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ARY NEWS

Aleem Malik

  • PTA blames excessive VPN usage for internet slowdown

    PTA blames excessive VPN usage for internet slowdown

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that the recent internet slowdown in Pakistan is primarily caused by excessive Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage, ARY News reported quoting PTA.

    According to PTA, the increased use of VPNs has put additional pressure on the country’s bandwidth, resulting in slower internet speeds.

    The telecommunication authority has sent the report to Ministry of IT, highlighting the need to enhance bandwidth to meet the growing internet demand.

    Yesterday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issued an update on the recent internet slowdown in the country, saying that a fault was reported in the submarine cable near Qatar.

    “This is to inform the general public that a fault has been reported in the submarine cable AAE-1 near Qatar (one of the seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan for international internet traffic),” the PTA said in a statement.

    The authority added that the concerned teams are working to fix the fault.

    “This (fault) may impact internet and broadband user experience across Pakistan. PTA is monitoring the situation and will keep updating telecom users accordingly.”

    Also read: I did not allow VPNs to be banned: PTA chairman

    It is to be noted here that internet services across the country have slowed down significantly, effecting millions of users.

    According to reports, popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have either been suspended or are operating at reduced speeds, leaving users frustrated with limited access.

  • Pakistan’s GDP growth revised to 2.5pc in FY24

    Pakistan’s GDP growth revised to 2.5pc in FY24

    The National Accounts Committee (NAC) of Pakistan has approved the revised annual growth rates for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24, along with the Q1 GDP growth rate for FY 2024-25, ARY News reported.

    According to the official press release, the updated growth rate for FY 2023-24 has been revised down to 2.50 percent (pc), slightly lower than the previously estimated 2.52pc. The committee noted an improvement in important crops, from 17.02pc to 17.12pc.

    However, agricultural growth in Pakistan saw a slight dip to 6.18pc from 6.36pc, primarily due to a downward revision in forestry production, which fell from 3.05pc to -0.89pc, attributed to lower timber production.

    The industrial sector showed a worsened contraction, moving from a previous estimate of -1.15pc to -1.65pc. The mining and quarrying sector witnessed a significant decline, with growth moving from 3.47pc to -4.16pc, driven by reduced production in coal (-5.21pc) and limestone (-25.8pc) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

    Read More: Tax-to-GDP ratio to reach 13pc in three years, vows Aurangzeb

    On a positive note, the services sector showed improvements, with transport growing from 1.91pc to 2.12pc, information and communication increasing from 0.30pc to 3.45pc, and education rising from 8.55pc to 9.05pc. Health services also saw growth, improving from 5.55pc to 5.99pc. As a result, the overall growth of the services sector improved from 2.15pc to 2.35pc.

    The committee’s decisions reflect a mixed performance across sectors, with some areas showing resilience, while others continue to face challenges. Further assessments and measures will likely follow to address the ongoing concerns in agriculture and industry.

    On December 26, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb vowed to take Tax-to-GDP ratio to 13 per cent in three years in Pakistan.

    He was addressing a news conference alongside Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik in Islamabad today.

    Muhammad Aurangzeb said taxation reforms have a key role in fiscal stability. He said the country has been languishing between 9-10 per cent in terms of tax to GDP ratio but we have set a target of 13.5 per cent for next three years to improve this standing.

    The finance minister said digitalization of FBR is aimed at enhancing transparency. He said that approval of design phase of digitalization was given by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in September this year and now we are in execution phase of this process.

     

     

  • Federal govt allocates Rs437 billion to institutions in FY 2024

    Federal govt allocates Rs437 billion to institutions in FY 2024

    The federal government of Pakistan has allocated substantial financial aid to various government institutions during the first half of fiscal year 2024, ARY News reported, quoting the Ministry of Finance.

    According to reports, during the first half of fiscal year 2024, a total of Rs437 billion was provided as support to various government entities in Pakistan, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.

    Out of this, Rs232 billion was allocated as subsidies to public sector institutions in Pakistan. Additionally, from July to December 2023, grants amounting to Rs120 billion were also provided to government institutions in Pakistan.

    In the first half of the previous fiscal year, government institutions in Pakistan were given Rs85 billion in loans. Among the major recipients of subsidies, Sui Southern Gas Company in Pakistan received Rs47 billion, while MEPCO (Multan Electric Power Company) was allocated Rs42.56 billion.

    Other notable entities in Pakistan that received subsidies include LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) with Rs26.24 billion and HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company) with Rs18.34 billion. The Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan received Rs11.63 billion in subsidies.

