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  • IT minister blames PTI govt for slow internet

    IT minister blames PTI govt for slow internet

    Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated on Friday that VPNs are not banned in Pakistan and that social media platforms, including WhatsApp, are working. She also blamed the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for slow internet speeds for failing to invest in the IT sector.

     

    During a session of the National Assembly, Shazia Marri raised concerns about slow internet, calling it a major issue that is forcing tech and IT-related businesses to shut down or relocate outside of Pakistan. In response, Khawaja stated that efforts are underway to improve internet quality. She explained that the lack of investment by PTI government had prevented necessary upgrades to IT infrastructure. However, she highlighted that Pakistan is now connected to China via fibre optic cables, which is a step toward improvement.

     

    Khawaja also noted that IT and computer technology exports had increased by 28 per cent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, citing the progress in the sector.

     

    Earlier this week, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that WhatsApp moved its server operations outside the country amid recent internet outages. The relocation affected user service yet again.

     

    PTA, however, claimed that the fixed-line internet services and mobile networks have improved. In the last month, fixed-line internet services went up by two levels, and now Pakistan ranks 139th in fixed-line internet speed, whereas the mobile network improved by three levels, moving the ranking to 97th globally.



    Is Starlink coming to Pakistan?

    Another internet company has registered in Pakistan, aiming to provide high-speed satellite internet while Elon Musk’s Starlink also waits for government approvals.  

     

    Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST), a Chinese space tech company, has officially set up operations in Pakistan with plans to launch a low-orbit satellite network called G60 Starlink to offer high-speed internet and satellite communication services, aiming to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

    Last year, SSST launched 108 satellites amidst plans to have 648 in orbit by the end of 2025, with a long-term goal of 15,000 satellites by 2030. Their network is expected to provide global coverage by 2027, with more than 1,000 satellites in place.

     

    Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed in the National Assembly that SSST is now registered in Pakistan. 

     

    According to regulations, only locally registered companies can apply for licenses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Both SSST and Starlink have submitted their applications for the licenses.

  • ‘Magic, witchcraft will not be taught in Al Qadir University’; Maryam Nawaz’s remarks spark outrage

    ‘Magic, witchcraft will not be taught in Al Qadir University’; Maryam Nawaz’s remarks spark outrage

    Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz made controversial remarks hours after an accountability court on Friday sentenced the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 14 and seven years imprisonment respectively in the Al Qadir Trust case.

    An accountability court in the federal capital on Friday convicted former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al Qadir Trust case, commonly known as the £190 million case.

    Judge Nasir Javed Rana slapped Imran Khan with a fine of Rs1 million, while his wife will have to pay a fine of Rs0.5 million. In case they fail to pay the fine, the ex-prime minister will serve six more months, and Bushra will be in jail for three additional months.

    As per the verdict, Imran Khan was convicted of “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority”, while the first lady was convicted of “involvement in illegal activities”. Following the announcement of the verdict, Bushra Bibi was taken into custody from the court premises.

    Speaking at the launching ceremony of the CM Honhaar Scholarship in Okara, Maryam Nawaz stated, “After the verdict, the (Al Qadir) university’s ownership has been transferred to the government, meaning it is now under my authority. Religious and academic education will be provided at Al Qadir University. You (students) will not be taught magic and witchcraft there (Al Qadir University).”

    Her remarks stirred a hornet’s nest among social media users, with some calling her statement a result of personal hatred towards Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi.

    TV host Meher Bokhari, while sharing a short clip of CM Punjab’s speech on X (formerly Twitter), asked, “When will our politics rise above personal jibes and mudslinging? Was there a need for this?”

    Netizens were also quick to pounce upon Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, as one social media user commented, “This is pathetic, to say the least. This is such a low, and these words will be remembered for the rest of eternity.”

    Another user expressed disappointment at CM Punjab’s remarks, writing, “She has lost her grace by saying that. She shouldn’t have said that.”

    “Hahaha, that’s just hilarious. So they will make that university like the rest of the public schools in Punjab. Allah protects us all now. Ur family reigned for 40 years in Punjab, and look at the public sector education system. Shameful they don’t even get embarrassed,” another wrote.

