Daily Times, Lahore (2025)

30/10/2025

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp 60% surge in violations against journalists and media professionals over the past year, raising grave concerns about press freedom and journalist safety. The Freedom Network Annual Impunity Report 2025, released ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, highlights an alarming rise in attacks and threats faced by the media under the Shehbaz Sharif government. The report documented 142 cases of violations from November 2024 to September 2025, painting a troubling picture of shrinking media space across the country.

The findings indicate that the environment for free expression deteriorated significantly after the February 2024 general elections, leaving almost every province and territory unsafe for journalism. The report recorded that Punjab and Islamabad were the “most dangerous places” for journalists, each accounting for 28% of total violations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir followed closely, while no incidents were reported from Gilgit-Baltistan. Television remained the most targeted medium, followed by print and digital outlets, with even radio journalists facing pressure and harassment.

In addition to physical threats and intimidation, journalists increasingly faced legal persecution through the misuse of laws. During the first year of the current government, at least 36 formal legal cases were filed against 30 media practitioners under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Out of these, 22 cases were registered under PECA and 14 under the PPC, with several individuals charged under multiple provisions. Most of these cases originated in Punjab, where authorities allegedly used legal tools to suppress critical reporting.

30/10/2025

Lahore: In a meeting held on October 30, 2025, the Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab (BOP) approved the un-audited financial statements for the nine months ended on September 30, 2025. The Board lauded the exceptional performance of the Bank, which has not only exceeded expectations but also delivered unprecedented financial results across all key performance areas.

Despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop—marked by declining interest rates and rising operating costs across the industry—the Bank sustained margin pressures and achieved exceptional financial performance. Operating profit reached Rs. 28.52 billion, reflecting a remarkable 156% increase over the same period last year. Net Interest Income grew by 91% to Rs. 58.46 billion, reaffirming the Bank’s ability to generate strong core earnings. Fee & Commission Income also posted healthy growth of 31%, driven by diversification of revenue streams and deepening client engagement across retail, corporate, and Islamic banking segments.

Operational efficiency remained a central focus, with a notable improvement in the cost-to-income ratio. This was underpinned by disciplined expense management and productivity gains across business lines. Profit Before Tax rose by 81% to Rs. 26.40 billion, compared to Rs. 14.61 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share increased to Rs. 3.65 from Rs. 2.57, despite the impact of a higher effective tax rate of 53%. These results underscore the Bank’s financial resilience and commitment to creating sustainable value for shareholders.

30/10/2025

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30/10/2025

China has announced plans to train and send Pakistan’s first astronaut into space for short-term missions aboard its space station, marking a major step in Pakistan’s technological journey. The Pakistani astronaut will train alongside Chinese counterparts, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral cooperation that extends beyond trade and defense into advanced space exploration. This collaboration also reflects China’s growing role in supporting regional partners through its expanding space program.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal revealed that Pakistan’s first astronaut will embark on the historic journey in 2026. Speaking at the launch of high-speed internet and a commercial satellite project in Islamabad, he said the achievement represents Pakistan’s entry into the global space era. He emphasized that access to space technology defines a nation’s progress, adding that this milestone is part of the country’s long-term vision for scientific and technological independence.

29/10/2025

TikTok has announced a major update that will allow users to earn more from subscriptions. The platform is changing its revenue-sharing model. Previously, creators received 70% of subscription income. Now, eligible users can earn up to 90%. This change applies first in the United States and Canada and will expand globally in coming months.

To qualify, creators must meet certain conditions. Users need at least 10,000 followers. Their videos must have at least 100,000 views in the past month. They must also post at least three subscriber-only videos in the previous month. TikTok emphasized that consistent posting will help users maximize earnings.

The company said subscriptions help creators build stronger communities. Subscribers gain exclusive perks, such as special badges, subscriber-only posts, and chat features. These benefits provide fans closer access to their favorite creators. TikTok highlighted that the new system will reward dedication and regular engagement.

29/10/2025

The Punjab government has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Command and Control Center to monitor traffic movement on the Lahore Ring Road, aiming to enhance road safety, prevent violations, and ensure smoother traffic flow. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Construction and Communications Malik Saheb Ahmed Bharth, alongside senior officials from the Punjab Ring Road Authority and the Communications Department.

Officials revealed that the new center will monitor nearly 150,000 vehicles daily, providing real-time surveillance and data analysis to improve traffic management. The system will not only detect speeding, lane violations, and overloading but will also track drivers using mobile phones while driving. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to introduce intelligent traffic management solutions across Punjab’s major highways and urban routes.

The upcoming center will be integrated with an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), featuring advanced technologies such as AI-powered cameras, radar speed detectors, weigh stations, and live monitoring software. This integration will allow authorities to take immediate action against violators and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. The monitoring facility will be set up at the Ring Road Authority’s head office, serving as the primary control hub for all Ring Road operations.

29/10/2025

Lahore became the world’s most polluted city on Wednesday as air quality hit a hazardous AQI of 403. Dense smog covered major roads, including Kahna Nau, GT Road, and Egerton Road. Local authorities reported peak AQI readings reaching 500 in some areas. Citizens faced severe breathing difficulties, especially schoolchildren and the elderly. Experts warned that prolonged exposure could cause serious health problems.

