, Rabona, Casumo, BetWinner, 888Starz, Thunderpick, and B9 Game App.

    The NCCIA also blocked several apps providing unauthorized access to SIM and CNIC records, including Sim owner details & sim info, Sim owner details, Pak Sim Data | Sim Info, Sim Owner Detail: Verification, Pak E Services & Sim Details, Sim owner details & Packages, Fresh Sim Data Base, Sky Sim Data, Sim Owner Details, and Sim Tracker. Authorities described these as a serious privacy threat.

    Unregulated forex and binary trading platforms were also declared illegal due to financial exploitation risks. These include Binomo, Capital Core, IQ Option, Pocket Option, Deriv, IQ Cent, Binarium, Kalshi, Insta Forex, Olymp Trade, Evo Trade, Binary Mate, Binary Cent, Cronika, OctaFX, Focus Option, Quotex, First Binary Option, and Close Option.

    The NCCIA has forwarded the list to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for immediate blocking of these applications nationwide. Officials also warned that strict action will be taken against developers and promoters of these illegal platforms.

  • Jazz overcharged customers by Rs6.583 billion in 2023-24: audit report

    Jazz overcharged customers by Rs6.583 billion in 2023-24: audit report

    The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that Jazz, one of the country’s largest telecom operators, overcharged customers beyond the rates approved by the Authority during the financial year 2023-24.
     
    “A comparative analysis of selected weekly and monthly packages revealed that the operator overcharged an amount of Rs 6,583,690,860 from the pockets of the consumers during FY 2023-24,” said the audit report published on Monday.
     
    The report added that charging consumers more than the approved tariff rates indicated “poor regulatory” oversight of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
     
    According to the report, the PTA, through letters issued on February 12 and August 12 last year, allowed Jazz to raise its package prices by up to 15 percent per quarter and reduce incentives in any bundle, package, or plan by up to 5 percent, with prior intimation to the Authority. These approvals covered the periods from February to June 2024 and August to December 2024, respectively.
     
    “Jazz has increased prices of its packages vide letter dated 12th November, 2024, under intimation to PTA.”
     
    The report detailed that the telecom operator overcharged customers across nine packages, collecting an excess of Rs722 million from the Monthly Super Duper package alone since the last approved date.
     
     
    Likewise, Jazz overcharged Rs620m, Rs235m, Rs541.4m, Rs8.504m, Rs4.6m, Rs1,165m, Rs2126m, Rs1,158.036m from packages of Monthly Freedom, Weekly Super Plus, Weekly Freedom, Weekly X, Monthly X, Monthly max, Monthly Your Tube & Social Offer, and Weekly Super Max respectively.
     
    The Departmental Account Committee (DAC) directed the PTA management to provide a complete record of the increase in rates of various mobile packages as approved by the Authority to audit for verification, according to the report. “PTA did not furnish the requisite record till the finalization of this report,” it added.
     
    The report recommends implementation of DAC directives, besides an “inquiry into the matter” and fixation of responsibility on the person(s) at fault.
     
    Reacting to reports, Jazz said it is a responsible corporate entity and has consistently operated in full compliance with Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
     
    In a statement, it said that all tariffs and services are launched only after formal approvals by the PTA, in accordance with clearly defined processes.
     
    “We are reviewing the observations shared in the audit report,” read the statement, adding that they remain confident that Jazz has acted lawfully and transparently at every step.
     
    “We trust that the matter will be reviewed in the context of regulatory facts, documented approvals, and institutional roles,” the statement concluded.
  • ‘Police to challenge court order dismissing charges against transgender community members over Lahore event’

    ‘Police to challenge court order dismissing charges against transgender community members over Lahore event’

    Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Faisal Kamran has said the police will challenge a local magistrate’s ruling that dismissed charges against several members of the transgender community, who were arrested for holding an “objectionable” private function in Lahore.

    At least five people were last week arrested for participating in an event allegedly hosted by the transgender community in Lahore. The event received attention after fashion designer Maria B shared visuals from the same, alleging that minors were present and that the gathering aimed to “promote values inconsistent with cultural traditions”.

    Transgender rights advocate Nayyab Ali refuted these allegations, asserting that the individuals captured in the videos had no connection to the rights movement and that the event only came under scrutiny after Maria B published the clips. On police’s claim that the gathering was commercial in nature – with tickets allegedly sold for Rs4,000 – organisers said that the proceeds from the event were meant for elderly transgender individuals.