    AL-QADIR TRUST CASE & VERDICT:
     

    The Al-Qadir Trust or £190 million case pertains to allegations that Khan, along with his wife and others, in 2019 was involved in misappropriation of funds worth a whopping Rs50 billion, which had been returned to Pakistan by the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom (UK).

    The amount, according to the case against Khan, was related to Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz’s assets that were seized by the NCA during PTI’s government in Pakistan. Even though it was decided that the recovered amount would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of Riaz, Al-Qadir Trust was set up a few weeks later following an agreement with the property tycoon for legal cover to the black money received from the NCA.

    It was also under said case that Khan was first arrested on May 9, 2023, leading to the infamous violent protests by his party across the country.

    According to the 148-page verdict on Friday, the former premier was convicted for “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority”, while the former first lady was convicted for “involvement in illegal activities”.

    Khan was convicted under Section 9(a)(ii)(iv)(vi) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, whereas Bushra was convicted under Sections 9(a)(xii) of the same ordinance for “aiding, assisting, and abetting” corruption and corrupt practices.

  • Pakistani mountaineer climbs world’s coldest peak

    Pakistani mountaineer climbs world’s coldest peak

    Pakistani mountaineer Asad Ali Memon has successfully climbed Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica.

    Mount Vinson stands at 4,892 meters and is considered the coldest peak in the world. Asad now has only one more peak left, Mount Puncak Jaya, to complete his Seven Summits challenge.

    This is the sixth peak Asad has climbed in his journey to conquer the highest mountains in all seven continents.

    After reaching the summit, the mountaineer shared an emotional video on his Instagram, expressing his happiness and excitement over this achievement.

    Earlier this week, another Pakistani mountaineer, Samar Khan, also made headlines by climbing another peak in South America. She successfully scaled Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, which stands at 6,961 meters.

  • James Vince leaves England after repeated attacks

    James Vince leaves England after repeated attacks

    England cricketer James Vince, poised to skip domestic cricket to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year, has decided to leave the country after violent attacks on his home.  

    In an interview with The Telegraph, Vince explained the scary reasons behind his decision to leave Hampshire, where he has lived since the past eight years with his wife and children. His house was attacked twice while his family was inside. Burglars broke windows and entered the house but did not physically harm anyone.

    After the first attack, the family moved to a temporary location for a week before returning home. However, the house was attacked again, prompting Vince to decide to leave the country.

    “All the experts we’ve spoken to say it looks like a money issue, unpaid debts or something. We have nothing to conceal, and all we want is for this to end,” he lamented. 

    “If you have any information or have noticed something in the footage that could assist, please get in touch with us or Hampshire Police. It could be the final piece of information we need to find out what is going on and get our lives back to normal,” Vince said.

    He expressed his love for the club Vince Hampshire, stating, “I love Hampshire. It’s been my club and home for 16 years. I want to keep delivering for Hampshire in T20 cricket and further our success in the competition.”

    Vince has scored over 13,000 runs in first-class cricket and globally, is a well-known T20 player.

  • Virat Kohli injured ahead of Champions Trophy

    Virat Kohli injured ahead of Champions Trophy

    Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has reportedly been injured ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin in Pakistan next month.

    According to Indian media, the star player, who was preparing to return to domestic cricket, has been experiencing neck pain.

    The injury comes at a critical time, as the Ranji Trophy is scheduled to start on January 23, and the Champions Trophy is just a month away.

    A source from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) revealed that Kohli suffered a neck strain, causing severe pain, and had to take an injection for relief.

    Kohli was reportedly supposed to play for Delhi against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy on January 23. However, there has been no official confirmation about his availability for the tournament. Kohli might miss the first two matches of the Ranji Trophy.

    The Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

  • 33 dead after consuming poisonous alcohol in Turkey

    33 dead after consuming poisonous alcohol in Turkey

    Poisonous alcohol has killed 33 people in Istanbul, Turkey, while another 29 people have been admitted to Intensive Care wards. 

    International media reports initially suggested that 11 people died of consuming poisonous alcohol but in the last four days, the number has surged to 33.

