Tips From TikTok To Maintain The Integrity Of Polls
February 7, 2024 / By Zunair Tahir / Tech News
Just two days remain until the general election. TikTok has published on its platform its efforts to fight false information and preserve election integrity, proving its steadfast commitment to preserving a trustworthy, genuine, and safe information environment at this crucial time.
In a statement issued on Monday, TikTok stated that it was “building on its robust global framework to combat misinformation, collaborating with internationally recognized fact-checking organization Agence France-Presse (AFP) as its fact-checker to specifically address the Pakistani electoral context.”
In order to maintain the integrity of the platform, TikTok also collaborates closely with regional community partner organizations in Pakistan.
Through these collaborations, TikTok is able to recognize possible disinformation, address it, and provide its community with correct information on significant occasions.
Although TikTok’s fact-checking partners don’t control material on the site, their evaluations offer insightful feedback that supports the app in following community standards and taking the necessary action, the statement continued.
Innovative product features are part of TikTok’s objective to increase user knowledge and engagement in preserving the integrity of the site.
The Pakistan Election Center, a dedicated hub that is accessible in both English and Urdu, has been created by the app on the platform. It will guide users to reliable sources of information on the election, such as polling places and processes.
Furthermore, users will be empowered to quickly recognize and report potentially false information with the use of simple reporting tools.
An alert and responsible community is fostered by this user-centric approach, which is important during election season.
Additionally, TikTok is dedicated to increasing user knowledge through the provision of instructional materials and in-app tutorials. With the help of these programs, the community will be better able to identify reliable sources of information, which will encourage informed voting.
One of the main facets of TikTok’s disinformation warfare approach is the enforcement of its Community Guidelines, which are accessible in both Urdu and English.
The platform uses a multifaceted strategy that includes deleting content that breaks rules, rerouting search results to reliable sources, and decreasing the discoverability of unconfirmed information.
This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that the platform stays a secure environment free from damaging falsehoods about the election.
Army Placed On Standby In Islamabad On Election Day
February 7, 2024 / By Zunair Tahir / Pakistan News
The army has been stationed in the federal capital as part of the election security strategy and will be called upon in the event of any unexpected incident.
According to sources in the capital police and administration, the commanding officers of the Eight Baloch Regiment, 86 Field Regiment, and 17 Field Regiment stationed at Rawalpindi and Islamabad will be notified by the senior superintendent of police (SSP) Islamabad for deployment and necessary assistance, in accordance with the finalized security plan. In the event of a significant incident, the three infantry regiments will react.
Rangers will be under tier-2 security, while the capital police and Frontier Constabulary will be in tier-1. The army’s next tier, the Quick Response Force (QRF), together with platoons, will move quickly to the scene in case of emergency.
Should a sabotage attempt or act occur, the on-site crew will take the appropriate security/preventive action. When a circumstance threatens the public’s safety, the lives of people, or the property of government employees, the army will be called in for aid.
Dolphin emergency response units, Dolphin mobiles, and QRF mobiles will be on the road from February 7 to 9 to handle any emergencies. While Dolphin Mobiles will cover 17 areas, the Dolphin ERU will monitor 45 localities.
Approximately fourteen platoons, each with nineteen police officers carrying tear gas cannons and shells, were stationed at various locations.
Twelve and twenty-six of these standby platoons, each with ten members, are deployed with SDPOs and SHOs, while five such platoons, each with eighteen members, are also deployed with the IGP.
Additionally, six platoons, each with twenty soldiers, are stationed along Constitution Avenue in front of the ECP. In addition, H-9 saw the deployment of two platoons.
Additionally, 19 police pickets, each with three officers, were erected across the capital.
In the capital, around 990 polling places have been set up, 346 for NA-46, 387 for NA-47, and 257 for NA-48. Of the total, the most sensitive voting places for NA-46, NA-47, and NA-48 are 124,108, and 72, respectively, while the sensitive polling places for NA-46, NA-47, and NA-48 are 49, 59, and 27.
