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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
YouTube mulls action on Pak court order
Alphabet-owned YouTube has said that it was considering blocking the channels of dozens of Pakistani vloggers after a court in Islamabad sought to ban them for being "anti-state", following a complaint filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The judicial magistrate court's order came after the NCCIA criticised more than two dozen channels in a June 2 report for "sharing highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of the state of Pakistan". YouTube told 27 content creators that their channels could be taken down if they did not comply with the court orders. "If you fail to do so, as per our local law obligations, we may comply with the request without further notice," the popular video sharing platform said in emails to the channel owners. Digital rights campaigners have said that any ban would further undermine free speech in Pakistan, where the authorities are accused of stifling newspapers and television, and social media is seen as one of the few outlets for dissent. In their separate statements, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over the court order, saying the decision was against the fundamental rights of fair trial and freedom of expression. The judicial magistrate's order is also against journalistic values and principles of justice, SCBA President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta said in a statement. "A decision cannot be given against anyone without giving them a chance to be heard. This is another example of suppressing the voice of opponents." In a separate statement, the HRCP said that shutting down entire channels was an excessive and inappropriate measure. "If specific videos contain hate speech or unlawful content, action should be taken against those individual pieces of contentnot the entire channel," it said. The commission emphasised that the constitutional right to freedom of expression must be protected. "This right is essential not only for individual liberty but also to ensure government accountability and public access to diverse viewpoints," it added. However, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said those content creators would also face criminal charges. "You cannot use these cell phones and the social media to create chaos," he told a local news channel. "There are laws to regulate and they will have to work under these laws," he said. One of the creators, Asad Toor, said the move was aimed at undermining fundamental and constitutional rights of the people, political parties and other dissident groups. "I have dedicated my platform for these underdogs who have no place to go to and raise their voices against the state oppression," he said. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji said that the court did not fulfil due process. "What is jarring is the complete lack of legal process," he said. "In this day and age you can't suppress digital media," said Zulfikar Bukhari of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget again fails to meet masses' expectations: SCBAP
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) noted that the annual federal budget once again failed to meet the expectations of ordinary citizens and will exacerbate the consequences of rising inflation. SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta in a statement on Thursday said that it appears that this budget relies heavily on cosmetic changes rather than structural reforms that could provide genuine relief to the public. He said similar to the previous year, this budget is a deficit budget rather than a surplus budget, which places a burden on the middle and deprived classes. The government's lavish spending must be reviewed, as it will raise concerns and deepen the distress among the general public. It said that given the current inflation and the rising prices of essential commodities, this budget will expose the general public to increased vulnerability. Not long ago, salaries for the higher judiciary saw an unprecedented increase, and now extraordinary increase in the salaries and privileges of the Speaker, Chairman, and Members of Parliament has been approved. On the contrary, maintaining the minimum wage at Rs37,000 is extremely unjustified and a clear example of lavish spending and clear mismanagement of resources. Clearly, focus was on providing subsidies to privileged class instead of offering support to the poor who truly deserve it. Furthermore, the allocation of huge funds for non-developmental schemes is very concerning. It is crucial to understand that simply abolishing or merging ministries will not alleviate the suffering of the public; rather, the government needs to set an example by implementing austerity measures. With the announcement of the 2025-2026 budget, it became clear that there is no relief for the general public from rising inflation. A series of heavy taxes have also been proposed on various essential items and businesses, which will not only further burden the public already grappling with inflation but will also discourage small-scale enterprises, IT/online-based businesses to operate in the best interest of economy. 'Despite the best efforts, we are unable to find any substantial allocation of funds for the education and health sectors. Additionally, structural changes within institutions like the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are urgently needed. Empowering FBR officers with more unchecked power, especially when they have a history of coercion general public, will hinder efforts to broaden the tax net.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Non-developmental schemes: SCBAP concerned over allocation of enormous funds in budget
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) expressed concern over allocation of enormous funds for non-developmental schemes in the upcoming budget. SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, in a statement, issued by his office on Thursday, said these schemes must be strictly controlled and actively discouraged, as they create a clear pathway for corruption. 'It is also concerning to note that federal government has taken significantly higher loans compared to the previous year — a move that could have dire consequences on the economy,' he added. The SCBAP chief stated that in order to discuss these issues, the association will call a meeting of its Executive Committee soon, and announce further course of action. The SCBAP demanded that the increase of toll rates be withdrawn immediately; saying if this does not happen then the association will challenge this decision on appropriate forums in competent Court of law. He stated, 'The SCBAP firmly believes that the NHA's move to drastically increase toll taxes for motorways and highways is tantamount to extortion from an already burdened public grappling with prevalent inflation.' 'This imposition of an additional 50 percent tax is entirely unjustifiable and deserves unequivocal condemnation.' The NHA, a day ago, announced a 50 percent increase in toll taxes for vehicles without M-Tag or with low balance, effective 15 June 2025, as part of a move to implement a 100 per cent M-Tag system across the country's motorways. Further, this move is a classic example of how a non-political figure, primarily concerned with property business, is given the responsibility to govern serious matters instead of genuine political leaders who should prioritize the welfare of the populace. Rauf stated that a critical examination of this decision shows that same is the case here where a Ministry of Communications is being run by a person, who is known for his property business and NHA falls under the purview of the same ministry. Rather than addressing its own flaws and inefficiencies, the NHA has chosen to further exploit the public by raising toll charges, which is utterly unacceptable. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