    Methanol-laced alcohol can cause various diseases and prove fatal if consumed in excessive amounts. 


    AFP reported that private alcohol production has increased since Turkish authorities increased taxes on alcohol, leading to a spike in the number of deaths. 


    A total of 48 people died of drinking toxic alcohol in Turkey in 2024. 


    The recent incident has sparked a debate on alcohol taxes in Turkey, a nominally secular country where alcohol taxes have risen sharply under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a pious Muslim who vociferously opposes drinking.

    Several of the victims in recent incident died after buying the alcohol from a business posing as a Turkmen restaurant which was selling it in half-litre water bottles for 30 lira ($0.85) each, local media reports said.

    By comparison, buying a litre bottle of raki, Turkey’s aniseed-flavoured national liquor, from a supermarket costs some 1,300 lira ($37.20) a litre in a country where the minimum wage recently rose to $600.

    Such prices, which are higher than in the European Union and rising, are fuelling the production of moonshine.

    “We are losing at least 500 lives a year as a result of counterfeit alcohol. It’s a massacre, it’s mass murder and it’s caused by the taxes!” raged Mustafa Adiguzel, a lawmaker from the main opposition CHP party on Wednesday.

    “We have to address the exorbitant prices of alcohol,” he told parliament which is dominated by Erdogan’s conservative AKP.

    Poisonings from adulterated alcohol are relatively common in Turkey, where clandestine and private productions are widespread.

    Cagin Tan Eroglu, who co-runs an organisation that monitors public policies on alcohol, says the number of deaths “is gradually increasing” as a result of the tax hikes which take place every six months.

    His organisation relies on figures published in the media to count poisoning cases.

    “The taxes allow the government to collect easy money while politically oppressing a certain lifestyle,” said Eroglu.

    “But people are dying because of irresponsible policies that are obviously ideologically driven.”

    The tax on raki — brought in when Erdogan’s AKP came to power in 2002 — has jumped by more than 2,500 percent since 2010, a spectacular hike that can’t be explained by high inflation alone which has forced up the price faster than wages.

    “Nearly 70 percent of a bottle. This does not happen in any other country,” said Ozgur Aybas, head of the association representing so-called Tekel shops that sell alcohol.

    Such is the situation in Turkey that “today you could be served tainted alcohol in even the most high-end restaurants”, he said.

    “The government’s bad policies are entirely to blame for the death of these people,” he told AFP, saying people who drink alcohol “are treated like second-class citizens”.

    However such price hikes only affect a minority in Turkey.

    Although alcohol is more widely available in Turkey than in most Muslim-majority nations, only 12.1 percent say they drink it.

    And there is a marked difference between the sexes, with 18.4 percent of men drinking, compared with only 5.9 percent of women, Turkish Statistics Institute figures show.

    The government has not reacted publicly to the recent wave of deaths in Istanbul, although several European nations have travel advisories in place warning of the dangers of counterfeit alcohol in Turkey.

    “We keep increasing the price of alcohol and cigarettes … but they don’t stop consuming,” said Erdogan in 2022, a leader who has gone to great lengths to promote ayran, a yoghurt-based drink, as an alternative national tipple to raki.

    Such remarks and regular diatribes against “drunks” has only serve “to widen and exacerbate the sociocultural and political rifts that beset Turkey,” said historian Emine Evered, author of a recent book on alcohol in Turkey since the Ottoman Empire.

    Following several arrests this week over the latest poisoning scandal, the Istanbul governorate said: “Those who cause death by producing or selling counterfeit alcohol are non different than terrorists.”

     
  • Mahira, Wahaj are coming together for new drama

    Mahira, Wahaj are coming together for new drama

    Wahaj Ali and Mahira Khan fans have a reason to rejoice! The biggest superstars of the industry are set to pair up together very soon and create magic on screen.

    Green Entertainment has announced its latest drama project, Mitti De Baway, featuring the two icons in the lead roles. Directed by the renowned Haissam Hussain and written by the acclaimed Faiza Iftikhar, this new series promises to be a blockbuster.

    A picture posted by director Haissam Hussain has already sent excitement levels soaring among fans.