When supporters of opposing political parties and candidates conflict, when attempts are made to rig the election, when political activists, offices, and personnel are targeted, law enforcement will intervene.
The Govt May Block The Internet Due To A “Security” Concern On Election Day
February 7, 2024 / By Zunair Tahir / Pakistan News
While Amnesty International urged for continuous internet access nationwide during the voting process, acting interior minister Gohar Ejaz warned on Tuesday that internet connectivity may be suspended in the event of security concerns in any location on election day (tomorrow).
According to the minister, given the security situation, the government would only think about blocking internet access on February 8 if a district or province requested it.
Mr. Ejaz asserted that the caretaker administration has not yet decided whether to halt internet access on election day and that any such move would only happen in response to a request from a district or province in question.
Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi Addressing a News Conference | 06 02 2024https://t.co/qIrz6Zj7OT
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) February 6, 2024
He said, “The government would look into the nature of the threat before taking any such decision for a specific area as it is necessary to block the online communication of terrorists.”
The day before, Mr. Solangi had ruled out the prospect of an internet outage on election day, citing the ability of local administrations to take such a choice given the state of law and order and the fact that no such crisis had been recorded up to that point.
On election day, the province’s key voting places would have temporary internet connection restrictions, according to interim Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai.
🇵🇰PAKISTAN: Amnesty International, along with several other human rights organizations, call on Pakistani authorities to guarantee uninterrupted access to the internet and digital communication platforms for everyone across the country.
In light of the statement by caretaker…
— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) February 6, 2024
It asked in an open letter to the authorities to ensure that everyone in Pakistan had “uninterrupted access” to digital communication platforms and the internet during the voting process.
“Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, we, the undersigned organizations and members of the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 300 organizations from 105 countries working to end internet shutdowns — appeal to you, to publicly commit to ensuring that the people of Pakistan have unfettered access to the internet, social media platforms, and all other communication channels throughout the upcoming general election on February 8, 2024,” the statement read.
It stated that the government must prioritize and enact steps that promote human rights by providing unimpeded access to information and channels for offline and online freedom of speech, assembly, and association, as the people of Pakistan get ready to cast their ballots.
The group stated, “This will also contribute to an inclusive, free, and fair election process.”
In a similar event, the federal authorities in question were once again instructed by the Sindh High Court (SCH) on Tuesday to guarantee the seamless and continuous supply of internet service and access to social media platforms, excluding the application of applicable laws until February 21.
Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi’s two-judge panel took up three petitions challenging suspension of internet services, although the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) attorney was not present.
The high court decided to uphold its prior interim ruling until the next hearing and postponed the hearing until February 21.
The interior, information technology, and communication ministries, as well as a federal law officer, requested an extension of time on January 29 to submit remarks. In response, the court postponed the hearing until February 6 and prolonged the temporary injunction.
Attorneys Jibran Nasir and Hyder Raza, along with the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan, filed petitions against the ministries and PTA for interfering with the use of social media platforms, disrupting broadband and mobile internet service without a valid reason, and attempting to prevent political parties and independent candidates from using social media to campaign ahead of the February 8 election.
Pakistani New Year’s Eve celebrations: Where Can I See The fireworks?
December 27, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Pakistan News
Pakistan is preparing for a New Year’s celebration characterized by religious unity and cultural variety as the clock moves closer to January 1, 2024.
On January 1, in line with the Gregorian calendar, people from all walks of life gather together to celebrate the start of a new year across the country. Many workplaces and businesses stay open on this day even though it’s designated an optional holiday when employees can select from a list of optional holidays.
Here are some locations in Pakistan where you may ring in 2024 if you’re looking for exciting New Year’s celebrations:
Islamabad/Rawalpindi:
Giga Mall: On December 31, take in the most amazing fireworks display in Islamabad at Giga Mall, located in Phase II of the Defense Housing Authority (DHA). Come say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 in style with your loved ones.
Bahria Town Eiffel Tower: Bahria Town Eiffel Tower in Rawalpindi is the site of a merry New Year’s event that includes spectacular fireworks and musical acts, creating a joyous mood to usher in 2024.