    Furthermore, during the first half of fiscal year 2024, Power Holding received a grant of Rs88.52 billion, while Pakistan Railways received Rs27.5 billion, and the National Highway Authority (NHA) was allocated Rs4 billion in grants.

    In addition to grants, the federal government of Pakistan also extended loans, providing more than Rs25 billion to NHA and Rs35.54 billion to Pakistan Steel Mills.

    Other recipients included JENCO-II with Rs16.53 billion, NTDC (National Transmission & Despatch Company) with Rs6.1 billion, Printing Corporation with Rs1.2 billion, and Radio Pakistan with Rs210 million. MEPCO, PESCO, and LESCO also received loans during this period.

    Read More: Statistics department releases annual price report

    According to a report issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on December 27, several items in Pakistan have seen significant price increases, while others have become more affordable over the past year.

    According to the report, tomatoes have seen a notable price hike, with a 138.53 percent (pc) increase. The price of ladies’ sandals rose by 75.09pc, and potatoes became 61.17pc more expensive. Lentils, too, experienced a price surge, with chana dal increasing by 51.17pc and mung dal by 31.51pc.

    Powdered milk saw a 25.62pc increase, while beef prices rose by 24.28pc. Garlic became 17.27pc more expensive, and cooked lentils went up by 15.10pc. Gas charges in Pakistan have also risen by 15.52pc, and firewood prices climbed by 13.14pc.

    On the other hand, some essential items became cheaper. Flour decreased by 36.20pc, onions fell by 31.21pc, and chili powder became 20pc more affordable. Eggs saw a 12.89pc price reduction, and lentils (masoor) dropped by 11.18pc. Basmati rice became 7.98pc cheaper, and moong dal decreased by 6.27pc.

    Fuel prices also saw a drop, with petrol becoming 5.64pc cheaper and diesel falling by 7.49pc.

  • Pakistan set to experience significant boost in internet speed

    Pakistan set to experience significant boost in internet speed

    ISLAMABAD: Internet users in Pakistan are set to experience a sigh of relief with the installation of a modern undersea cable connecting Africa to the South Asian country, ARY News reported citing sources.

    The modern cable is expected to be connected in the coming days, the sources said, and that the cable, which is part of a larger program, will stretch 45,000 kilometers and have a capacity of 180 terabits per second.

    The installation process is currently in its final stages. Once connected, the cable is expected to increase internet speeds, particularly for social media apps and other online services.

    Pakistan is part of the 2Africa Pearls project, which will extend from the Gulf countries to India. The 2Africa cable has 46 landing stations in 33 countries, making it a vital component of the global digital infrastructure.

    Pakistan is part of the 2Africa Pearls project, which will extend from the Gulf countries to India. The 2Africa cable has 46 landing stations in 33 countries, making it a vital component of the global digital infrastructure.

    Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan ranks 198th globally in internet speed rankings, according to a report by the World Population Review.

    Read more: ‘Internet speed issue in Pakistan to be resolved within three months’

    According to the report, Pakistan ranks below Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya in internet speed.

    The average mobile internet download speed in Pakistan is 19.59 Mbps, while broadband internet averages 15.52 Mbps.

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads globally in both mobile and broadband internet speed, followed by Singapore in mobile internet and Qatar in broadband speed.

    Over the past few months, internet users across Pakistan have been increasingly voicing their frustrations regarding frequent outages and slow internet speeds.

    The situation has particularly impacted the country’s freelancing community, raising concerns about its potential to increase unemployment rates.

    Read More: Freelancers demand immediate restoration of internet services

    It is pertinent to mention here that the current internet issues are linked to the implementation of internet firewalls, which are installed at a country’s main internet gateways to monitor and filter traffic. While these systems can control or block content on websites and social media platforms, authorities claim that, they also have the capability to trace the origin of objectionable material.

    Federal Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja had revealed that the slow internet service in Pakistan is due to the excessive use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

    She clarified that the internet was neither blocked nor intentionally slowed down, but the increased usage of VPNs has affected the internet speed.

    Shaza Fatima Khawaja explained that when certain apps’ services were blocked, people started using VPNs, which bypassed local internet services and slow down the internet. She added that using VPNs also slows down mobile internet speeds.

  • Public holidays for 2025 announced

    Public holidays for 2025 announced

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government revealed details of public holidays for the year 2025, announcing 16 holidays across the country, ARY News reported.

