Democratic Times

15/05/2023

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has just introduced a game-changing feature to bolster user privacy. The newly launched "Locked Chats" feature takes conversations to a whole new level of confidentiality. With this update, users can now keep their chats hidden in a password-protected folder, ensuring an added layer of security.

14/05/2023

13/05/2023

Former finance minister and estranged PML-N leader Miftah Ismail has said that Pakistan suffers from a culture of elite capture, which is preventing the country from becoming an economically robust nation.

In a speech at an event in London on Friday, Ismail pointed to the vast difference between the elite schools of the country and the remainder of the matric and government schools across the country. He noted that nearly all the senior judges of the Supreme Court and half of the cabinet during Imran Khan’s tenure were from Aitchison College.

“This is a clear example of elite capture,” Ismail said. “The children of the elite are given a head start in life, while the children of the poor are left behind.”

Ismail also criticised the structure of the political class, saying that families dominate politics and that the family ceiling is the glass ceiling. He also pointed out the elite capture of the industrial sector, where he said “10 groups control 38pc of the industry”.

“This concentration of wealth is not good for the country,” Ismail said. “It leads to inequality and social unrest.”

Ismail also said that the bureaucracy and military are also guilty of elite capture. He said that these institutions draw from the middle class but eventually at the senior officer level perpetuate the same culture of elite capture.

“The Pakistani state is ineffective because the elite are happy the way they are,” Ismail said. “We have the most ineffective governance in the world.”

Ismail said that the circular debt in Pakistan has been worse off after every government. “The country has seen martial law, democracy, hybrid, very hybrid, but one thing we haven’t seen is improvement.”

He pointed to the country’s rapidly growing population as one of its most compelling problems, and said every government has failed to tackle it.

He also said that one major factor keeping the country from being an economic success is terrorism.

13/05/2023

Islamabad, Pakistan - Mobile internet access was restored in Pakistan on Friday after being blocked for four days following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, social media platforms Twitter and YouTube remain blocked.

Usama Khilji, director of the internet advocacy firm Bolo Bhi, said that most people are accessing Twitter through a VPN, including the current Prime Minister. He added that Pakistani hashtags are trending in the Netherlands as VPN use skyrockets.

The government has not given a reason for blocking Twitter and YouTube. However, it is likely that the move is an attempt to stifle dissent and prevent the spread of information about the protests that have erupted in the country since Khan's arrest.

The government has accused Khan of inciting violence and has warned him that he could face further legal action if he does not stop the protests.

The situation in Pakistan remains fluid and it is unclear how long the protests will continue. However, the blocking of Twitter and YouTube is a clear sign that the government is determined to silence dissent.

11/05/2023

NAB has committed contempt of court!
If a person has already surrendered before court, why was he arrested from court premises? It was nothing but contempt of the court.

CJP Umar Ata Bandiyal

10/05/2023

Breaking News: Shah Mehmood qureshi also arrested.

10/05/2023

Pakistan government prepares to impose emergency, suspend Supreme Court powers; Army deployed in Punjab and KPK

Shakir, a prominent anchorperson and analyst, claimed that the preparations to impose emergency are complete and the decision could be announced anytime soon.

If the emergency is imposed, it would mean a suspension of the normal constitutional and legal order in the country, with the government assuming extraordinary powers to suppress dissent, restrict freedom of expression, and curb civil liberties. The Supreme Court, which serves as the highest judicial authority in Pakistan, would lose its authority to hear cases and issue rulings on matters related to fundamental rights, political disputes, corruption, and other issues.

Moreover, the Pakistan Army has been reportedly deployed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces under Article 245(3) of the Constitution, which authorizes the federal government to call upon the armed forces to assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order. As a result, the high courts of these provinces cannot exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199, which empowers them to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal remedies.

The citizens of Pakistan are bracing themselves for yet another uncertain and turbulent period in their country's history, which has witnessed multiple military coups, political crises, and sectarian conflicts over the past decades. The imposition of emergency could further erode public trust in the government and deepen the divisions within the society.

10/05/2023

Imran Khan has communicated with his supporters through his lawyer, Sher Afzal Marwat. According to Marwat, Imran Khan is aware of the ongoing protests and has encouraged the public to stay committed to upholding the "rule of law". .