Park View City Islamabad: Park View City is hosting a Family Festival in honor of the New Year. It will include a varied food court, fireworks, a holographic display, a symphony of music, a beautiful light show, and entertaining entertainment for younger visitors. It guarantees a memorable start to the upcoming year.
Dera Dari: Enjoy a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration at Dera Daari in Islamabad, which includes spectacular fireworks and a great dining establishment with expansive city views. Come by 11 p.m. for a wonderful meal and fun festivities that will go all night.
Karachi:
Reportedly the greatest place to celebrate New Year’s in the city, Bahria Town Karachi promises a spectacular fireworks show to make 2024 an unforgettable beginning.
Baradari Park Rang De Karachi: Enjoy Qawali, jamming, and fireworks all in one place on New Year’s Eve at Baradari Park. Since 2020, the occasion has become a yearly tradition, drawing attendees of all ages.
Gorakh Hill: On New Year’s Eve, take in the magnificent vista of Karachi while reveling in the commencement of a brand-new year.
Clifton Beach and Sea View are popular places for friends and family to get together and ring in the new year with happiness and enthusiasm.
Lahore:
The capital of Pakistan, Lahore, provides a special touch to the New Year’s festivities. The celebrations are set against a captivating backdrop of light from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque.
Avari Hotel, Bahria Town Lahore, Marriott Hotel Lahore, and Pearl Continental Hotel all provide exuberant parties for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
With the government granting Rs1.9 billion to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) for 14 existing and three new sports projects, the development budget for the sports industry has been severely decreased.
The government set aside Rs3.4 billion last year for 12 current and seven new program.
The IPC ministry oversees the federal sports sector even though it devolved following the 18th constitutional amendment.
A new program named “Revamping and provision of sports facilities at Kashmore” has been allocated Rs20 million, according to budget records.
The district in which IPC Minister Ehsanur Rehman Mazari resides has a total cost of Rs950 million for this project.
At a cost of Rs130 million, Rs30 million has been set aside to develop 250 minor sports complexes, while Rs150 million has been committed for the National Games.
At the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, Rs103 million has been set aside for building and repairing roads, pavements, etc., and Rs120 million will be used to establish a biomechanical lab.
Similar to this, Rs 100 million has been set aside for the appointment of international coaches to teach national athletes, and Rs 98 million would go towards laying synthetic turf on the football pitch and athletic track at Sports Centre Karachi.
The budget for fiscal year 2023–24, like the majority of recent budgets, places a significant emphasis on borrowing money to finance expenditures, despite the fact that a sizable portion (more than 50%) of current expenses go towards debt payment.
Despite a narrative that indicates otherwise, the process taken to create this year’s budget wasn’t particularly novel, but some of the actions were.
Budget 2023-24
The government has significantly raised the amount of money that may be sent from outside Pakistan without any questions being asked about the source, which is one of them.
A “bar on asking nature and source of unexplained income/assets” is proposed to be placed on this ceiling, which would be raised from Rs5 million to $100,000 (approximately Rs30 million). This action is most likely an effort to increase the nation’s diminishing foreign exchange reserves, which are now less than $4 billion and barely cover a month’s worth of imports.
In an effort to stop the flow of dollars out of the nation, the administration has also suggested raising the withholding tax rate on payments made to “non-residents through debit/credit or prepaid cards” from 1 to 5 percent. If this proposal were to be ultimately accepted, all foreign online purchases (including those from Netflix and Amazon) would become more expensive.
Another new initiative put up by the finance minister aims to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to receive bank loans.
Ishaq Dar brought up a central bank program that allows SMEs to refinance their debts at a 6 percent markup during his address. But he emphasized that banks are reluctant to lend to SMEs since they frequently lack a credit history.
The finance minister stated that this will be fixed by the government taking up 20% of the risk for loans made to SMEs under this program.
The budget for this year also included incentives for IT experts and services, giving Pakistani freelancers who provide IT services to overseas businesses the status of a cottage industry. Therefore, independent exporters won’t need to submit a sales tax report.
