Latest news with #Miftah
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Even Trump deals with 'real power', not PM, says Miftah
Central Secretary General of Awam Pakistan Party and former finance minister Miftah Ismail has said that even U.S. President Donald Trump, like many others, prefers speaking to Pakistan's power centres rather than the prime minister because it is widely believed that only the powerful can resolve real issues. Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Monday, Miftah stated, "If the PML-N returns to its original narrative of 'respect the vote,' a political alliance with Awam Pakistan Party is possible." Clarifying recent allegations, Miftah said he does not engage in blame games. Referring to accusations made by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Senator Anusha Rahman regarding the Nashonuma programme under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), he categorically denied any wrongdoing and demanded a public apology. "The allegations are false and baseless. If they do not apologise, I will take them to court," he warned. He offered condolences to the families of victims of the Gwadar incident, recent rains and other tragic accidents. Criticising governance failures, he said, while people were drowning in floods, the Punjab government's performance drowned with them. "As for Sindh and K-P, no one expects good governance from them anyway."
The Journal
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Internet outages and a 2G mobile network keep Gazans offline and silenced
EVEN BEFORE OCTOBER 2023, people living in Gaza had access to only 2G mobile internet services. Many nations, including Ireland, are now phasing out 2G networks, which have max download speeds of 50kbps, as faster networks such as 4G and 5G become more widespread. The second generation of cellular network technology was first rolled out in the 1990s, making basic mobile internet connectivity possible. For Gaza to access speeds more suitable to the modern mobile internet, Israeli authorities must approve the use of next-generation spectrum frequencies. Since October 2023, connectivity for Gazans has deteriorated still further, with intentional internet shutdowns a common occurrence . These shutdowns have been condemned by the UN as a violation of international human rights law. Some individuals manage to maintain a connection through the use of eSIMs, a software-based version of a SIM card that may reach a faint signal from a network beyond the blackout. But these are typically accessible only to a privileged few. The Palestinian Authority's telecommunications ministry claims that one of the latest three-day outages was caused by the deliberate targeting of a fibre optic cable by Israeli forces. The UN also said this was likely the result of military activity, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Some connectivity has since been restored. Much of Gaza's communications infrastructure has been destroyed over the past year and a half, inhibiting communications with the rest of the world and disrupting emergency humanitarian operations. Palestinians are cut off from friends, family and vital updates. Riham Al Faqih, development and outreach director with Miftah, a civil society organisation in Palestine promoting democratic principles, says control of communications has long been part and parcel of Israel's occupation. Advertisement 'Israel really has full control over our internet and digital spaces,' Al Faqih said. 'They can cut, limit, interfere, impede any developments in that sector.' A recent report by Miftah outlined violations of Palestinians' digital rights committed by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The report identified internet disruptions, among other violations by the Israeli occupation, along with technological oppression, censorship and surveillance. The Palestinian National Authority is called out for inadequacies in safeguarding digital rights, as well as instances of censorship, surveillance, and intimidation targeting journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. The process of obtaining licences to operate mobile networks is 'unjustifiably long and expensive', Miftah found. This is exacerbated by the need to obtain separate licences for each new generation of network technology – 3G, 4G and so on. 'Palestinians in the West Bank were finally able to connect to the 3G and 4G internet services just in 2018,' said Al Faqih. Freedom of expression Even if they do manage to get online, Palestinians find their freedom of expression limited. In the West Bank, Al Faqih has seen those who shared criticism of Israel's actions followed by Israeli police, prosecuted and imprisoned. She suspects that content related to Palestine is being 'shadow-banned' by social media platforms: having their content restricted or repressed without notification. A 2023 study by Human Rights Watch documented the removal and suppression of posts in support of Palestine across Instagram and Facebook. 'That's also part of the restricting and controlling of our narrative,' said Al Faqih. You feel like you're less of a human being just because whatever you say is going to be attacked, while on the other side people can say whatever they want.' Artificial intelligence Palestine has become a testing ground for surveillance technologies and the weaponisation of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Al Faqih. 'These technologies, they're developing so fast, so quickly, and they're being sold to other countries because they are tested on Palestinians and they're tested on real-life examples,' she said. Related Reads Gaza's blackouts: 'You might be killed for trying to have internet access at public points' '[Israel] has full control over our data, our identities, even our phone numbers. So they have a total database of our information, which is being used to formulate targets.' The Pegasus spyware by Israeli cyberweapons developers NSO Group came to widespread attention when, in 2021, Apple contradicted the claim that this software was used solely to target terrorists and criminals. It has allegedly been used against activists, politicians and journalists. An Israeli-developed AI-powered system called The Gospel reportedly processes vast amounts of data in order to automate recommendations for targets to attack in Gaza. A database paired with apps and surveillance cameras has been revealed to use facial recognition to track Palestinians' movements. Another combination of AI tools – Where's Daddy and Lavender – has reportedly been used by the Israeli military to find and track Palestinian targets. Lavender, which is said to analyse data to identify Hamas operatives, is operating with only a 90% accuracy rate, intelligence sources told the Guardian last year. But with 70% of the 55,000 people killed in Gaza by late last year women and children, Al Faqih says in reality, an error rate of 10% for Israel's strikes, is 'not even close'. 'Every single person in Gaza is a target,' she said. Purveyors of surveillance technologies sell them to governments on the basis of enhanced law enforcement for increased safety. 'These programmes are…not used for the safety of people, they're used for following students, activists who are speaking out against what's happening in Gaza. And we've seen it. It's not imaginary or something out of this world,' Al Faqih warned. 'Activists and parties and organisations should work to make sure that the use of AI remains within the limits of basic human rights,' she said. A full-length interview with Rahim Al Faqih can be heard on Elaine Burke's For Tech's Sake podcast. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Saba Yemen