    As statements from both camps, along with objectionable videos, went viral over the internet, a magistrate in Lahore dismissed the charges against the arrested transgender individuals, stating that there were no recorded eyewitness statements, insufficient documentation was provided, and the case appeared to be based on fabricated claims. Following the magistrate’s order, the defendants were released.

    While human rights organisations expressed concerns that morality was being misused against marginalised communities, exposing them to arbitrary policing, DIG Kamran said that the gathering, which took place in August at a private studio rented for 12 hours, lacked official approval from the district administration.

    He confirmed that the case surfaced after Maria B posted a video on social media, questioning the government’s permission for such events. The DIG said that approximately 30 to 50 people, including members of the transgender community, where present at the event that featured performances described by him as objectionable.

    The police official noted that the studio owner should have notified authorities about the booking and was accountable for reporting the activities. He pointed out that those who organised the event, including the music director and others involved in stage management, have been identified and some have been arrested.

    When asked about the court’s decision, DIG Kamran said that police had requested a five-day physical remand from court and provided video evidence along with a USB drive. However, the magistrate released the five arrested individuals, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. He confirmed that police intended to appeal the ruling in a sessions court and have already contacted the prosecutor’s office. 

    DIG Kamran asserted that the case should remain active and investigators were still working to identify the 40 to 50 attendees.

  • Madhya Pradesh student sets former teacher on fire

    Madhya Pradesh student sets former teacher on fire

    An 18-year-old student in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, India set his former teacher on fire after dousing her with petrol.

    Police identified the accused as Suryansh Kochar, who allegedly attacked the teacher on Monday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. According to reports he arrived at her residence carrying a bottle of petrol, poured it on her without speaking a word, set her ablaze, and fled the scene.

    The victim suffered burn injuries on 10 to 15 percent of her body. She was rushed to the district hospital where doctors confirmed that her condition is out of danger.

    According to police, Suryansh had been obsessed with the teacher for the past two years and developed one-sided feelings for her. Recently, during Independence Day celebrations, he made an inappropriate remark about her attire. The teacher filed a complaint, which angered him and led him to plan the brutal attack.

    “This is a case of one-sided emotions and personal grudge. The accused was upset over the complaint and carried out a premeditated assault,” said SDOP Manoj Gupta.

    Police launched an immediate search operation and arrested the accused from the Dongaragaon police station area. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

  • Court extends Ducky Bhai’s remand in gambling apps case

    Court extends Ducky Bhai’s remand in gambling apps case

    A Lahore court on Tuesday approved a four-day extension in the physical remand of YouTuber Saadur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, in a case related to promoting gambling apps on social media.

    He was arrested on Saturday night at the Lahore airport and presented before a judicial magistrate, who had first granted a two-day physical remand. He is currently in the custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

    During the hearing, Investigating Officer Shoaib Riaz asked the court to approve a 28-day remand, alleging that the suspect was a member of an “international gambling racket.” After listening to the arguments, the court extended the remand till August 23.

    The case was registered by the state through NCCIA Lahore at midnight on August 17 under several sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, along with sections 294 B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code. According to the FIR, the case against Ducky Bhai was registered under several sections of PECA, including Section 13 (Electronic Forgery), Section 14 (Electronic Fraud), Section 25 (Spamming) and Section 26 (Spoofing). He was also charged under Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    The FIR said that Ducky Bhai among other internet personalities were promoting gambling apps such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365 and B9 Game for financial gain, which had resulted in financial losses for people who had been misled into using their savings on these platforms.

    Investigators said they had collected 27 video links from his account that allegedly promoted these applications, though many of them are no longer available online.

  • Ducky Bhai lied, did not buy ‘dream house’: Property dealer

    Ducky Bhai lied, did not buy ‘dream house’: Property dealer

    Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, is facing mounting troubles after being arrested on allegations of promoting online gambling applications. The vlogger is now involved in another controversy about the luxury home he claimed to have purchased. 

    Ducky Bhai uploaded a vlog on YouTube where he claimed to have purchased a lavish bungalow in DHA, Lahore, for Rs10 crore. The video went viral, with fans congratulating him on the milestone.

    However, real estate agent Armaghan Rana has claimed  that the house was never purchased, only rented.