Additionally, “old and used vehicles of Asian makes above 1300cc” imports are no longer subject to set duty and tax ceilings.
This implies that reconditioned 1300cc automobiles from China and Japan, which have a considerable market in Pakistan, would probably cost more. Smaller vehicles like the Mira and Alto would not be impacted by this change.
The budget for this year also included incentives for IT experts and services, giving Pakistani freelancers who provide IT services to overseas businesses the status of a cottage industry. Therefore, independent exporters won’t need to submit a sales tax report.
Additionally, “old and used vehicles of Asian makes above 1300cc” imports are no longer subject to set duty and tax ceilings.
This implies that reconditioned 1300cc automobiles from China and Japan, which have a considerable market in Pakistan, would probably cost more. Smaller vehicles like the Mira and Alto would not be impacted by this change.
The budget offered, among other important sales tax or customs duty exemptions:
Customs tariffs on nappy and sanitary product raw components are exempt. Customs charges on prawns, prawns and juveniles imported for breeding in industrial fish farms and hatcheries are exempt.
The prohibition on buying second-hand clothes has been lifted.The exemption of contraceptives and their accessories from sales tax.
For nonresident individuals who possess a National Identify Card for Overseas Pakistanis/Pakistan Origin Card and purchase real estate using foreign remittances sent from overseas, there is a 2 percent final withholding tax exemption.
For a builder, a 10% tax liability reduction or Rs. 5 million, whichever is less, and for a person, a 10% tax liability reduction or Rs. 1 million, whichever is less, for three years of self-construction of a home.
In contrast, there were several actions that may affect the average person’s finances:
The elimination of the sales tax exemption for foods sold in large quantities under brand names or trademarks.
An increase in the lower rate of sales tax on supplies produced by point-of-sale shops selling leather and textile items from 12 percent to 15 percent.
The suggested tax rate for electric power transmission services is 15%.
0.6 percent advance adjustable withholding tax will once again be applied to cash withdrawals made by inactive taxpayers.
An increase in the rate of withholding tax on payments made to non-residents using debit, credit, or prepaid cards from 1 percent to 5 percent. (Taxpayers who are not active pay two to ten percent).
It is suggested to impose a federal excise levy of Rs 2,000 per energy-inefficient fan and Rs 20 per cent of the value on incandescent bulbs.
Reforms are promised by the finance minister for “long-term improvement” of the nation.
Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s finance minister, again ruled out the idea of a default on Saturday and pledged that changes are being prepared for the “long-term improvement” of the nation.
The finance czar promised to work with other government officials to help the nation overcome its present economic difficulties while speaking to a delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met a delegation from KCCI led by Mr. Zubair Motiwala at FBR,today and discussed budget 2023-24 proposals. FM appreciated KCCI in its pivotal role in the promotion and growth of the economy. (1/2).. pic.twitter.com/SuyCwI9V6W
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) June 3, 2023
Dar said that the Ministry of Finance will start a revolution in agriculture and create a sovereign wealth fund. He added that he is committed to take actions that have previously been disregarded and that the IT industry would also be a priority of his.
The group was also told by the finance minister that there is “no technical justification” for the IMF program’s postponement, which is unprecedented.
He insisted that Pakistan was an independent nation with trillions of dollars’ worth of assets.
Dar said that the nation has over $100 billion in foreign liabilities, but just one asset, its gas infrastructure, is valued between $40 and $45 billion.
The business sector was also urged by the finance minister to make fair expectations for the 2019 budget, and the administration promised to work with them.
Dar’s remarks came a day after a cabinet member said that Pakistan’s request to lessen the need of arranging $6 billion in new loans had been denied by the global lender, leaving the government with little choice except to attempt to resurrect the arrangement.
Minister of State for Finance Dr. Aisha Pasha stressed that Pakistan’s only choice was to return to the IMF in a policy statement delivered at the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance.
Dr. Pasha claims that Pakistan asked the IMF to take into consideration lowering the $6 billion external funding demand based on fresh data on the current account deficit, but the Fund declined. The other $3 billion was to be arranged after the staff-level agreement, she said, but the IMF insisted on “demonstrating the $6 billion.” She went on to say that there was an understanding to arrange $3 billion before the agreement.
