PTA Blocks 6.5 Million Domains in Sweeping 2025 Social Media Crackdown

ISLAMABAD Pakistan has carried out a sweeping crackdown on unlawful online content, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocking 6.5 million domains and removing over 1.5 million URLs during 2025, according to a detailed report submitted to Parliament. The report outlines large-scale enforcement actions targeting what officials describe as blasphemousContinue Reading

5G Rollout Faces Delays in Pakistan Despite Spectrum Auction Completion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G rollout continues to face hurdles even after the completion of the spectrum auction, as key software updates required for device compatibility remain pending. According to sources within the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Apple Inc. has yet to release a necessary software update patch, preventing many existingContinue Reading

AlphaX Launches Copy Trading, Delivering Smart & Accessible Crypto Strategies

Pakistan AlphaX, a high performance on-chain cryptocurrency exchange committed to delivering a simplified, efficient and reliable trading experience, today announced the official launch of its highly anticipated copy trading feature, marking a significant step forward in making professional-grade trading strategies accessible to a broader audience. AlphaX Copy Trading allows copiersContinue Reading

**Petrol Price Hike Sparks Uncertainty as Motorcycle Subsidy Faces Delays** ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced a significant increase in petroleum product prices, intensifying financial pressure on low-income commuters, particularly motorcycle riders, as a promised subsidy scheme remains delayed. Despite earlier commitments, the government has yet to finalize a framework for subsidizing fuel for low-income motorcycle users. Officials have not clarified whether the subsidy will be distributed through a mobile application or an SMS-based verification system, leaving millions uncertain about relief measures. Sources indicate that the Ministry of IT is still testing a dedicated mobile application intended to manage subsidy distribution. However, technical issues have emerged during the testing phase, further delaying implementation. Under the proposed system, only motorcycles registered in the user’s name would qualify, and verification may require a formal vehicle registration card rather than ownership documents. Meanwhile, the government has not provided a clear timeline on how the subsidy will be executed, though an official announcement is expected within the next two days. The provincial government in Sindh has opposed the mobile application-based approach, with the Chief Minister suggesting that subsidies be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a move aimed at ensuring transparency and wider accessibility. Previously, the federal government had announced a subsidy of Rs2,000 per month for up to 20 liters of petrol, effectively reducing the price by Rs100 per liter for eligible motorcycle users. However, in the absence of implementation, riders across the country continue to bear the burden of rising fuel costs. Until a clear mechanism is finalized and rolled out, relief for millions of daily commuters remains uncertain.

ISLAMABAD Pakistan has announced a significant increase in petroleum product prices, intensifying financial pressure on low-income commuters, particularly motorcycle riders, as a promised subsidy scheme remains delayed. Despite earlier commitments, the government has yet to finalize a framework for subsidizing fuel for low-income motorcycle users. Officials have not clarified whetherContinue Reading

Indian Hackers Target Pakistan’s Defence, Finance Ministries

ISLAMABAD Pakistan’s key government institutions, including the ministries of defence and finance, have come under a potential cyberattack threat, prompting authorities to issue a high-priority alert. Officials said a sophisticated phishing campaign is being carried out by a suspected foreign hacking group, targeting government employees to gain access to sensitiveContinue Reading