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Govt hints at blocking social networks yet again in Pakistan, ‘if needed’

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1 year ago

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  • Defence minister says option to block social media always available.
  • “In Pakistan, social media is used to incite people,” he laments.
  • “Social media is regulated everywhere,” defence minister says.

As the Pakistani authorities ramp up action against May 9 vandals, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Tuesday that the government always has the option to block social media platforms, which can be exercised at any moment.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters ransacked private and public property, including military installations, on May 9 after their party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest. 

In the aftermath, the government, claiming that social media was a significant source of incitement, blocked not only the platforms, but internet services as well across the country for nearly four days, affecting millions.

Providing a rationale for blocking the services, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had claimed that the party’s “entire work” was done on the internet, including “the planning and the abuse, all of it is done on social media”.

During an interview on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan” today, Defence Minister Asif said: “The option to block social media is always available. If need be, it [the suspension] can come into force at [any time].”

Defending his stance, the defence minister noted that social media platforms are regulated in China and Europe.

“Social media is regulated everywhere,” the minister said, adding that the platforms were used to incite people, which led to their violent actions on May 9.

The minister also appreciated the accountability of those involved in the attacks on military installations and martyrs’ memorials.

The army dismissed three officers, including a lieutenant general, from service for failing to protect the military installations on May 9.

Asif said that talks are underway for trying civilians in military courts, and while there were legal hurdles, the government would overcome them.

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23 police officers were hurt in an altercation with PTI employees on Attock’s Ghazi Barotha Bridge.

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2 days ago

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Law enforcement officials said that the wounded soldiers were taken right away to local hospitals for medical care. The situation worsened after police officers were allegedly beaten overnight by workers in a truck that was supposedly carrying KP Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur.

“The altercation happened when the convoy tried to cross the bridge in spite of security restrictions,” the police said. More troops have been sent in to control the situation and bring the peace back.

Investigations are still being conducted to find the people who started the violence. Law enforcement officials have promised that those responsible will face severe consequences.

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Anti-Power Theft Campaign: Government Crackdown on Power Theft Recovers 133 Billion Rupees

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2 days ago

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Considerable success has been made in the government’s attempts to boost Pakistan’s economy, particularly in the fight against power theft.

Since September 2023, the program has recovered more than 133 billion rupees and apprehended more than 87,343 power thieves nationally.

In only the last week, authorities have arrested 314 people for unlawful power use and seized over 1 billion and 6.5 million rupees from power theft.

Relevant organizations have promised to keep working until electricity theft is completely eliminated nationwide.

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According to Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, accusations made against Pakistan by Bushra Bibi, the spouse of the PTI founder, are vile and disgusting because Pakistan has historical relations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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5 days ago

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The defense minister stated at a press conference in Islamabad that the Kingdom should not be involved in politics for selfish reasons because of our historical, religious, and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.

2.8 million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia and send millions of dollars in remittances, he added, adding that making unfounded accusations against the country will hurt Pakistan’s economy.

According to him, Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan throughout its most trying moments, and Pakistanis have a deep affection and connection to the Kingdom.

There is a breach among PTI ranks and files, and Khawaja Asif stated that we have never witnessed such a low point in politics.

Given the gravity of the accusation, the Minister said, former Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa should respond right away.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should fight terrorism rather than target the city, he said, adding that the PTI’s demand for a demonstration on November 24 is the third strike on the federal capital.

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