The statement from the ministry of finance shows that the IMF has not altered its position despite a call from Prime ministry Shehbaz Sharif to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
The IMF has already paid out $3.9 billion of the overall $6.5 billion rescue package during the previous four years, with the remaining amount depending upon the conclusion of three outstanding assessments.
Iran & Pakistan Link Their Power Networks To Increase Electricity Trade
March 14, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Pakistan News
LEBANON – According to IRNA, Iranian Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian has declared the conclusion of a power transfer line to Pakistan’s neighbour in an effort to increase energy trades between the two nations.
According to reports, the two nations formally agreed to use the aforementioned transmission line on Monday for the exchange of up to 200 megawatts (MW) of energy in the near future.
In a ceremony witnessed by both of the aforementioned men, the aforementioned contract was inked.
On the margins of a meeting with Dastgir-Khan before the signing event, Mehrabian told the press that the 200 megawatt energy transmission line between Iran and Pakistan was planned and constructed in less than a year.
He declared that the line had undergone all required tests and trials and was now electrified.
“There were positive talks about the interchange of power through this connection in today’s meeting with the Pakistani minister of energy,” Mehrabian continued.
The official estimated that the present yearly trade between the two nations is worth over two billion dollars and added that the building of this line will increase the amount of electricity exchanged between the nations to 200 megawatts, which will significantly strengthen the economic ties.
For his part, Dastgir-Khan referred to his earlier visit to Iran, saying that during this trip, “efforts were made to reach a final agreement and the progress of the previous agreements regarding the electricity exchanges between the two countries through the electricity transmission line was pursued.”
He continued, underscoring the significance of strengthening and expanding ties between the two nations, saying:
“It is anticipated that we will observe the growth of energy trades between the two nations with the final agreement following the creation of technical and business teams.”
The two neighboring nations’ energy ministers met for the second time in less than a year at this conference. During his visit to Tehran in June of last year, Dastgir-Khan conferred with Mehrabian.
The Long Wait Is Over! Pakistan’s Auto Policy for the Years 2021-2026 Is Here
July 7, 2021 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Auto Policy 2021-2026
Auto Policy has finally been revealed by the federal government. Khusro Bakhtiar, the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, spoke during a news conference on the new strategy.
We’ve been hearing a lot of stories and speculations concerning automobile price increases in Pakistan. Despite repeated warnings, the situation for automobile users in the country remained uncertain. The wait, however, is now over. Pakistan’s new Auto Policy 2021-2026 has been announced by the government. According to the information given, there is undoubtedly good news for automobile aficionados. Furthermore, the new Auto Policy is good news for automobile buyers in the lower middle and middle classes. Let’s go straight into the specifics!
Impact On Cars
Vehicle Prices Have Dropped
The long-awaited decision has finally arrived. Vehicle costs have been decreased as a result of the new Auto Policy. Vehicles with engines up to 850cc would have their costs reduced to as low as PKR 105,000 under the new policy. When it comes to 1000cc vehicles, costs might drop as low as PKR 146,000. Furthermore, if we look at the Toyota Yaris and Honda City in particular, the costs will drop by up to PKR 125,000.
Here is the Auto Policy for the Years 2021-2026.
In the following 1-2 days, new car prices will be applied.
To put an end to the “ON Money” mentality, the buyer must register the vehicle in his or her own name.
3,75,000 new employment will be created in the auto industry.
The auto sector has a production capacity of 4,15,000 vehicles per year. Pakistan manufactured 1,64,000 cars last year.
Cars with engines up to 850cc will have their prices reduced by up to Rs. 105,000.
1000cc rates would be reduced by up to Rs140,000.
For one year, the import tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) would be cut from 25% to 10%.
If the automobile is delayed for more than 60 days (2 months), the firm will be charged KIBOR + 3%.
The automobile industry is taxed to the tune of Rs350 billion.
The government is working on a policy for auto development and export. Not only will the policy be focused on the domestic market.