10/05/2023

Hold onto your hats, KPK! The Ministry of Interior has given the green light for the deployment of Pakistan Army troops to tackle the escalating law and order situation in the province "in aid of civil power". The provincial government, in consultation with MO Dte, GHQ, will determine the exact number of troops/assets, deployment date, and area of operation.

10/05/2023

Get ready, Punjab! The Ministry of Interior has given the green light for Pakistan Army troops to swoop in and assist in maintaining law and order in the province "in aid of civil power". The details of this epic operation, including the number of troops/assets, the deployment date, and the area of operation, will be worked out by the provincial government in consultation with MO Dte, GHQ. Stay tuned, folks, because the de-requisitioning date of the troops will be decided later on after mutual consultation among both stakeholders. It's time to ensure peace and security in the great province of Punjab!

09/05/2023

List of free VPNs Pakistanis 😅

-Proton VPN (completely free)
-Tunnelbear VPN
-Hide.me VPN
-Hotspot shield
-PrivadoVPN
-Betternet
-Lantern
-atlasVPN

Hide.me VPN offers privacy protection, wi-fi security, and encryption for a truly private web browser experience, regardless of your location. Try for free!

27/04/2023

Allegations have surfaced regarding the QNET Network Marketing company operating in Pakistan. According to multiple reports, individuals associated with the company have been contacting people to invest in their product-selling Ecommerce business. However, it is alleged that after investing, they ask for more people to be brought on board in order to receive commissions, which is believed to be a pyramid scheme.

While there is no concrete proof of these allegations, there are said to be numerous pieces of evidence suggesting the existence of such a scam. In particular, it has been reported that individuals in Sargodha, including Mohsin Tanveer and his team, are involved in running this alleged scam.

It is important to note that pyramid schemes are illegal and considered haram. As such, those who may be approached by individuals claiming to be associated with QNET Network Marketing are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing any money. The company has not yet responded to these allegations.

The hashtags , , and have been circulating on social media platforms as people raise awareness about these allegations. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but the authorities in Pakistan are expected to investigate these claims thoroughly.

23/03/2023

Pakistan Day Celebrations

Today, we celebrate Pakistan Day - the day when our nation was born. On this day, we remember the countless sacrifices made by our forefathers to achieve freedom and independence. We honor their struggle and continue to work towards a better and brighter future for our country.

Let us pledge to work towards a more prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Pakistan. Happy Pakistan Day!

20/03/2023

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 Wheat flour prices reach an all-time high in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan, with a 20-kg bag costing a whopping Rs3,100! Citizens of Karachi are hit the hardest, forced to pay up to Rs155 per kilogram.

The lack of a check and balance system is adding to the country's already severe economic crisis. According to the Bureau of Statistics, prices have skyrocketed in Multan, Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Quetta.

20/03/2023

Saudi Arabia is refusing to provide any further bailouts or interest-free loans to Pakistan, a move that has shocked the government in Islamabad. Pakistan is currently in an economic emergency and in need of sustained US dollar inflows to avoid defaulting on almost $80bn of international loan repayments over the next three and a half years. The country is currently holding only $3bn in foreign exchange reserves. Saudi Arabia has conditioned further interest-bearing loans and investment on Pakistan implementing strict monetary and fiscal reforms, similar to those set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It has also set a new precedent by refusing to give financial handouts to other countries, including Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt. Analysts say that there is a major trust deficit between the Pakistani government and the IMF, and that without the IMF's approval, even friendly Gulf kingdoms will remain hesitant to invest in Pakistan. High inflation, slow growth, and high interest rates around the world have made it difficult for emerging markets like Pakistan to attract investment.

14/03/2023

This is Zaman Park, Lahore, not Kashmir.

14/03/2023

14/03/2023

Tensions have escalated in Lahore as clashes erupted between police and PTI workers near Zaman Park. According to BBC Urdu, police used tear gas to disperse protesters who were throwing stones at Imran Khan's residence. Shells have reportedly fallen in the garden of the residence as well. In addition, internet service around the area of Zaman Park has been disrupted, while aerial surveillance of the area continues with the help of a helicopter. The situation remains tense and under close observation. Stay tuned for further updates.