Other areas of Lahore also recorded dangerous pollution levels. Shahdara measured 391, DHA Phase 6 at 371, Burki Road at 361, Multan Road at 344, and Safari Park at 339. Even Punjab University saw AQI at 303, while Wahga Border remained relatively cleaner at 176. Officials said early morning traffic and falling temperatures contributed to the surge. The Environmental Protection Agency forecasted AQI could rise to 345 by late evening.

Punjab’s other cities also faced poor air quality. Sargodha recorded 344, Faisalabad 296, Multan 287, Gujranwala 274, Kasur 257, and Sheikhupura 245. Dera Ghazi Khan measured 217, Sialkot 162, Bahawalpur 154, and Rawalpindi 130. Experts noted that widespread vehicular emissions, stubble burning, dust, and open waste fires caused the sharp rise in pollution.

29/10/2025

A massive cybersecurity alert has been issued after a colossal database containing 183 million email addresses and passwords surfaced online, exposing login credentials for Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other major services. The leaked data, now part of the “Have I Been Pwned” breach-tracking platform, originated from years of “infostealer” malware infections that compromised users’ personal computers. Experts warn that the stolen credentials could be used in large-scale hacking attempts.

The 3.5-terabyte data cache was shared with HIBP by the threat intelligence firm Synthient and primarily includes “stealer logs.” These logs record users’ sensitive information, including website URLs, email addresses, and passwords. Cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt confirmed that a significant number of credentials belonged to Gmail users, making this one of the largest collections of exposed personal data ever discovered online.

Furthermore, the initial investigation revealed that around 92% of the leaked credentials came from previously known breaches, while nearly 16.4 million email addresses were newly exposed and had never been identified in any earlier data leaks. Hunt also verified the authenticity of the dump after one subscriber confirmed their Gmail password matched the leaked data, raising serious concerns about widespread vulnerability.

29/10/2025

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) partnered with Meta to launch Instagram’s new Teen Accounts feature in Pakistan. The event included representatives from Meta, UNICEF, and key child protection organizations. It aimed to raise awareness about online safety for teenagers. During the launch, live demonstrations showed how Teen Accounts work and protect youth online. Officials emphasized the importance of digital wellbeing in a rapidly growing online environment.

Teen Accounts automatically classify users under 16 into a safer platform version. It restricts unwanted messages and filters sensitive content. At the same time, it allows teens to explore digital spaces safely. The system is designed to balance protection and online freedom. PTA and Meta officials stressed that this feature represents a major step in youth digital safety.

PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman highlighted the authority’s commitment to building a safer digital ecosystem. He said Teen Accounts demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to protecting young internet users. He urged parents and schools to educate children about safe online habits. The chairman added that PTA will continue collaborating with global tech firms for youth protection initiatives.

29/10/2025

Preparations have been completed across Pakistan for the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The celebrations will be held from November 4 to 13, with thousands of Sikh devotees expected to participate. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India, allowing them to attend ceremonies at sacred gurdwaras across the country.

During their stay, pilgrims will visit holy sites including Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal. The main ceremony marking Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary will take place on November 5 at Nankana Sahib, featuring religious rituals such as Bhog Akhand Path Sahib and special prayers dedicated to peace and unity.

Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich congratulated the Sikh community and wished pilgrims a spiritually fulfilling visit. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating access to Sikh holy sites, emphasizing that the government continues to promote interfaith harmony and cross-border cultural understanding. The visas were issued under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, signed in 1974 to enable devotees from both countries to visit sacred religious landmarks.

29/10/2025

The Government of Pakistan has introduced a major public initiative, allowing citizens aged 18 and above to obtain their first Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) completely free of cost. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) confirmed that this facility applies to non-chip CNICs and aims to make identity registration more accessible nationwide.

Under the new policy, citizens without a CNIC can visit their nearest NADRA centre, fill out the application form, and receive their identity card within 15 days — all without paying any fee. This initiative ensures that young adults and unregistered residents can access government services and voting rights immediately after turning 18, significantly reducing financial and bureaucratic barriers.

Moreover, a CNIC is mandatory for essential services such as opening bank accounts, obtaining SIM cards, applying for passports, and benefiting from welfare programs like Ehsaas. By making the first CNIC free, the government seeks to promote inclusion, especially for citizens living in remote or economically challenged areas, who often delay registration due to associated costs.

28/10/2025

In a major development, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore has registered a case against nine officers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for allegedly misusing their authority and accepting bribes. The case stems from a complaint filed by Aroob Jatoi, the wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman—popularly known as Ducky Bhai—who is currently under arrest for promoting gambling applications on social media platforms. The FIR accuses the officers of abuse of power, illegal actions, and mishandling sensitive personal information.

The inquiry revealed that Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz, who was leading the investigation against Ducky Bhai, allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs 9 million in both cash and cheques. He reportedly distributed the amount among other NCCIA officers involved. Additionally, investigators discovered that $326,000 were transferred from Ducky Bhai’s Binance account to a personal account linked to one of the accused officers. These revelations have raised serious questions about corruption and internal accountability within Pakistan’s cybercrime agencies.

The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Section 109 for abetment and Section 161 for illegal gratification by a public servant. It also includes Section 5(2)47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which pertains to misconduct by public officials. The complaint further claims that the accused officers were part of a bribery network in Lahore, allegedly collecting large payments from call centers and illegal online operations. Some of the money, the complaint states, was routinely sent to senior officials at the NCCIA headquarters in Islamabad.

Daily Times

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