The 500kV Lahore (North) grid station is expected to be partially operational by next month, facilitating the evacuation of power from the Matiari-Lahore High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line. This will allow electricity to be distributed to various cities in the Gujranwala division through the 500kV Nokhar grid station and nearby transmission lines in Gakhar, Gujranwala. The project, initially slated for completion last summer, faced delays due to land acquisition challenges and administrative hurdles. However, sources from the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) reported that the newly formed board of directors (BoD) addressed these issues, resolving most of…
Author: Web Desk
Internet users across Pakistan, including in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, are facing significant disruptions as internet speeds plummet, leading to widespread frustration and hindering daily activities. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been particularly affected, with users struggling to upload or download photos and videos. Reports indicate that many users are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the issues and access social media. However, VPN services themselves have also been down in several areas, adding to the challenges faced by freelancers, business owners, and students. Citizens have voiced concerns, with…
Shaza Fatima, the Minister of State for Interior, defended the government’s decision to block X (formerly Twitter), stating that the move was taken based on directives from the Ministry of Interior in the interest of national security. Fatima clarified that the decision to block X should not be seen as a restriction on freedom of expression, highlighting that fewer than 2 percent of Pakistan’s population uses the platform. In addressing the wider issue of cybersecurity, Fatima emphasized the rise in cyber-attacks within the country and underscored the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. “Cybersecurity is crucial at this time,” she stated,…
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Sunday that it would delay the ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) following a legal review that found no legal grounds to block the service. This decision means VPNs will continue to operate, even after the previously set deadline of November 30. Earlier, the PTA had established November 30 as the deadline for VPN registration, warning that unregistered VPNs would be blocked after that date. However, despite the deadline passing, no action has been taken, and VPNs remain operational. PTA sources have confirmed that VPN registration is still ongoing, with decisions about the…
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced the introduction of free WiFi at four major bus stations, effective from Sunday, December 1. The stations offering this service include Satwa, Union, Al Ghubaiba, and Gold Souq, marking a significant step in the city’s connectivity plans. Officials have also revealed plans to extend the free WiFi service to all bus stations across Dubai in the near future, ensuring wider access for commuters. In a related development, Karachi, Pakistan, has also joined the trend. Karachi’s Mayor, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, announced that free WiFi services would soon be available at all…
Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) has instructed Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to cease all operations in the country due to the lack of necessary telecommunications licensing. The cease-and-desist order was issued on November 26, requiring Starlink to immediately stop its services in Namibia. CRAN has also issued a warning to the public, urging them not to purchase or subscribe to Starlink services, stating that these actions are in violation of Namibian law. In addition to the directive, CRAN confirmed that it had already seized unlicensed Starlink terminals from consumers and opened criminal investigations with the police…
In a dominant performance, Pakistan’s blind cricket team thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets on Sunday to reach the final of the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 at Multan Cricket Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, Pakistan comfortably reached the required runs in just 5.3 overs, with no wickets lost. Kamran Akhtar was the star of the chase, playing an explosive knock of 63 runs off 21 balls, which included 13 boundaries and a six. His opening partner, Babar Ali, supported him well, scoring 32 not out off 14 balls. Earlier, Nepal, batting first, could only manage 94/7 in…
Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-match T20I series, held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. The visiting team, captained by Salman Ali Agha, has named a young and dynamic playing XI, including Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Jahandad Khan. The bowling attack consists of Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Moqim. Pakistan enters this match on the back of a 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third One Day International (ODI) earlier in the…
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly working on a “partnership formula” to resolve the ongoing deadlock regarding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and India. Sources suggest that this new proposal aims to end the dispute by ensuring both teams will play their ICC matches scheduled to take place in each other’s countries in Dubai instead. Under the proposed formula, India will play all of their matches scheduled in Pakistan in Dubai, and Pakistan will do the same for matches supposed to be played in India. This arrangement is expected to be in place for…
With the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed hope for a “long-term” solution that would benefit both Pakistan and international cricket, applying to all future ICC events. Speaking to the media in Dubai on Saturday, Naqvi stressed that decisions regarding ICC events should be based on equality and fairness. “We will not accept one-sided decisions. All decisions should be made on an equal basis,” said Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. The Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, has become a contentious issue between Pakistan…
