ASHGABAT: December 12 –
Senate Deputy Chairman briefed on FIA Cyber Crime Wing performance
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan on Friday met Director General of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, Syed Khurram Ali, at the Parliament House, where the DG gave a detailed briefing on the wing’s functions, performance, and challenges.
The Director General explained that the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) is a specialized department of FIA operating under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016). Established in 2007, the wing is equipped with modern technology and possesses expertise in digital forensics, technical investigations, information security audits, penetration testing, and professional training.
He further noted that the CCW is the only national institution that directly receives public complaints and takes legal action against perpetrators of cybercrimes.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan appreciated the services of the Cyber Crime Wing, expressing concern over baseless propaganda targeting political leaders and prominent personalities on social media.
He emphasized the need for effective mechanisms to curb such practices. He stressed that strategies must be adopted that safeguard individuals from defamation and encourage the responsible and constructive use of social media in the national interest.
He appealed to the public to use social media responsibly, noting that its misuse not only harms the country but also affects the reputation of key national figures.
The Deputy Chairman expressed hope that FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing would continue to enhance its performance and play a vital role in national development, public protection, and the promotion of healthy digital platforms.
He underlined the importance of robust strategies to counter misinformation circulating on social media, stating that the role of the Cyber Crime Wing in this regard is of critical importance.
SC upholds 14-year imprisonment for child qbuse convict
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday has dismissed the appeal of Gulfraz, a convict found guilty of sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy and upheld the 14-year imprisonment sentence and Rs1 million fine imposed by the trial court and High Court.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and Justice Ishaq Ibrahim issued the written judgment, stating that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges against the accused. The court noted that the DNA report, medical evidence, and identification had confirmed the crime.
According to the judgment, the victim was taken to an under-construction shop in Farash Town, Islamabad, on June 11, 2019, where he was sexually abused. The child returned home injured and informed his mother, leading to the registration of a case at Shahzad Town police station.
The medical report confirmed multiple injuries and bruises on the child’s body. The DNA report matched the semen samples found on the victim’s clothes with the accused, Gulfraz.
The Supreme Court observed that the evidence presented was reliable and sufficient to prove the charges against the accused. “The case against the accused has been fully established, and there is no shadow of doubt on the allegations,” the court stated.
The apex court dismissed Gulfraz’s appeal, maintaining the 14-year imprisonment sentence and Rs1 million fine.
Rupee gains 04 paisa against US Dollar
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Rupee on Friday appreciated by 04 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs280.32 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs280.36.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 281.5 and Rs 283.3, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 1.01 to close at Rs 329.08, from the previous day’s close of Rs 328.07, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 01 paisa and close at Rs 1.80, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs0.36 and closed at Rs 375.19 compared to the previous day’s Rs 374.83.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal came down by 01 paisa each and closed at Rs Rs76.32 and Rs 74.69, respectively.
Int’l Anti Corruption Day observed in Sukkur
SUKKUR, Dec 12 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Sukkur on Friday organized a seminar and awareness walk on the occasion of International Anti Corruption Day, with the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
The event was held at Sukkur IBA University, with Vice Chancellor Asif Ahmed Sheikh as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included NAB Director General Muhammad Amir Butt, Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, and Commissioner Sukkur Abid Salim Qureshi.
Speakers emphasized that corruption is a major obstacle to societal development and can only be eradicated through education, training, discipline, and merit. They stressed the importance of creating awareness among the youth and promoting transparency and accountability in institutions.
The event also featured competitions in declamation, essay writing, and poster painting, with students from various schools participating. Winners were awarded certificates and shields.
NAB DG Muhammad Amir Butt announced that the complaint management system has been upgraded to improve transparency and efficiency in addressing public grievances. Commissioner Sukkur Abid Salim Qureshi emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat corruption, while Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh called for regular awareness programs to promote a corruption-free society.
NGC & AFD strengthen partnership on power transmission projects
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):A high-level delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) led by Director for Asia Cyrille Bellier visited National Grid Corporation (NGC) headquarters at WAPDA House, Lahore to discuss ongoing and future power transmission projects.
The delegation included Regional Director Yazid Bensaid, Country Director Baptiste Deniau, Head of Energy Division Ouafae Sananes, and Nauman Bhutta, Team Lead Energy & Development. NGC General Manager (Design & Engineering) Engr. Taqi Ud Din, General Manager (Technical) Engr. Shahid Shafi Sial and concerned Chief Engineers were also present on the occasion, said a press release issued on Friday.
Chief Engineer PMU Engr. Muhammad Tahir presented the implementation status and financial performance of AFD-financed projects, demonstrating appreciable progress on current initiatives.
Discussions also covered NGC’s future projects in pipeline, with AFD showing particular interest in financing the Ludewala Upgradation Project.
The AFD mission commended NGC’s project execution and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s transmission infrastructure development, strengthening the strategic partnership between both organizations.
Longhua International Cooperation Center, Shenzhen to support B2B initiatives between China & Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Longhua International Cooperation Center, Shenzhen will support B2B initiatives between China and Pakistan, it was decided in Shenzen on Friday.
The meeting was held between Muhammad Imran, Trade & Investment Concellor from Consulate General of Pakistan, Guangzhou, China and Guo Ziyu (Xavier Gui) , Director of Longhua International Cooperation Center & Head of International Cooperation Operations at Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC) in Shenzen , China. The representatives of the relevant Shenzhen government departments in liaising on economic and trade were also present.
The meeting was arranged in connection with the grant of membership of LICC to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( PCJCCI), Lahore , Pakistan. David Chu, CEO, Precise Development (HK) Limited arranged this collaboration, said a press release issued here.
Imran was briefed about the operations of LICC where he appreciated the collaboration of LICC with many countries of the world. He discussed the opportunities for trade and investment in Pakistan for the Chinese enterprises and sought support of the center for collaboration based on win-win cooperation.
It is worth mentioning that from Pakistan PCJCCI becomes the first organisation to become a member of such B2B Cooperation, initiated by the Government of People’s Republic of China.