    According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, several significant days have been declared as public holidays. Kashmir Day and Pakistan Day will be observed on February 5 and March 23, respectively.

    Similarly, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha will have three consecutive holidays each. Labour Day on May 1, Yom-e-Takbeer on May 28, and Independence Day on August 14 will also be observed as public holidays during the year 2025.

    Likewise, the public holidays have also been announced for Ashura, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, and Iqbal Day (November 9). Quaid-e-Azam Day on December 25 will also be observed as a public holiday.

    Read More: Holiday announced on December 25, 26

    Additionally, December 26 will be a holiday for the Christian community to celebrate Christmas. Banks will also observe holidays on January 1, July 1, and the first day of Ramadan.

  • PKCERT issues advisory on windows security vulnerability

    PKCERT issues advisory on windows security vulnerability

    ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) issued an advisory warning of a security vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows operating system, maintaining that the vulnerability poses a threat to users’ systems and personal information, ARY News reported.

    According to the advisory issued, there is a risk that users’ systems may be hacked and personal information stolen due to this security flaw. The vulnerability can be exploited to steal user credentials, domain names, and passwords.

    Furthermore, the security flaw can allow unauthorised access to sensitive information without even opening files. Windows versions 7 to 11 are potentially affected by this vulnerability.

    The National Cyber Emergency Response Team PKCERT has recommended that users exercise caution when using shared drives, folders, and email attachments. Users are advised to keep their passwords complex and change them frequently.

    Read More: NADRA issues advisory on essential documents’ photocopies

    Moreover, users are warned against using the same password for multiple applications. The users have also been advised to regularly change their password.

    The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) has emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid data theft and system hacking.

    Failure to take these precautions may result in data theft and system hacking

  • OGRA approves major increase in gas prices across Pakistan

    OGRA approves major increase in gas prices across Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has approved significant hikes in gas prices, affecting consumers nationwide, ARY News reported.

    According to reports, the decision, sent to the federal government for final approval, will see an average increase of 25.78 percent (pc) for consumers in Sindh and Balochistan, while consumers in Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience an 8.71pc rise.

    Under the new tariff structure, the average gas price for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has been set at Rs1,762.51 per MMBTU, and for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), it’s Rs1,778.35 per MMBTU. These changes aim to address financial needs totalling Rs527.55 billion for SNGPL and Rs319.78 billion for SSGC, along with adjustments for prior receivables.

    The companies had originally sought increases in gas prices as high as 208.67pc but were met with public hearings by OGRA last month. OGRA’s decision to forward the recommendations to the federal government for final approval means that a notification will be issued once the government grants its consent.

    This revision in gas prices comes amidst rising financial pressures on the gas companies, with SNGPL receiving approval to recover over Rs50 billion from previous adjustments, and SSGC allowed to recover Rs48.85 billion.

    Read More: Govt to increase gas prices for the fourth time in two years

    Earlier in November 2024, Government of Pakistan hinted at increasing gas prices for domestic consumers for the fourth time in two years.

    Reports suggested that a request had been made to increase the gas prices by 3.66 percent (pc) for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, And Islamabad, and by 53.47pc for Sindh and Balochistan. SNGPL had proposed a hike of Rs64.16 per MMBtu, bringing its average price to Rs1,810.38 per MMBtu. Meanwhile, SSGC had requested an increase of Rs669.07 Per MMBtu, raising its average price to Rs1,920.39 Per MMBtu.

    The gas companies had requested the price hike effective from July 1, 2024, meanwhile, sources report that domestic consumers have faced an additional burden of Rs953 billion due to the rising gas prices.

    Since Jan 2023, gas prices for domestic consumers have been increased three times, with a single hike under the previous coalition government and two increases during the short tenure of caretake government.

    In total, more than Rs. 900 billion has been added to the burden on gas consumers for the past two years.

  • Power Minister urges provinces to clear outstanding dues

    Power Minister urges provinces to clear outstanding dues

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Power Minister, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari has written letters to the chief ministers of all four provinces for payment of overdue electricity bills, ARY News reported.

    Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the energy minister has already kicked off reforms to improve electricity companies and provide electricity to consumers at affordable rate, said a statement issued by the Power Division here Thursday.

    Under the reforms, special attention was being given to increase financial resources, curb power theft, and ensure collection of overdue bills from consumers, it said.

    The Chief Ministers have been requested to ensure the immediate payment of outstanding electricity bills, the statement said.

