The Pakistani government has decided to dissolve the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing and establish a new regulatory authority to oversee social media platforms. In this regard, the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 has been presented in the National Assembly. According to the bill, a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority will be established, with its headquarters in Islamabad.
Under the proposed law, individuals spreading fake news could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 2 million rupees. The new authority will be responsible for registering social media platforms, setting standards, and protecting user rights. In case of violations, the authority will have the power to take disciplinary action against platforms. The authority will consist of nine members, including the Secretary of Interior, the Chairman of PTA, and the Chairman of PEMRA. The Chairman and five members will be appointed for a five-year term. Social media platforms will be required to register with the authority, and those violating the law could face temporary or permanent bans.
**Human Rights Commission Report: Hindu Community Migrating from Northern Sindh**
A report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reveals that the Hindu community in northern Sindh is migrating, primarily to India. The report cites kidnapping, extortion, insecurity, forced religious conversions, and business losses as key reasons for this migration. HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt stated that 1,300 Pakistani citizens are currently awaiting decisions on their Indian citizenship applications. He noted that while some are financially stable, the poorer segments of the community are facing significant hardships.
The report also highlights the Hindu community’s crucial role in rice cultivation and cleaning factories in northern Sindh. However, recent rains and floods have severely damaged their businesses, exacerbating their challenges.
**Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Relief Convoys Sent to Parachinar**
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur chaired a meeting to review the situation in Kurram. It was decided that the region would be disarmed, and convoys would be sent to restore peace. According to district administration officials, a convoy of over 60 vehicles has reached Kurram, while another 40-vehicle convoy has arrived in Alizai. The convoys are carrying essential food and daily-use items.
**Balochistan: Students Granted Bail in Gwadar Book Stall Case**
A court in Gwadar has granted bail to four students arrested for setting up a book stall. The students, affiliated with the Baloch Students Action Committee, were charged under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Their arrest sparked strong reactions from the Baloch Solidarity Committee and other organizations, who condemned the police action.
**Drought Threat Looms Over Plains**
The Meteorological Department has warned of a potential drought in Pakistan’s plains due to below-average rainfall in recent months. From September 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the country received 40% less rainfall than usual. Areas at risk include Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, and several regions in Balochistan. The department cautioned that rising temperatures in the coming months could worsen the drought’s impact.
**Attack on Mineral-Laden Trucks in Noshki**
Unidentified armed men attacked three mineral-laden trucks in Balochistan’s Noshki district, setting two of them on fire and causing significant damage. This is not the first such incident; similar attacks on trucks transporting minerals from Chagai have occurred in Qalat and other parts of Balochistan.
**Israeli Army Chief Resigns Over Hamas Attack Failures**
Israeli Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi has resigned, citing the military’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack. He stated that the Israeli army had failed to protect civilians. Following his resignation, Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of the Southern Command, also stepped down.
**Pakistan Secures $1 Billion Loan from Middle Eastern Banks**
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Pakistan has secured a $1 billion loan from two Middle Eastern banks at an interest rate of 6-7%. The loan will be for a one-year term. The minister also expressed hope for positive developments in the coming months as Pakistan engages with rating agencies to achieve a B rating.
**NAB Warns Against Investing in Malik Riaz’s Dubai Project**
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has warned the public against investing in a new Dubai project launched by Malik Riaz, the owner of Bahria Town. NAB stated that such investments could be considered money laundering. Malik Riaz is currently a fugitive, wanted in a £190 million case by both the court and NAB.
