Govt defends web monitoring system

The government on Thursday defended the country's web monitoring system in the National Assembly, asserting that it was aimed at regulating unlawful online content and did not infringe upon citizens' privacy, while lawmakers raised concerns over oversight, legality and the role of private telecom operators. Responding to supplementary questions during the question hour, the parliamentary secretary for IT said the web monitoring system had been in place since 2007 and had undergone periodic upgrades, including a comprehensive overhaul in 2019. She clarified that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was responsible for monitoring internet traffic and ensuring compliance with laws governing online content. "It is not correct to say that the government or PTA has no role in this system," she said, adding that the Authority continuously monitors and blocks unlawful or blasphemous content. She emphasized that no public funds had been used for the system, describing it as a mechanism focused on tracking data traffic rather than intruding into individual privacy. The secretary also said that international platforms were regulated through formal agreements, including memorandums of understanding with companies such as TikTok and Meta, while access to certain services could be restricted on security grounds. Referring to the social media platform X, she said it had not been blocked by PTA but on the instructions of the Interior Ministry due to security considerations. Earlier, lawmakers questioned the transparency and legal framework underpinning the system, particularly its reported reliance on infrastructure procured by private telecom operators. MNA Sharmila Faruqui said the official response suggested that the monitoring system was procured by private operators without government funding or PTA involvement in procurement, raising questions about authority and accountability. "If private telecom operators are carrying out monitoring at a national level, who authorized them, and who is monitoring them?" she asked. She argued that the absence of direct government ownership or financial involvement raised concerns about oversight and responsibility, warning that such an arrangement could leave citizens exposed to unchecked surveillance. Another lawmaker, Noor Alam Khan, echoed these concerns and questioned the financial model of the system. He said that if private operators had installed and maintained the infrastructure, the cost would ultimately be borne by consumers. "Are these private operators charitable organizations, or are they recovering costs from the public?" he asked. Khan also raised constitutional concerns, asking whether the system could violate Article 14, which guarantees the right to privacy and dignity of individuals. He argued that monitoring functions should fall squarely within the state's domain to prevent misuse by private entities. Additionally, he sought clarification on the legal basis for restricting access to X, questioning whether such decisions were being made within a defined legal framework or through administrative directives.

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Govt triggers fuel shockwave with massive price hike

The government on Thursday further increased petrol price by Rs137 per litre, or by 43%, to history's highest ever level of Rs458.4 after Prime Minister decided to impose more taxes on consumers. The Rs458.4 per litre new price of petrol is also far higher than the increase in the international market, as the prime minister decided to increase the petroleum levy to a record Rs160.61 per litre on petrol. At the stroke of a pen, the prime minister increased the petroleum levy on petrol from Rs106 to Rs161 per litre - an increase of Rs55 in taxes. The PML-N led government also increased the high-speed diesel price to Pakistan's highest level of Rs520.35 per litre - an increase of Rs185 per litre or 55%. But the prime minister abolished the petroleum levy on high-speed diesel and decided to retain Rs2.5 per litre carbon levy in addition to all import taxes. The government increased the prices after it failed to convince the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to allow it to give more subsidies. The IMF capped the maximum subsidies on fuel at Rs152 billion. The failure to convince the IMF also underscores that PM Shehbaz remained unable to leverage his relations with United States President Donald Trump in convincing the IMF to allow the country to absorb the price shock. It is also the failure of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his ministry, which could not convince the IMF and failed to meet tax targets. Failure to meet tax targets consumed the additional fiscal space available in the budget. However, the most shocking action of the government was to increase the petroleum levy rate to Rs161 per litre on petrol to raise additional funds for cross-subsidising the diesel prices. The government outsourced the state's core function to protect its citizens to the petrol consumers. It was the second major increase in the fuel prices in less than a month after PM Shehbaz increased the diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre or 20%. The cumulative increase in the petrol price within a month stands at 63%, and that of the high-speed diesel at 75%. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Aurangzeb announced the new rates in a pre-recorded video statement. The prime minister could not face the people, and unlike the last two occasions when he addressed the nation to tell them that he was not increasing the prices, this time he sent the two federal ministers to convey the message. The petroleum minister said that in the past week, the petrol prices further increased by 6.5% to $136.4, and high-speed diesel by 20% to $285 in the international market. He announced the prices a day before the regular increase to avoid hoarding and running to the petrol stations. The Express Tribune reported on Thursday that the government assured the IMF that it stood ready to increase the fuel prices. It was one of the poorest negotiated staff-level agreements, where the government pretended before the IMF that everything was normal with the economy despite the worst-ever fuel crisis since 1973. The political and bureaucratic failures will now hurt every household at a time when poverty in Pakistan is at 11 years' highest level, income inequality at 27 years highest level and unemployment at 21 years' highest level. Regional tensions escalated sharply after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, killing thousands. Iran, in retaliation, has closed the Strait of Hormuz. Kerosene price has been increased by Rs34 per litre to Rs468, while light diesel oil price has been increased by Rs30 to Rs395 per litre. The global oil prices have increased massively amid the closure of some major oil and gas fields due to Iran's decision to hurt American interests in the region and close the Strait of Hormuz. In June last year, the IMF had asked Pakistan to set aside about Rs390 billion for contingency needs. The money was set aside for unforeseen events such as war and natural disasters, which the government did not use and instead put more burden on the users of petrol and high-speed diesel. The government did provide Rs129 billion subsidy during the past three weeks by deducting the salaries of employees and slashing the Public Sector Development Programme. The cost of the war will be paid by the ordinary consumers, as the government functionaries and the bureaucrats get a free transport facility. Despite so-called austerity measures, the federal government has recently bought new cars for its top bureaucrats. The prime minister had announced austerity measures, but his cabinet ministers did not change their travelling patterns. The ministers' vehicles are still escorted by additional security vehicles even in the red zone, which is supposedly the most protected area of Pakistan. These ministers go to the Prime Minister's House from their offices with their full escorts. The Federal Bureau of Revenue's administration is also using heavy-duty cars in breach of the transportation policy and the Punjab government recently bent the policy for its top provincial bureaucrats.