    “Ducky Bhai rented this house from us. He made several commitments about commissions but didn’t fulfill them. My point is not just about commission, my point is that he lied to his audience who trusts him so much. These are kids and youngsters, and he is misleading the entire generation,” Rana said in an interview.

    Talking about the “dream house” claim, he added, “When I heard it, I laughed. A dream house is something a person actually buys for themselves. He did not buy it. I have the contract which clearly states that this house is rented for PKR450,000 per month. He invited his friends there and pretended in the vlog that he bought it.”

    According to Rana, the contract begins in June 2025 for 11 months and may be extended. The property is located in Phase 7 DHA, a one-kanal house built only a few months ago.


    Explaining how the deal took place, he shared, “One of our team members contacted him because he needed a house for rent. We showed him multiple houses, even arranged late-night visits, before he finalized this one. He told us he would make videos, which we thought would be like his usual vlogs. But he never said he would pretend it’s his own house. That is fraud. If he had told us he would show it as his personal house, the landlord would never have agreed.”


    He also revealed that Ducky Bhai’s wife Aroob visited the house a couple of times before finalizing the deal. They paid Rs2.475 million in cash, which included 1.5 months’ advance rent and three months’ security deposit.

    Rana recalled the moment he realized the vlog was misleading, “The day his vlog came out, one of my relatives told me, ‘Ducky Bhai bought a house.’ I said, ‘No, we just rented it to him.’ Then they showed me the vlog, and I realized he was lying publicly.”

    When asked whether he feared Ducky might illegally occupy the house, Rana remarked, “These people are frauds, so I don’t know what their plan is. But it’s wrong either way. He already has several fraud cases filed against him.”

    Rana also revealed that attempts were made to pressure him into deleting his video. “Yes, many of his close people tried calling me. I didn’t take their calls. Later, I found out they wanted me to delete the video. His wife Aroob was even crying and requesting me to remove it, saying, ‘Whatever you want, we’ll agree to it.’”

    “My only purpose was awareness, to tell kids that these are fake people, and not to waste time following them. I uploaded it for awareness and I won’t delete it for money or compromise. Many parents called me and thanked me. They said their children keep demanding things after seeing these YouTubers. Kids don’t focus on studies or real work, they just get influenced. Parents appreciated that I exposed the truth.”

    Ducky Bhai is yet to response to the allegations.

  • VIDEO: News anchor challenges Murtaza Wahab on live TV amid Karachi flood

    VIDEO: News anchor challenges Murtaza Wahab on live TV amid Karachi flood

    Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and a newscaster argued live on air on Tuesday over the post-rain situation in the city, where heavy downpours inundated several roads, including the main artery, Shahrah-e-Faisal.

    The debate erupted after the anchor contested Wahab’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter), in which he wrote: “Visited the last point of Soldier Baazaar Naala. The creek is taking rain water well and is being drained out at a fast speed. Whichever choking points get identified, are being addressed by the team (sic).”

    In another post, the mayor wrote that he visited II Chundrigar Road, which was also clear, adding, “Traffic can be seen to be moving normally after heavy rain. There is some water on the sides which is being brushed out. The area of Tower is also clear while some water around the internal streets of old city area is also being pumped out.”

    The newscaster emphasized that following the downpour in Karachi, the situation on the roads, particularly on Shahrah-e-Faisal, deteriorated, which she described as resembling a river.

    “Have you never seen such a situation in Karachi before?” Wahab asked. The newscaster replied, “We have never seen such scenes on Shahrah-e-Faisal.”

    Urging not to “sensationalise” the conversation on live television, the mayor said, “I don’t want to argue with you.”

    Complaining about the tone of the newscaster, the mayor concluded by saying that it would be better for him not to respond to her questions.

    Tuesday’s heavy monsoon rains lashed the city of lights, claiming at least six lives, flooding neighbourhoods, and leaving people frustrated and stranded.

    The provincial administration, owing to the severity of the situation, announced a public holiday in Karachi on Wednesday (today).

    Meanwhile, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) said in a statement that despite the intensity of the downpour, the “metropolis returned to normalcy following the timely measures and directives issued by Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab”.

  • Govt greenlights Rs5.8 billion relief package to assist flood affectees

    Govt greenlights Rs5.8 billion relief package to assist flood affectees

    Following the widespread devastation from ongoing floods, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide relief to the affectees. The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has reviewed development and economic matters.