    A fan wrote, “Oh my God seriously… Wahaj and Mahira.”

    “Best actor and actress of Pak industry,” another user noted.

    “Is it confirmed??? I am really seated for this one,” added one fan, while another expressed, “This is called the stunning couple.”

    Most details of the forthcoming project are being kept under wraps. However, it is confirmed that Haissam Hussain is directing, with Nina Kashif as the producer.

    Wahaj Ali is currently gaining traction for his role as Bilal Abdullah in the drama Sunn Mere Dil, while Mahira Khan is busy filming for her new movie Love Guru.

  • Why Vishal Bhardwaj reached out to Aashir Wajahat

    Why Vishal Bhardwaj reached out to Aashir Wajahat

    Facing online trolling can be tough for anyone, but for singer Aashir Wajahat it became a stepping stone to personal growth and artistic recognition.

    Appearing as a guest on a private media podcast, the Na Baligh Afraad actor revealed how he turned negativity into motivation, finding strength in the support of international creatives and industry veterans.

    Aashir Wajahat shared that Indian director Vishal Bhardwaj, known for films like Omkara, reached out to him after he made his film John, which was inspired by Bhardwaj’s style. Aashir considered this gesture a dream come true and a huge motivation during difficult moments.

    “It was a big deal for me,” Aashir shared, reflecting on how such support motivated him through challenging times.

    The Sadqay singer recalled the impact of working with renowned names in the entertainment industy, getting appreciation from director Babar and other key figures.

    Aashir Wajahat said, “Babar used to give me briefs saying, ‘Watch Omkara,’” referring to the direction that greatly influenced his own film, John. Such gestures helped him keep going despite the harsh comments and negativity online.

    Reflecting back on his previous experiences, Aashir shared that when he started his career, the comment section was full of harsh words and trolls. But he realized he had to be focused and not let the negativity affect him. He admitted to stopping reading comments at one point.

    “I stopped reading comments a long time ago,” he said acknowledging that it helped him avoid distractions and stay positive.

    As the son of a famous director Wajahat Hussain, Aashir is often dubbed as a ‘nepo kid’.

    Earlier, Actor and singer Aashir Wajahat had opened up about nepotism in a recent interview. Director Wajahat Rauf and Producer Shazia Wajahat’s son is currently starring in ARY Digital’s Pinjra.

    Aashir said: “It definitely exists around us, not just in show business but everywhere. But in the end, you’re judged on the work you do.”

    He added: “Ranbir Kapoor comes from a family of performers and actors, which obviously helped him get work initially. But he ended up being the star and he is by giving good performances. In Pakistan, we have Ahad Raza Mir, who has a huge fan following which he has earned by producing good work. Every person should be judged on an individual level based on their talent and work irrespective of the family they’re born in because you don’t get to choose the household you’re born in and every parent would want to help their child in any way they can.” 

    The Karachi Se Lahore star also discussed his experience of working in Hadiqa Kiana and Omair Rana starrer, Pinjra, “My first reaction to the script and story was that it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s very rare that you see the story of a family or more specifically the problem that arises between parents and their children due to a generational gap. “

    He added: “Asma jee, God bless her soul was one of the sweetest people I ever met. She was an exceptional writer and an even better person. Obviously, I felt honoured when she told me she sees me as Azaan.” 

    Talking about his character Aashir revealed, “I don’t know if a perfect child exists but in his parents’ eyes he is definitely one. Good at sports, academically strong, and well-behaved. Obviously, this leads to his younger siblings constantly being compared to him and he knows this is wrong and will only complicate his relationship with them.”

  • Attack on aid convoy claims nine lives in Kurram

    Attack on aid convoy claims nine lives in Kurram

    The crisis in Kurram is lingering on after a recent attack on an aid convoy claimed the lives of two security personnel and seven drivers. 


    The local police said that apart from the two security officials, three drivers were also killed in the terrorist attack. Additionally, the bodies of four of the five drivers who went missing were later found, taking the total number of martyred drivers to seven.


    Local traders reported that after Thursday’s attack, the trucks were looted and set on fire by miscreants.