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4 personnel injured in explosion at Domel police station in K-P's Bannu

At least four police personnel were injured in an explosion at the Domel Police Station in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa late on Thursday night. Bannu Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan said the blast occurred within the limits of the Domel police station. He confirmed that at least four personnel received injuries in the explosion, adding that rescue and relief operations were underway at the site. The nature of the blast could not be immediately ascertained. K-P has been battling terrorism since the United States' ouster from Afghanistan, with terrorists often crossing the border to target police convoys and vehicles, resulting in the deaths of several officials and personnel. Last month, at least seven police personnel, including the station house officer of Shadi Khel Police Station, were martyred in an explosion near a police mobile in Lakki Marwat. A week before that, two policemen were killed and 15 people, including five police personnel, were injured in a blast in the Rustam Bazaar area of Wana in Lower South Waziristan. The province has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, accounting for the highest number of incidents in the country. Out of a total of 5,397 reported incidents last year, K-P recorded 3,811, followed by Balochistan with 1,557 incidents. Only 29 incidents were reported from the rest of the country. A total of 2,597 terrorists were killed during the year.

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Schools reopen after 21-day hiatus

All public and private schools across the Rawalpindi Division have reopened after an extended 21-day break, restoring activity to previously subdued educational institutions. On Wednesday, government schools announced the pending annual examination results for classes from early years (pre-primary) to Grade 7. All pupils were declared successful and promoted to the next classes. Admissions in public schools have also commenced, albeit with a delay of one month this year, raising concerns that enrolment targets may not be achieved. In contrast, private schools began their admission process in February and have largely completed new enrolments, while public institutions are expected to record significantly lower intake. Students who passed have been instructed to return textbooks from their previous classes. Authorities have directed that all pupils submit these books today (Thursday), after which they will be issued materials for the new academic year. Owing to the prevailing economic constraints, recycled textbooks will be redistributed among students. The announcement of results saw pupils arriving at schools with their parents, many dressed for the occasion. While some institutions awarded first, second, and third position prizes, most limited proceedings to a general declaration of "all pass" and promoted students without formal ceremonies, reflecting the incomplete nature of the examinations. This year, however, Grade 8 board examinations were conducted, though their results remain pending and are expected between April 8 and 10. Only four subjects—Urdu, English, Mathematics, and Science—were examined by the board, with the remaining papers conducted in a limited capacity by individual schools. Marking for the board examinations is reportedly stringent, with a high failure rate anticipated. According to sources within the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTA), a substantial proportion of candidates are likely to fail. Teachers' organisations have warned that excessive strictness in marking could lead to increased dropout rates, particularly among middle-grade students. They cautioned that 60 to 70 per cent of girls declared unsuccessful at this level may discontinue their education. Rana Liaquat, Central Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, criticised the reintroduction of the Grade 8 board examination, describing it as a flawed policy previously abandoned after failing on two occasions. He noted that the current system applies only to public school students, with the private sector excluded, effectively turning government institutions into a testing ground. Negative repercussions, he said, are already emerging. He further highlighted that out of 38,000 public schools in Punjab, approximately 125,000 teaching posts remain vacant, with no regular recruitment since 2018. Around 14,000 schools have already been privatised, with a further 4,500 reportedly in the process of being transferred to the private sector.