    Recent monsoon rains, coupled with cloudbursts, have resulted in multiple instances of flash floods, claiming the lives of approximately 670 individuals. In light of the situation, the ECC has approved a relief package totalling Rs5.8 billion in support, with the Finance Division receiving directives to release Rs4 billion from the package immediately.

    It merits a mention that the floods have also severely damaged key infrastructure. As per reports, the destruction caused by floodwater triggered a major internet outage from Tuesday night until early Wednesday morning, with connectivity dropping to nearly 20 percent of usual levels.

    Moreover, the federal government may have to allocate additional funds to assist victims of the floods, as India has reportedly released additional water into the Sutlej River.

  • Local vs. International Tech Brands in Pakistan: What Should You Buy?

    Local vs. International Tech Brands in Pakistan: What Should You Buy?

    Pakistan’s tech landscape is evolving and fast. What was once a market dominated by international tech giants like Samsung, Xiaomi, Infinix, and Realme is now seeing a strong wave of local challengers.

    Brands like Faster Pakistan are not just playing catch-up, they’re becoming the first choice for a growing number of young, tech-savvy consumers. The shift isn’t just about affordability. It’s about trust, availability, and design that actually fits local needs.

    As students, content creators, and digital-first professionals look for more personalized, feature-packed gadgets, the line between global prestige and local performance is blurring. Whether you’re shopping for TWS earbuds, smartwatches, or power banks, the question today isn’t just “Which brand is big globally?”, it’s “Which brand delivers best for me?”

    This article breaks down the comparison to help you decide what really matters when choosing between local and international tech brands in Pakistan.

     

    Price vs. Performance: Can Local Brands Compete?

    For years, international brands have been the go-to for premium features but they often come with a premium price tag. A flagship smartwatch or TWS earbuds from global names can easily stretch budgets without always justifying the cost for everyday users.

    That’s where local brands are gaining ground. Take Faster Pakistan, for example. Their approach is centered on giving users access to high-performance features without the heavy price barrier. Devices like Faster Earbuds now offer features once reserved for top-tier products, including low-latency audio, touch controls, noise isolation, and impressive battery life, all at accessible pricing.

    Let’s break it down:

    • Battery Life: Many Faster Earbuds models offer 20–30 hours of playtime, rivaling international mid-range alternatives.

    • Sound Quality: Equipped with noise reduction and enhanced bass tuning, they deliver immersive audio without distortion.

    • Smart Features: From voice assistant integration to smart touch sensors, local options are no longer behind.

    When comparing these with similarly priced global earbuds, the difference is marginal, if not negligible, in actual usage. Similarly, smartwatch options from Faster Pakistan deliver health tracking, call support, and sleek interfaces that stand up to global counterparts, without inflating the price.

    For the average consumer in Pakistan, especially students and young professionals, value now lives in the mid-tier. And that’s exactly where local brands are winning.

     

    Design, Build & User Experience

    Premium design has long been the edge of international tech brands. Sleek metal frames, edge-to-edge displays, and luxury finishes often define their image. But when it comes to everyday use, comfort, portability, and durability, flashy design isn’t always practical.

    This is where local brands are catching up fast. In fact, they’re not just catching up, they’re designing for the realities of Pakistani consumers’ busy commutes, warm climates, and long days on the go.

    Take Faster Pakistan for instance. Their product line reflects simplicity without compromising on aesthetic. Faster Earbuds are compact, feather-light, and crafted to fit snugly for long listening hours whether during classes, gym sessions, or public transport rides. They ditch bulk and unnecessary extras for comfort-focused contours and intuitive touch surfaces.

    Rather than chasing ultra-premium materials, local brands like Faster Pakistan focus on real-life usability. That means products built to last, feel good, and work well in Pakistani lifestyles, not just look good in a showroom.

     

    Feature Prioritization: What Pakistani Buyers Actually Want

    Tech-savvy Pakistani consumers are no longer dazzled by flashy features they’ll rarely use. Instead, they’re looking for gadgets that deliver on the essentials, reliably and affordably.