    Sardar Awais said that due to unpaid bills, the ongoing reforms in the energy sector were being affected. Various provincial departments were neglecting the payment of electricity bills, which caused a financial burden on power companies, he added.

    Read More: NEPRA concludes public hearing on K-Electric’s write-off claims

    He said the non-payment might also cause problems in ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply.

    The letter urges the chief ministers to intervene immediately. The non-payment of overdue bills is not only harming the federal government but also worsening the circular debt crisis.

    The federal government hoped for cooperation from the provincial governments to stabilize the energy sector, it added.

    Yesterday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) issued a notification announcing a 20-paise per unit increase in electricity prices.

    According to reports, this increase in electricity prices is part of the quarterly adjustment for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. According to the notification, consumers will bear an additional burden of Rs1.18 billion in electricity prices.

    NEPRA had previously finalized the July to September quarterly adjustment and sent the decision to the government.

    The increase in electricity prices will be applicable for December 2024 only. However, the adjustment will not apply to lifeline and prepaid electricity consumers. Additionally, under the winter package, consumers using extra electricity will also be exempted from this quarterly adjustment.

  • NEPRA increases electricity tariffs nationwide

    NEPRA increases electricity tariffs nationwide

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a notification announcing a 20-paise per unit increase in electricity prices, ARY News reported.

    According to reports, this increase in electricity prices is part of the quarterly adjustment for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. According to the notification, consumers will bear an additional burden of Rs1.18 billion in electricity prices.

    NEPRA had previously finalized the July to September quarterly adjustment and sent the decision to the government.

    The increase in electricity prices will be applicable for December 2024 only. However, the adjustment will not apply to lifeline and prepaid electricity consumers. Additionally, under the winter package, consumers using extra electricity will also be exempted from this quarterly adjustment.

    It is worth noting that the recovery of the last fiscal year’s final quarterly adjustment, which amounted to Rs. 1.74 per unit, concluded in November 2024.

    Read More: NEPRA concludes public hearing on K-Electric’s write-off claims

    NEPRA on December 10, concluded its hearing on K-Electric’s annual claims of unrecoverable dues against chronic defaulters.

    During the hearing, consumers raised multiple grievances on K-Electric’s right-of-claims between FY17 and FY23, highlighting severe challenges faced by Karachi’s residents and businesses.

    K-Electric said in a statement that it is allowed to claim these costs in the Multi-Year Tariff awarded to the utility, which is independent of the rates of electricity charged to customers in monthly bills under the uniform tariff policy.

    K-Electric elaborated further that the Rs68 billion amount discussed in the hearing has accumulated over a 7-year period which is critical to the company’s continued financial sustainability.

    “These amounts have been unrecoverable despite best efforts against defaulters including multiple disconnections, engagement with specialized recovery agencies, and area-specific initiatives,” the statement said.

    KE asserted that “the submissions to NEPRA have also undergone strict internal scrutiny as well as external audits by well-accredited and renowned audit firm as required by the NEPRA Authority”.

    Speaking on the occasion, Spokesperson K-Electric stated, “Unlike DISCOs, as a private utility KE has no contribution to the national circular debt, a fact that has been recognized by the World Bank and renowned global institutions”.

    The spokesperson urged that “disallowing legitimate claims will therefore directly impact KE’s cashflows, affecting our capacity to fulfill plans to drive infrastructural upgrades for enhanced power supply to Karachi.”

    K-Electric further said that it will continue to actively engage with the regulator on this matter.

     

     

  • FIA cybercrime wing gets powers to act against social media offences

    FIA cybercrime wing gets powers to act against social media offences

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has officially been granted authority to take action against crimes committed on social media platforms, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of IT on Wednesday.

    According to the notification, the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency’s rules have been annulled, and its powers have been transferred to the FIA Cybercrime Wing again.

    The National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency was established in 2023, but its responsibilities will now be managed by the FIA.

    It is to be noted that the government of Pakistan has decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of false information and fearmongering on social media, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

    Read more: UC chairman arrested for anti-state social media posts

    According to reports, any content that targets national institutions or individuals, or spreads fear, will be removed in Pakistan.

    Read more: Social media misinformation to be tackled by new law

    A draft proposal suggests the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the authority to block or remove social media content.

    As per the new amendment to PECA, the DRPA authority will have the power to issue orders to remove content targeting law enforcement agencies or individuals. It will also be responsible for removing content that spreads hatred against the state of Pakistan and its institutions.