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Karachi lays to rest youth killed in Iran port strike

A young Karachi resident, Yasir Khan, who was killed in reported Israeli and American missile strikes at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, was laid to rest in Mauripur on Wednesday night, as grief and calls for restraint echoed across the city. His body, brought earlier to Karachi, was shifted from the Edhi Foundation morgue to his residence in Mauripur after ritual washing and shrouding. Funeral prayers were offered after night prayers at a local Eidgah, attended by family members, relatives, political figures and residents of the area. Among those present were MNA Qadir Patel, MPA Asif Khan and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Monem Zafar Khan. The deceased was later buried at Manora graveyard, with prayers offered for his forgiveness. Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi had earlier visited the morgue to receive the body and convey condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, assuring the family of full support by the government. Read More: Pakistan’s ports emerge as transit hub after Iran war disrupts Gulf routes Speaking to the media, Patel described Yasir as a martyr who “sacrificed his life and brought pride to Pakistan”, noting that he had gone to Iran nine months ago in search of employment. He stressed that further loss of innocent lives must be avoided and called for resolving the conflict through diplomacy, expressing hope in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. Yasir’s father thanked officials, including the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan, as well as Patel, for their assistance in bringing his son’s body back. However, he appealed to the Sindh government to support Yasir’s widow and child, whose lives he said had been deeply affected by the tragedy. Meanwhile, three other Karachi youths injured in the same attack remained in Taftan due to incomplete documentation and were expected to return once formalities were completed. JI leaders strongly condemned the strikes, urging the international community to take notice and calling for dialogue to end the conflict. They also questioned global institutions over their silence. Yasir’s coffin was draped in the national flag, and he was laid to rest with full honour, remembered by many as a victim of a distant conflict that has left a profound impact back home.

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SBP facilitates teenagers to open bank accounts, digital wallets

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Wednesday it has launched a new framework for teenagers’ accounts, enabling them to independently own and operate bank accounts and digital wallets. In a press release, the SBP outlined the key features of the initiative, emphasising the goal of fostering a financially literate, digitally adept generation. "The framework is designed to empower the country’s youth to save securely, transact confidently and develop responsible financial habits," the SBP stated. While adult account ownership in Pakistan has surged to 67%, teenagers have traditionally been confined to joint or parent-controlled accounts, limiting their financial engagement and learning. The new framework aims to fill that gap by providing Pakistan’s 26 million teenagers, aged 13 to 18, with the tools to save securely, transact confidently, and develop responsible financial habits, the SBP said. Read More: PSX soars past 155,000 mark as hopes of US-Iran de-escalation lift market “By giving teenagers the ability to independently manage their finances, we’re not just preparing them for adulthood, but setting them on a path towards becoming responsible, digitally-savvy financial citizens,” it added. In a move to build a financially savvy young generation, SBP has launched a new framework for teenagers’ accounts, enabling them to independently own and operate bank accounts and digital wallets. See PR: https://t.co/lOgGG3kxJe pic.twitter.com/bwIgWIcOOf — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) April 1, 2026 It further said the initiative aligned with the SBP's broader financial inclusion strategy and formed a key part of its Strategic Plan for 2023-28. It also supported the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) for 2024-28, which prioritised youth inclusion in Pakistan’s economic future. Pakistan's commitment to youth financial empowerment was recognised internationally last year, with the SBP receiving the AFI Global Youth Financial Inclusion Award. "The new framework is a continuation of our international efforts to build a financially inclusive society," the SBP added. By creating opportunities for teenagers to engage directly with the banking system, the SBP said it was not only enhancing financial literacy but also laying the foundation for a digitally-skilled generation capable of driving future economic growth in Pakistan.

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Transgender community decries job discrimination

On the occasion of International Transgender Day, members of the transgender community in Faisalabad voiced serious concerns over discrimination and the non-implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, particularly the failure to enforce the three percent job quota in government and semi-government institutions. Dr Farri, a Victim Support Officer at a Police Service Center, said despite being highly qualified, transgender individuals continue to face barriers in securing stable employment. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad but struggled to find work in her field. Recalling her experience, she said that while working temporarily at a private dairy farm, she faced verbal abuse and insensitive remarks from employers and the public. "People would say it felt strange seeing me treat animals," she added. Dr Farri said she applied to several government departments under the reserved quota but was not selected. She acknowledged that former Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar facilitated employment opportunities for transgender individuals at Police Service Centers, but noted that these positions are contractual and lack job security. She further highlighted that employees are paid Rs30,000 per month, below minimum wage standards, making it difficult to sustain a livelihood amid rising inflation. "We cannot support our families or live with dignity under these conditions," she said, urging the government to grant permanent employment and fair salaries. Dr Farri added that despite completing only six months of service, uncertainty looms over her future due to the contractual nature of the job, with no policy in place for regularisation. She also pointed out that transgender individuals face frequent harassment in public spaces, including markets and social gatherings. Inspector Madiha, in charge of the Police Service Center, said a dedicated protection center has been established to address the concerns of the transgender community.

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