    Here are the top features students and young professionals prioritize:

    • Long battery life for uninterrupted use during classes, travel, or long commutes

    • Dual pairing to switch between laptop and phone without reconnecting

    • App syncing for fitness, calls, or notifications in real time

    • Clear call quality even in noisy environments

    • Health tracking like step count, sleep monitoring, and heart rate checks

    Global brands often focus on a broad set of features to cater to international markets, but local brands are leaning into local behavior. That includes optimizing for spotty networks, extended power use, and a mobile-first lifestyle.

    Products like Faster Earbuds come with noise isolation and stable Bluetooth connectivity, tuned for clarity in Pakistan’s dynamic urban environments. Likewise, the Faster Nerv smartwatch emphasizes health and fitness features while keeping power consumption in check, a direct reflection of what budget-conscious users actually want.

    By focusing on utility over excess, brands like Faster Pakistan are matching expectations without inflating prices. And in today’s fast-moving digital life, smart prioritization beats feature overload every time.

     

    After-Sales Support & Repair Ecosystem

    After-sales service plays a critical role in how users perceive the value of a tech product. In Pakistan, the contrast between international and local brand support is becoming more evident.

    Key considerations for Pakistani buyers include:

    • Accessibility: While international brands often have authorized centers in major cities, smaller towns may face limited support options and longer wait times.

    • Repair Costs: Replacement parts for global brands can be expensive and are sometimes imported, increasing both cost and delay.

    • Turnaround Time: Local brands typically offer quicker resolutions, as their service centers operate within the country and cater to region-specific needs.

    With an increasing number of users purchasing smart gadgets like earbuds and wearables, the post-purchase experience is more important than ever. Fast response, affordable fixes, and proximity matter especially for students and working professionals who rely on these devices daily.

     

    The Smart Gadget Buying Guide for 2025

    As technology evolves, so do consumer choices. In 2025, Pakistani buyers are smarter and more intentional about when to invest in global tech giants and when to go local.

    When international brands make sense:

    • Flagship smartphones with cutting-edge camera systems, chipsets, and software ecosystems.

    • High-end laptops for design, development, or advanced productivity needs.

    • Devices that require long-term software updates and global service support.

    When local brands are the smarter choice:

    • Wireless earbuds and headphones where performance now matches global standards at a lower price.

    • Smartwatches and fitness bands offer essential features like health tracking, call alerts, and app syncing.

    • Everyday tech accessories like power banks, charging cables, or portable speakers with fast delivery and local warranty.

    Pakistani users are no longer blindly loyal to global logos. They’re comparing feature sets, checking post-sales support, and balancing cost with utility. In 2025, the ideal tech stack for most users blends both flagship devices where needed, and reliable local gadgets that cover everything else.

    This hybrid approach not only saves money but also encourages support for brands that understand local needs better.

     

    The Smart Choice Is Changing

    Today’s tech buyers in Pakistan are more informed, more connected, and more value-conscious than ever. The decision is no longer just about global names, it’s about what works best in real life.

    Local brands like Faster Pakistan are proving they can deliver on quality, performance, and design without inflating prices. What used to be seen as budget alternatives are now becoming first choices, especially among students, young professionals, and digital natives.

    If you’re looking for your next pair of earbuds or a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle and your budget, explore the Faster Earbuds collections. These devices blend smart features with durability, long battery life, and a design language that fits everyday use.

    The smart choice is no longer about just going big on brand, it’s about finding the tech that fits you best. And more often than not, that choice is now local.

    Read Also:  Axolotl Pet Care Guide: Habitat, Diet & Lifespan

  • Flood situation in Punjab as India releases water into Sutlej

    Flood situation in Punjab as India releases water into Sutlej

    Several areas in Punjab are facing a flood situation after India released additional water into the Sutlej River, raising water levels at various points, Geo News reported.

    According to the report, the release of water has caused levels to rise at Head Sulemanki and Head Islam. In Bahawalpur, a breach occurred at the Zamindara embankment near Dera Bakha, submerging thousands of acres of standing crops. The rising water has also increased pressure on the Empress Bridge.

    In Kasur, floodwater entered villages near Ganda Singh Wala, severely damaging crops. Authorities in Pakpattan and Arifwala have taken precautionary measures as flood conditions continue to worsen.

    Meanwhile, the Indus River is experiencing high-level flooding at Taunsa. More than 60 villages are underwater, with floodwater entering riverine areas of Taunsa, Darahma, and Ghazi Ghat. Local authorities have directed residents to move to safer areas to avoid further losses.