SCBAP terms toll hike by NHA 'extortion', vows legal challenge
Listen to article The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has issued a strong statement condemning the National Highway Authority's (NHA) recent decision to increase motorway and highway toll taxes by 50%, calling it an act of 'extortion' and vowing to challenge the decision through legal means. In a press statement released on Wednesday, SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta termed the tax hike 'entirely unjustifiable' and demanded its immediate withdrawal. READ MORE: SCBAP rejects Indus canal plan, calls for fair water sharing 'The imposition of an additional 50% tax is a move that deserves unequivocal condemnation,' he said, adding that if the decision is not reversed, SCBAP will challenge it through legal forums in a competent court of law. The bar association also criticised the leadership of the Ministry of Communications, under which the NHA operates. It questioned why a non-political figure primarily known for his involvement in the property business was given charge of a ministry responsible for public infrastructure. 'This is a classic example of how a person with private business interests is handling public matters that require genuine political leadership concerned with the welfare of the people,' the statement read. SCBAP said the ministry should focus on addressing inefficiencies within the NHA rather than placing an additional burden on the public through increased toll charges. The decision, it said, is 'utterly unacceptable.' The association intends to challenge the decision through legal means if it is not withdrawn immediately. The statement further raised alarm about the upcoming federal budget, expected next week, criticising the allocation of large sums to non-developmental schemes. SCBAP warned that such allocations pose a significant corruption risk and must be discouraged. READ MORE: IHC seeks NHA fund details for Bhong Interchange 'It is concerning to note that the federal government has taken significantly higher loans compared to the previous year,' it added. 'This move could have dire consequences for the economy.' SCBAP announced it will soon convene a meeting of its Executive Committee to discuss these public concerns and determine a further course of action. NHA enforces 50% toll hike for non-M-Tag vehicles starting June 15 Earlier, the NHA announced a 50% increase in toll taxes for vehicles without M-Tag or with low balance, effective 15 June 2025, as part of a move to implement a 100% M-Tag system across the country's motorways. The decision, notified under Section 10(2)(vii) of the NHA Act 1991 as amended in 2024, applies to key motorways including M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-9, M-14, and E-35. The notification details revised toll rates incorporating a 50% penalty for non-compliant vehicles. According to the NHA, the new toll for cars on the Islamabad–Lahore (M-2) motorway has been fixed at Rs 1,800, while tolls for Lahore–Abdul Hakeem (M-3) and Pindi Bhattian–Multan (M-4) have been set at Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 respectively. Multan–Sukkur (M-5) tolls for cars now stand at Rs 1,800, and the rate for DI Khan–Hakla (M-14) has been raised to Rs 1,000. Meanwhile, cars travelling on the Hassanabdal–Mansehra Expressway (E-35) will pay Rs 450. Heavy vehicles will also face steep charges. Two- and three-axle trucks on the Lahore–Islamabad route will be charged Rs 7,900, while articulated trucks will be charged Rs 10,200. Motorists have been urged to ensure timely M-Tag registration and sufficient account balance to avoid the fine. M-Tag facilities are available at motorway toll plazas and authorised service centres nationwide.
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
SCBAP rejects Indus canal plan, calls for fair water sharing
Listen to article The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has strongly opposed the construction of six new canals from the Indus River, warning that the project could intensify inter-provincial tensions and worsen already dire water shortages in Sindh. In its sixth meeting of the 27th Executive Committee, held at the SCBAP registry branch in Lahore, the committee passed a series of resolutions addressing key national concerns, including water distribution, regional security, and political unrest. The committee unanimously disapproved of the proposed extraction, calling it a potential flashpoint between Punjab and Sindh. It urged the government to focus on reducing water wastage rather than building new infrastructure that could disrupt the fragile balance of existing resources. 'Instead of creating six new canals, comprehensive efforts should be made to minimise water wastage,' the committee stated, emphasising that equitable access to water for local farmers, particularly small landholders (harries), must be prioritised. The committee also called for strict action against long-standing power groups and feuds that have monopolised water usage. It demanded a nationwide crackdown on individuals and entities involved in water theft, calling such actions a major obstacle to fair distribution. Turning to internal security, the SCBAP expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). While welcoming the recent announcement to end the BNP-Mengal sit-in, the committee stressed that the grievances behind such protests must be addressed through sustained political engagement. The committee commended the efforts of SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, who has led a political initiative to build national consensus around the challenges in Balochistan. Members encouraged him to continue holding meetings with key stakeholders to develop long-term solutions. 'While progress has been made, much more remains to be done,' the committee said. 'Political negotiations and discussions remain the most viable path to achieving peace and national stability.' The committee also recognised the role of the federal government and other stakeholders in addressing Balochistan's concerns, but emphasised that further action is needed to resolve long-standing structural issues through inclusive dialogue. The SCBAP's resolutions reflect growing calls within Pakistan's legal and civil society communities for transparent governance, equitable resource distribution, and political reconciliation in marginalised regions. Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a strong warning to the federal government, stating that the controversial canal projects could endanger the federation's unity. He demanded that the federal authorities withdraw the proposed canal initiatives or risk losing PPP's support in the ruling coalition.
