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Pakistan’s data protection, e-safety laws worry tech giants

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  • Government approved bills on e-safety and data protection in July.
  • “Laws will undermine govt policy on investor confidence,” letter says.
  • It adds proposed law will “severely cripple” digital economy’s growth.

The Asia Internet Coalition, a global association representing global tech giants, has shared its reservations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the recently passed data protection and e-safety bills in Pakistan, along with other similar legislation.

The coalition said it fears Pakistan might become an outlier on the global stage due to these laws after its federal cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 and the E-Safety Bill 2023 on July 27.

However, the bills have received criticism from digital rights activists, civil society members, individuals, and organisations related to business, investment, and technology, both nationally and internationally.

The AIC’s letter also highlighted concerns about the proposed changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 (PECA) and the online content-blocking system.

“We want to express our deep concern about the potential tabling of the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), E-Safety Authority Bill and upcoming amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules (RBUOC),” the letter read.

In its current state, the letter mentioned, Pakistan risks becoming a global outlier, needlessly isolating and depriving Pakistani users and businesses of the growth potential of the internet economy.

The coalition added that the aforementioned laws will undermine the government’s policy on investor confidence.

“Amidst the prevailing economic challenges confronting the nation, it is imperative that economic recovery, policy certainty, and predictability be prioritised to foster investor trust and commitment to Pakistan,” the letter mentioned.

It added that the AIC members find cause for significant concern in the opaque process through which these laws are set to be passed in Pakistan.

The initial reassurances of extensive and broad-based consultation — particularly from the law and justice minister, information technology and telecommunication minister, the foreign minister and the special assistant to the prime minister — have not materialised, leaving us deeply alarmed, the letter lamented.

“Despite promises of forward-looking governance and a willingness to address stakeholders’ concerns, the actual consultation process has proven neither credible nor transparent,” it stated.

The coalition members wrote that the consultation process has completely eroded investor trust, as they grapple with significant legislative uncertainty. “Additionally, the speed with which these legislations are being rushed is causing international companies to re-evaluate their willingness to operate in the country.”

The members stated that they strongly believe in the potential for multi-stakeholder dialogue to shape policies and legislation to foster innovation and technological advancement.

“However, the proposed legislation will severely cripple the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy,” they said, adding that while Pakistan’s strong potential is recognised, but the sudden announcement on laws belies Islamabad’s claims that it is open for business and investment.

“In fact, the legislations and rules as currently written would make it difficult for AIC Members to make their services available to Pakistani users and businesses,” it mentioned.

In order to fulfil this vision and to ensure that Pakistan becomes a lucrative destination for technology investment and achieves its digital transformation objectives, the letter urged the Pakistani government to collaborate with the industry in establishing practical and transparent regulations that preserve the advantages of the internet while balancing the interest of the country.

“Mr Prime Minister, we know that you share our vision of a dynamic digital economic ecosystem for Pakistan, where platforms such as those of our members continue to drive substantial economic growth,” the members wrote in their letter to the premier, calling to foster an environment that encourages innovation, investment, and progress in the digital landscape benefitting all stakeholders.

“We also wish to highlight that the AIC is not against regulation but we believe that the legislation must address crucial issues such as internationally recognised rights to privacy and individual expression,” the letter said, addressing PM Shehbaz.

It further said that doing otherwise would derail the efforts that the Pakistani government and the ICT industry have “painstakingly invested in” for many years.

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Speech Made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister on the International Day Against Poverty

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In renewing our commitment to a world where no one is left behind and where possibilities for success are unrestricted by one’s origin or circumstances, Pakistan stands together with the global community on this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In addition to being morally right, ending poverty is essential to attaining sustainable development and guaranteeing everyone’s peace and prosperity.

The people have always been the center of every policy made by our government. We have significantly reduced poverty and made sure that our most vulnerable residents are taken care of thanks to our social safety net programs. We think that providing long-term routes to economic empowerment is equally as important as providing instant relief when it comes to assisting people in escaping poverty. Our focused initiatives seek to equip communities—women and children in particular—with the means to create better futures for themselves.

