Latest news with #HafeezurRehman
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTA, Meta collaborate on digital counterterrorism workshop
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with Meta, on Monday hosted a workshop titled 'Counter Terrorism in the Digital Age' at its headquarters, focusing on evolving strategies to curb extremist content online. The session brought together policy experts from Meta's platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, alongside representatives from key government departments and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Discussions centred around Meta's latest policies on tackling terrorism-related content, strengthening coordination mechanisms between digital platforms and state institutions, and refining complaint escalation processes. A dedicated Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with Meta's policy specialists. E-commerce scams: Meta partners with PTA, TDAP to raise awareness Speaking at the event, PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman underscored the importance of institutional collaboration to prevent the misuse of online spaces. 'Engagement with global platforms like Meta is crucial in safeguarding the digital ecosystem from extremist exploitation,' he said. Dr. Nawab Osman, who leads Meta's Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) policy, acknowledged PTA's role in promoting digital safety. 'Such joint efforts are essential in maintaining safe digital environments while respecting community standards and fundamental rights,' he remarked. The workshop is part of PTA's broader initiative to promote responsible digital practices and enhance national cyber resilience.
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Teen boy dies,two terrorists killed in Mastung
Listen to article A 16-year-old boy lost his life and seven others sustained injuries in a terrorist attack in Mastung district, while two Indian proxy assailants were shot dead during a counter-operation carried out by security forces, a government official said on Tuesday. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the armed men targeted key government installations, including the Tehsil office, a local bank, and other administrative buildings. They opened indiscriminate fire, killing a teenage student on the spot and leaving at least seven others injured. Police said that the assailants entered the city in the morning and set government offices and two banks on fire. Security personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC), Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Levies Force responded promptly and engaged the attackers in a counter-terror operation. An intense exchange of gunfire ensured in which two terrorists were killed, while three others sustained injuries, according to the police. Rind said that the attackers were affiliated to "Fitna al Hindustan," a term used for a network of India-backed terror activities aimed at destabilising Balochistan. Mastung Deputy Commissioner Athar Abbas Raja said that multiple gunshots and explosions were heard in the area around 11:00am, which caused widespread panic among local residents. "The immediate vicinity was placed under lockdown as security teams took control of the situation," Raja said. Government spokesperson Rind said that a full-scale operation against terrorists was under way in the area. "The forces have launched a systematic clearance operation and intelligence-based operations are continued to protect the citizens as well as arrest the terrorists and their facilitators," he added. Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces have witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks in recent past. Many of those attacks are believed to be orchestrated by foreign-backed insurgent groups. In K-P, a successful operation was carried out by security forces in the Teri Mangal area of Kurram district, in which two terrorists, Hafeezur Rehman and Wajid Gul were killed. Security forces said the two slain terrorists carried head money of Rs5 million each. Sources said the two men were part of a group responsible for the killing of five teachers in Teri Mangal in 2023. The provincial government had announced bounties for Hafeezur Rehman, Wajid Gul and three others in July 2024. During the exchange of fire on Tuesday, the sources said, a local resident was injured with a gunshot wound to his leg. They added that further measures were being taken to maintain peace in the area and that operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorists in the area. In a separate incident in Tajazai area of Lakki Marwat district, two traffic police officials were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants. The victims, identified as Israeel and Sanaullah, both residents of Long Khel, were on their way to duty at the Tajazai traffic checkpoint. K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the tragic killing of two police officers and expressed profound grief over the loss of the law-enforcement personnel. "The sacrifice of these brave officers in the line of duty will not be forgotten," he stated. "The families of our martyrs will not be left alone , we stand with them in their moment of grief and will provide all necessary assistance," chief minister emphasised. The provincial government has announced full state honours for the martyred officers as investigations into the incident continue. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PTA chief, envoy discuss digital cooperation
Listen to article Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, held a high-level meeting with Pakistan's Ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi, during his official visit to Norway to represent Pakistan at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025. According to an official statement released by PTA on Thursday, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the digital sector and identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen Pakistan's digital footprint on the global stage. During the meeting, the PTA chairman briefed the ambassador on the country's evolving digital regulatory landscape. He highlighted PTA's strategic priorities, including expanding digital inclusion, improving broadband penetration, and bolstering cybersecurity, all in line with international best practices. The statement noted that Ambassador Qazi appreciated PTA's proactive efforts in driving an inclusive and secure digital transformation. She assured the PTA chairman of her full support in promoting international collaborations that align with Pakistan's vision of a connected and empowered nation.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Telecom authority chief visits Telenor HQ
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (Retired) Hafeezur Rehman, paid an official visit to the headquarters of Telenor Group in Norway during his participation in the UN Internet Governance Forum, as part of ongoing discussions around digital transformation and telecom sector regulation. According to a statement issued by PTA on Wednesday, the chairman held a high-level meeting with the chief financial officer of Telenor Group, followed by another meeting with the group head of external relations, people and strategy. The visit also included a demonstration of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) use cases, with examples drawn from healthcare, mobility, and smart city applications. The PTA statement adds that the chairman took part in a session on spectrum allocation practices in Nordic countries, aimed at exploring models of efficient spectrum management.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Alkhidmat announces its ‘Qurbani campaign'
LAHORE: Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan has formally launched its annual Qurbani Fi Sabilillah 2025 campaign, announcing the sacrifice of 10,000 animals during Eid-ul-Adha to distribute meat among more than two million underprivileged individuals. The announcement was made here during a press conference held at Alkhidmat's head office. Dr Hafeez ur Rehman, President of Alkhidmat Foundation, stated that this year's campaign will benefit deserving families across Pakistan— including orphans, widows, prisoners, the transgender community, and other marginalised groups. In addition, the Foundation has made arrangements to carry out Eid sacrifices for displaced Palestinians in Egypt, Jordan, Al-Quds, and the West Bank. The campaign includes the sacrifice of 6,000 large and 4,000 small animals. 'With the support of our donors and volunteers, we aim to bring Eid joy to those who need it most,' said Dr Rehman. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