04-06-2025
- Business
- Saba Yemen
Zakat authority launches project to distribute 10,000 cash crop baskets
Sana'a - Saba: The General Authority of Zakat launched on Wednesday the eighth phase of the cash crop distribution project under the slogan "Food and Sufficiency," targeting 10,000 poor families. At the launch, First Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah congratulated the Zakat Authority on the launch of the project, which coincides with Eid al-Adha, especially since part of the project covers Eid requirements for poor families, including honey, almonds, raisins, sesame, coffee, and other crops. Miftah pointed out that the project is a bounty and blessing from Yemen, thanks to the efforts of farmers and producers and the efforts of Zakat Authority employees, reaching the poor and needy. He noted the launch of the project and the preceding packaging, roasting, and distribution of cash crop baskets to the poor, bringing joy to their hearts. Sheikh Miftah urged those in charge of the Zakat Authority to investigate and ensure that Zakat is delivered to those most in need. For his part, Ali al-Saqqaf, Deputy Director of the Zakat Authority, praised the farmers' initiative to pay their Zakat on cash crops, a right God Almighty has enjoined upon the poor, out of their good will, and hand it over to the Zakat Authority for distribution to those who deserve it. He stated that the project stems from the efforts of the Authority's staff and the farmers' initiative to distribute 10,000 baskets at a cost of 400 million riyals, with each basket costing 40,000 riyals. The basket benefits 10,000 beneficiaries, including poor families, people with special needs, thalassemia patients, war wounded and disabled, and members of African communities. Al-Saqqaf noted that in-kind Zakat is steadily increasing due to the trust of zakat payers in the Zakat Authority and its role in distributing Zakat to its legitimate recipients. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Top officials inspect devastation at Ras Isa Port after US aggression
Hodeida - Saba: First Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah, along with the Ministers of Transport and Oil, and the Governor of Hodeida, on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the extensive damage caused by the recent US aggression on Ras Isa Port in Hodeida province. The high-level delegation, accompanied by the Chairman of the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) and other local officials, assessed the destruction inflicted upon the port and its infrastructure. They also visited those wounded in the US aggression, receiving treatment in local hospitals, and were briefed on their condition. During the visit, the First Deputy Prime Minister vehemently condemned the US aggression as completely unjustified, reiterating that the entire US aggression against Yemen is without merit. He asserted that while the US claims its presence is to protect navigation, it is in fact the US aggression that threatens regional peace and security. He linked the prevention of "Zionist maritime navigation" to the cessation of aggression and the lifting of the siege on Gaza. Miftah called on the international community to condemn the US aggression, which targeted port workers and civilian infrastructure. He accused the US of deliberately annihilating those present at the port through multiple air raids. He further stated that Yemen would not allow a US-imposed blockade and that the "enemy" would face the consequences of this "crime." Minister of Transport and Public Works Mohammed Quhaim described the US aggression at Ras Isa Port as a clear indication of the aggression's failure in Yemen. He stated that the destruction of civilian facilities is a futile attempt to deter the Yemeni people from their principled stance in support of Gaza. The Minister of Oil and Minerals emphasized that Ras Isa Port is a civilian facility vital to the Yemeni people and that its deliberate destruction by the US aims to harm the civilian population. He affirmed that this "major crime" would not be tolerated and would not dissuade Yemen from supporting Gaza. Hodeida governor Abdullah Atifi echoed this sentiment, labeling the US actions at Ras Isa as a systematic war against civilians and reaffirming Yemen's unwavering support for Gaza until the "Zionist aggression" against Palestinians ends. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saba News Agency Nasr al-Din Amer described the incident as a "heinous massacre" targeting civilians and port workers at a civilian service facility. He emphasized that Ras Isa Port serves the public and has no military function, contrary to alleged enemy claims. Hodeida first undersecretary Ahmed al-Bishri declared the port attack a "full-fledged war crime" reflecting the "American enemy's" failure in the face of Yemeni steadfastness. He noted that the Yemeni people have authorized their leadership to make strategic decisions in response to the aggression. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
No petrol relief
Listen to article Despite a steep fall in international oil prices, there has been no relief for the masses in the country from the unbearably high prices of petroleum products. Local media was abuzz with reports of "good news coming up" in the form of a significant cut – of around Rs10 per litre – in the rate of petrol. But the official announcement after the fortnightly government review brought nothing but disappointment, as no relief was passed on to the consumers and the prices of all petroleum products were kept unchanged. Rather, the federal cabinet approved an amendment to the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance, 1961, effectively removing any upper limit previously imposed on the levy. In March and April, the government has already raised the levy from Rs60 to Rs80, with former finance minister Miftah Ismail calling it a "mini-budget that earned the government Rs34 billion each month in tax revenue". The justification that the Prime Minister has come up with on denying petrol price relief to the masses is nothing but bogus: that the money so saved would fund development in Balochistan, precisely to upgrade N-25 Highway that links Chaman to Karachi via Quetta, Kalat and Khuzdar, and to complete Kachhi Canal Phase-2 to irrigate land in Balochistan. This justification is rather misleading given that the federal government could have conveniently fund the said projects from the PSDP whose Rs1,100 billion allocation has only been utilised by less than 30 per cent in the first eight months of the ongoing fiscal year. Moreover, Bolochistan itself enjoy a surplus of approximately Rs450 billion. What appears to be the case is that the federal government is in for a shortfall in its revenue collection for the ongoing fiscal year, and is in fact trying to cut it to as low as possible by employing discreet revenue enhancing measures. Let's keep an eye on whether or not the two mentioned Balochistan projects see the light of day within two years. Well, Miftah believes they will not!