The Pakistani government is steadfast in its commitment to improving the affordability of living for its citizens despite the obstacles we face on a global scale, such as inflation and economic instability. Our policies are designed to build long-term economic resilience, from meeting housing needs to guaranteeing food security. With the help of programs like the PM Youth Business, Agriculture Loans, Digi-Skills, which offers free IT training, and the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, millions of families are receiving financial support and technological help that is changing their lives.

Eradicating poverty is also a top priority for Pakistan, which is still fully committed to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we will keep working together with our international partners to achieve these goals. The advancements made in empowering women and guaranteeing that their contributions are essential to the country’s social and economic fabric are another reason for pride.

On this day, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who is devotedly striving to end poverty, both in Pakistan and globally. We can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstances, has the chance to flourish and succeed by uniting with a shared purpose and unwavering determination.

I speak on behalf of the Government of Pakistan to reiterate our steadfast commitment to this cause and to extend an invitation to all facets of society to work with us to create a world that is more wealthy, just, and inclusive.

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Karan Johar compliments Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tauba Tauba.’

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Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, a social media sensation known for his song ‘Bado Badi’, has garnered attention once more after posting his rendition of the classic track ‘Tauba Tauba’ on Instagram.

The song, initially included in the Vicky Kaushal film ‘Bad Newz’, achieved significant popularity due to its infectious rhythms and distinctive choreography.

Chahat’s rendition garnered heightened attention after Bollywood director Karan Johar reposted it on his Instagram, urging fans to ‘must see’ the song.

Karan Johar Chahat Fateh

Chahat’s performance garnered mixed to unfavorable responses from the audience. As the infectious melody rapidly gained popularity, the original artist, Karan Aujla, could not refrain from contributing a funny remark regarding the new rendition.

He humorously commented under Chahat’s post, “Please do not act like an uncle.” The reply provoked a barrage of caustic remarks from internet users, with one individual jesting, “Karan Aujla weeping in the corner.”

Others contributed their own comical interpretations, with comments such as “Karan himself advised uncle to cease” and “your song – toba toba,” thereby accentuating the playful repartee.

Karan Aujla’s original ‘Tauba Tauba’ achieved immediate success, showcasing Vicky Kaushal’s energetic dance performance in ‘Bad Newz,’ which also included Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri.

The ongoing lighthearted rivalry is delighting fans who appreciate the fun interactions between these two skilled artists.

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It is essential to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism for regional peace. Jaishankar

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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his remarks at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, underscored the necessity of peace, stability, and regional collaboration to foster economic development and prosperity.

He emphasized that cross-border infiltration undermines trade and hinders diplomatic relations between nations, underscoring the necessity of mutual respect and sovereign equality among SCO members.

Jaishankar emphasized the capacity of industrial collaboration, especially among small and medium companies (SMEs), to enhance employment, competition, and market expansion. The Indian foreign minister noted, “Collective initiatives can enhance resources and stimulate investment flows, benefiting business communities through expanded networks.”

Emphasizing environmental sustainability, Jaishankar endorsed collaborative efforts in environmental protection, highlighting that the International Solar Alliance can advance renewable energy, while the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure equips member nations to confront climate-related challenges.

He also discussed global health concerns, claiming that affordable and accessible medications will facilitate the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Jaishankar advocated for extensive reforms in international organizations, highlighting the necessity to modernize entities such as the United Nations Security Council. He stated, “Global trade and rebalancing are undeniable realities,” encouraging SCO states to capitalize on rising opportunities in trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

Jaishankar emphasized that the area can only derive advantages from these potential if collaboration is founded on authentic partnerships rather than unilateral objectives. He advocated for a candid dialogue among SCO members to tackle trust problems and foster regional development. He stated that mutual trust and cooperation are essential for attaining regional progress.

Furthermore, Jaishankar emphasized the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on developing countries and expressed apprehensions regarding escalating debt and the worldwide delay in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He recognized the potential afforded by technology, yet emphasized that it also presents new issues requiring community resolution.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s endorsement of Pakistan’s effective leadership of the SCO this year and commended the host nation for leading the summit. He finished by urging SCO member nations to adhere to the organization’s aims, especially the enhancement of mutual trust, camaraderie, and amicable relations.

Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for the SCO to assume a pivotal role in tackling regional and global challenges, especially in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he deemed essential for maintaining peace and stability.

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