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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Internet firewall: Govt defends controversial rollout in NA
ISLAMABAD: Amid fierce criticism over the multi-billion-rupee internet firewall installation, the federal government on Wednesday staunchly defended the controversial rollout, insisting it is essential to protect the country's digital infrastructure from escalating cybersecurity threats. In a written response to a question raised in National Assembly by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasised the firewall's role in protecting citizens' data and complying with legal mandates under Article 19 of the Constitution. 'The internet is central to economic activity in the era of the fourth industrial revolution,' Khawaja said. 'Safeguarding the data of citizens, institutions, and entities is of paramount importance.' The firewall, quietly installed last year, blocks access to websites deemed objectionable under Pakistani law, including content violating morality, national security, or public order. Civil society groups and digital rights advocates have criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the firewall's deployment, warning it represents unprecedented surveillance rather than mere content filtering. Industry insiders say the firewall operates at upstream internet gateways, using deep packet inspection and traffic rerouting to monitor and restrict online content in real time. Users and service providers have noted disruptions, particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook, while IT businesses cite degraded connectivity. Officials describe the firewall as a 'web management upgrade,' but digital rights organisations like Bytes for All view it as a full-scale surveillance apparatus. The country's Internet infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional peers, hampered by weak fibre networks and low broadband penetration. Critics argue the firewall prioritises governmental control over genuine cybersecurity improvements. Khawaja reiterated that the firewall is based on constitutional provisions allowing restrictions on freedom of expression for national security and public order, highlighting the government's commitment to protecting the country's digital space while navigating complex legal and ethical challenges. Separately, the House approved two amendments to criminal law removing the death penalty for tearing a woman's clothes and for contacting hijackers. The amendments, presented by Law Minister Azam Tarar in the National Assembly, are part of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025. The first reduces punishment for tearing a woman's clothes, previously punishable by death under Section 354A – a provision introduced during late military dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq's regime and criticised for misuse. 'The death penalty for this offence is being removed, and a lesser sentence imposed,' Tarar said. The second amendment abolishes the death penalty under Section 402C for anyone meeting or contacting hijacking suspects. This section was introduced under former president late Pervez Musharraf. The amendments faced opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Aliya Kamran during the debate; however, the amendments were passed by a majority vote. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NA panel orders sugar price probe
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce met Monday at Parliament House under the chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan. It adopted a sub-committee report on long-outstanding receivables of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and was informed that Rs15 billion had been released via the Ministry of Commerce to aid TCP's recovery. Addressing SRO 760's suspension and the Gems and Jewellery Association, the Committee appreciated the ministry's active efforts and noted assurances of swift resolution. In view of rising sugar prices and the government's decision to import sugar, Hanif expressed concern over profiteering and consumer vulnerability. A sub-committee was formed to investigate and report within 15 days. The Committee discussed Pakistan's National Tariff Policy and questioned the rationale for lower taxes on large cars and higher on small vehicles. It also supported liberalising imports of raw materials and machinery to aid industry.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
NA panel approves bringing over Rs10m pension into tax net
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue Friday granted approval for bringing over Rs 10million pension into the tax net at a rate of 5 percent. Taking part in discussion, MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan stated that it seems that this move would bring all pensionable amounts into the tax net in the future. He was of the view that there might be a limited number of people, and probably Judges of the higher courts would come into the tax net. The NA Panel also discussed the FBR's proposal for the deduction of the tax amount after the decision of the High Court. The Parliamentarians belonging to PPP and PTI opposed this proposal and argued that it was an infringement of the right of appeal of the taxpayer, as the FBR should not withdraw the money from the account of the taxpayer soon after getting a favourable decision from the High Court. Chairman FBR, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, made all-out efforts to convince the members of the NA Panel and stated that the tax amount was proven at three to four forums, and after proving the case in favour of the FBR the tax amount was secured from the taxpayers. The Parliamentarians were of the view that the due tax amount should only be drawn after exhausting all forums, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Chairman of the Committee instructed the FBR to come up with a second thought and revised draft on the piece of legislation in the finance Bill; otherwise, in the existing shape, the committee would reject such powers from the FBR. The NA Panel also approved amendments proposed in the Income Tax in the Seventh Schedule, which provides special treatment for the banking sector. The FBR has proposed five amendments for disallowing banks from incorporating expenses from the payment of taxes, including the rented building of banks and advances to Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Constitution (Amend) Bill: NA panel calls for taking all parties on board
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Monday, supported, 'The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025' and stressed the need to consult political leaders across parties on the proposed amendments to the Constitution. The 10th meeting of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA. The committee discussed, 'The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025' (Article 140-A) moved by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA. During deliberations, the mover emphasised that the 18th Amendment aimed to devolve powers to the grassroots level, but without a local government system, this goal remains unachieved. While members supported the bill's intent in principle, they agreed its success depends on political will and stressed the need to consult political leaders across parties. The committee was informed that, despite a prior formal request to all parliamentary leaders for their views on the proposed amendment, no responses have been received. Therefore, the committee recommended issuing a fresh reminder through the Ministry of Law and Justice and the committee to urge political leaders to submit their opinions, enabling further progress on the matter. The committee condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, especially the tragic school bus incident, and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. Condolences were extended to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, the minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2025 were approved. The committee considered the bills: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 175-A and 215) (moved by Asad Qaiser), The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Article 59), and The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 51 and 106) (moved by Naveed Aamir, MNA). During deliberations, the committee noted that despite repeated inclusion on the agenda, the movers consistently failed to attend. Accordingly, the committee, unanimously, recommended that the bills should not be passed by the assembly. The committee considered the bill, 'The Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (Section 54-A) (moved by Sofia Saeed Shah, MNA). During the discussion, it was noted that the mover was unwell, leading to a request to defer the bill. The committee also recalled that the Ministry of Law and Justice had promised to share a draft of related amendments to the Land Revenue Act but had not yet done so due to short notice. The Ministry assured the draft would be provided before the next meeting. Considering these factors, the bill was deferred. MNAs Zara Wadood Fatemi, Kiran Haider, Syed Hafeezuddin, Ali Muhammad Khan, Umair Khan Niazi, Hassan Sabir, Aliya Kamran, Sohail Sultan, Javid Hanif Khan, Minister of State for Law and Justice, secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, along with relevant staff attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
