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Govt hints at blocking social networks yet again in Pakistan, ‘if needed’

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  • Defence minister says option to block social media always available.
  • “In Pakistan, social media is used to incite people,” he laments.
  • “Social media is regulated everywhere,” defence minister says.

As the Pakistani authorities ramp up action against May 9 vandals, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Tuesday that the government always has the option to block social media platforms, which can be exercised at any moment.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters ransacked private and public property, including military installations, on May 9 after their party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest. 

In the aftermath, the government, claiming that social media was a significant source of incitement, blocked not only the platforms, but internet services as well across the country for nearly four days, affecting millions.

Providing a rationale for blocking the services, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had claimed that the party’s “entire work” was done on the internet, including “the planning and the abuse, all of it is done on social media”.

During an interview on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan” today, Defence Minister Asif said: “The option to block social media is always available. If need be, it [the suspension] can come into force at [any time].”

Defending his stance, the defence minister noted that social media platforms are regulated in China and Europe.

“Social media is regulated everywhere,” the minister said, adding that the platforms were used to incite people, which led to their violent actions on May 9.

The minister also appreciated the accountability of those involved in the attacks on military installations and martyrs’ memorials.

The army dismissed three officers, including a lieutenant general, from service for failing to protect the military installations on May 9.

Asif said that talks are underway for trying civilians in military courts, and while there were legal hurdles, the government would overcome them.

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Punjabi bakers decide to charge Rs. 15 for “roti.”

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The bread, known as roti, will be sold for Rs 15 by the bakers association.

During their discussion, the association promised Food Minister Bilal Yasin that the rate of roti will be reduced.

The minister was there when Association President Aftab Gul recorded a video message committing to sell rotis for Rs15 each.

According to him, the administration decided to lower the rate of flour. He continued, saying that the group was supporting the government hand in hand to stop inflation.

The price of flour has been drastically lowered, according to Food Minister Bilal, to help the populace. He stated, “the government aimed at providing quality and affordable bread to the masses.”

He said that the recent reduction of Rs 1,200 in the price of flour was the biggest drop in the commodity’s prices in the nation’s history.

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Day four of the AJK inflation protest begins as talks come to a standstill.

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Following the collapse of talks between the Awami Action Committee and the AJK government on Sunday, the shutdown strike and protests in Azad Kashmir over rising flour and energy costs started their fourth day on Monday.

The ongoing shutdown and wheeljam strike would continue until their demands are fulfilled, according to the Awami Action Committee.

AAC-led march on state capital Muzaffarabad today has brought the valley to a near stop. The caravans are coming from many AJK cities, and they are headed towards Rawalakot. The march is being caused by the impasse in the negotiations.

Reportedly, the demonstrators have blocked the 40-kilometer Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road, which connects Kohala Town and Muzaffarabad, multiple times.

Traffic on main thoroughfares and roads has decreased, and large police contingents have been stationed at strategic points and roundabouts.

After fighting broke out between the police and demonstrators in Mirpur on Saturday, which left one policeman dead and numerous others injured, the AJK government dispatched Rangers.

Everything is completely suspended, including internet and cellular services, business, and education.

Under the pretext of talks, Awami Action Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri has charged that the administration is using deceptive methods.

Apart from the flour subsidy, he continues, the administration will not budge on any other demand.

CONVENE MEETINGS, PRESIDENT, PM

All parties involved have been asked by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari to use moderation and engage in discussions to find a solution. According to both, the demonstrators in Azad Kashmir should have their legitimate demands met.

The issue in AJK will be the topic of a significant meeting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is calling today, Monday.

The skirmishes between the demonstrators and the AJK police caused anxiety for the premier on Sunday.

Speaking with Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, the prime minister of AJK, he said he also gave the office-bearers of the All-Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in AJK instructions to speak with the leaders of the Awami Action Committee.

Olive Branch is offered by AJK PM.

Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq stated on Sunday that his administration was ready to lessen the burden of exorbitant grain and energy costs.

Regarding Saturday’s meetings with the demonstrators, Prime Minister Haq declared, “We are determined to implement the agreement we have reached with the Awami Action Committee.”

Politicians, according to Haq, have found solutions to issues through discussion and “we are ready to talk with the Awami Action Committee at any level and the demands related to the government of Pakistan will be raised before the federation.”

In order to ease the burden of rising flour and power prices, he also expressed a willingness to modify the development budget if needed.

The AJK prime minister stated that his government’s first priority was ensuring public safety, and he further stated that no force was applied to the demonstrators.

Sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi was killed in a confrontation with demonstrators in Mirpur, and hundreds of people attended his funeral on Monday.

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Today’s National Assembly session is scheduled.

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The National Assembly (NA) will meet today (Monday) at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

At 4:00 p.m., the National Assembly will convene in the federal capital at Parliament House. The meeting’s agenda has been released by the assembly secretariat.

As per Article 54(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has the authority to call a session of the National Assembly.

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