    Earlier, it was reported that one officer was martyred in the terrorist attack on a convoy going to Kurram, while six attackers were killed and ten injured in the retaliatory operation of the security forces.


    Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali said in a statement that three vehicles in the convoy were damaged in the attack. This was reportedly the first phase of the third convoy in which a freight of 35 vehicles was sent. The aid included medicines, vegetables, fruits and other essential items.


    Assistant Commi­ssioner Hangu Manan Saeed told the media that the incident took place in the Bagan area, where the vehicles were attacked with rockets and automatic weapons on the way to Kurram.


    After the attack, rival factions of Talo Kunj and Badshah Kot and Chardeval, Jalmay, Irfani and Alizai were entrenched against each other, raising fears that the incident could re-trigger sectarian clashes across the Kurram district.


    Later, two gunship helicopters also reached Bagan.


    Dawn quotes security sources as saying, “Reportedly, militants have burnt seven loaded vehicles and also diverted few vehicles of convoy to Jarhani area (Lower Kurram near Bagan) for unloading.” 


    Another 15 trucks, which were looted, returned to  Thall town from where they started the journey while only one vehicle still loaded with goods managed to reach safely.”


    Notably, a heavy contingent of police, FC and security personnel were deployed for the security of the convoy.


    After the terrorist incident, the second aid convoy going to Parachinar was halted and sent back.

     
    It merits mentioning that members of a Grand Jirga recently negotiated a peace accord on the first day of the new year, but the situation on the ground is far from normal.


    This was the third aid convoy being sent to Parachinar after the second one came under attack.

    The first convoy reached Parachinar on January 8 while the rest remained stuck on the Hangu-Kurram border for several days post a January 4 attack that left deputy commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud and six others wounded by gunshots. 


     Former MNA Pir Haider Ali Shah and others condemned the incident and reminded the government of its promise made at the time of the peace agreement to open roads and take immediate action in the event of attacks to establish a long-lasting peace.

  • Al-Qadir verdict: ‘Imran Khan had tears in his eyes, smile on his face,’ claims reporter

    Al-Qadir verdict: ‘Imran Khan had tears in his eyes, smile on his face,’ claims reporter

    With an accountability court handing down sentences to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a reporter has claimed to have noticed the former premier tearing up with a smile on his face when the verdict was announced.

    Judge Nasir Javed Rana on Friday sentenced Khan and Bushra to prison for 14 years and seven years, respectively, besides imposing fines worth Rs1 million on the incarcerated PTI founder and Rs500,000 on the former first lady. Bushra was taken into custody from the makeshift courtroom in Adiala Jail where Khan is already locked up in multiple cases against him.

    As the verdict makes headlines, drawing reactions from government members, experts, and opposition leaders, reporter Mohsin Bilal, who was present in the courtroom, has claimed to have spotted Khan tearing up with a smile on his face.

    The reporter, belonging to a digital media outlet, claimed that the former premier seemed worried and confused but somehow managed to keep up his usual persona.

    Earlier, Bilal also claimed to have overheard Bushra telling her jailed husband about two journalists who talked against him on the air, adding that she pointed at Hassan Ayub and Rizwan Razi.

    AL-QADIR TRUST CASE & VERDICT:

    The Al-Qadir Trust or £190 million case pertains to allegations that Khan, along with his wife and others, in 2019 was involved in misappropriation of funds worth a whopping Rs50 billion, which had been returned to Pakistan by the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom (UK).

    The amount, according to the case against Khan, was related to Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz’s assets that were seized by the NCA during PTI’s government in Pakistan. Even though it was decided that the recovered amount would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of Riaz, Al-Qadir Trust was set up a few weeks later following an agreement with the property tycoon for legal cover to the black money received from the NCA.

    It was also under said case that Khan was first arrested on May 9, 2023, leading to the infamous violent protests by his party across the country.

    According to the 148-page verdict on Friday, the former premier was convicted for “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority”, while the former first lady was convicted for “involvement in illegal activities”.

    Khan was convicted under Section 9(a)(ii)(iv)(vi) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, whereas Bushra was convicted under Sections 9(a)(xii) of the same ordinance for “aiding, assisting, and abetting” corruption and corrupt practices.