14/03/2023

The situation outside Imran Khan's residence in Lahore has turned violent as police officials clash with PTI party workers. In a video message on Twitter, Imran Khan has called on his supporters to come out and stand up for their rights and "true freedom".

According to reports, police arrived at Imran's residence to arrest him, and tear gas shells were fired inside Zaman Park where the clash was happening. The Islamabad DIG was also injured in the violence.

Rangers have been deployed outside Zaman Park, while a helicopter circles above. The IHC has fixed PTI's plea against the arrest warrants for tomorrow. PTI workers are protesting in Karachi and Peshawar.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called on the police to show him the arrest warrant so that he can discuss it with Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz has warned that Imran will be held responsible if any police officer or personnel is injured.

PTI's Fawad Chaudhry has asked PTI supporters to come out and show solidarity with Imran. The situation is tense and rapidly evolving. Stay tuned for updates.

14/03/2023

In a dramatic turn of events, supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clashed with police officials outside PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s residence in Lahore on Tuesday.

The conflict erupted after the police arrived to arrest Imran following a warrant issued against him by the Islamabad district and sessions court for repeatedly missing hearings in the Toshakhana case.

In a video message on Twitter, Imran called on his supporters to come out and stand up for their rights and “haqeeqi azaadi” (true freedom). Shortly after 2pm, armoured police vehicles arrived outside Zaman Park, where Imran was staying, and a senior Islamabad police official refrained from commenting on the case.

However, almost an hour later, the police used water cannon and tear gas against PTI supporters who had gathered outside the residence. Footage showed police inching toward the property behind an armoured vehicle while supporters pelted stones at them.

The police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the protesters. PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry asked PTI supporters to gather in the streets for a peaceful protest to show solidarity with Imran.

Imran’s sister Aleema Khanum told the media that he was present at his residence, though Shah Mahmood Qureshi, another PTI leader, said that Imran was not present inside. Qureshi also urged the police to come and talk to him, while Fawad Chaudhry said that the arrest warrants against Imran had been challenged in the Islamabad High Court.

14/03/2023

Tensions continue to rise in Lahore as police have resorted to shelling the residence of Prime Minister Imran Khan. This comes as a shock to many as Khan himself had requested that everyone remain peaceful and patient during the ongoing political unrest in the country.

13/03/2023

حکومت اور مسلم لیگ ن کے قریب سمجھے جانیوالے صحافیوں کے دعوے
Link: http://bit.ly/3YMu0AK

13/03/2023

Check out the details of foreign gifts retained by public office holders in Pakistan from 2002 to 2022. DemocraticTimes.com takes a closer look at some of the most extravagant gifts received by presidents and prime ministers.

13/03/2023

The Islamabad High Court has upheld the death sentence of the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, in the Noor Mukadam murder case. In a breaking development, the court rejected Zahir's plea and sentenced him to death twice. The court also dismissed the appeals of Zahir's household staff, Mohammad Iftikhar and Mohammad Jan, who were both co-accused in the case.

Noor, 27, was found murdered at Jaffar’s residence in the capital’s upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year. The verdict comes after a long legal battle that began with the filing of an FIR against Zahir Jaffer, who was arrested on the same day. The case has attracted widespread attention and sparked nationwide protests against gender-based violence.

The judgement was announced by a two-member division bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan. The verdict was earlier reserved on Dec 21 and was announced today. Stay tuned for more updates.

13/03/2023

⚠️ Potential Fraud Alert ⚠️ Watch out for PriceOye

A customer has recently shared his experience on social media with online retailer PriceOye, in which he claims to have received a repackaged and potentially faulty Samsung S22 phone. The customer reported that when he received the package, he noticed that the phone had a broken seal under the outer seal, which raised concerns about the authenticity of the product.

The customer immediately contacted PriceOye to report the issue and request a return and refund, but after a week of back-and-forth, PriceOye informed the customer that the phone was non-active, and they could not take it back. The customer also inquired about the two seals issue, but was advised to check with the brand.

It is important to note that these are allegations made by one customer, and we do not have access to all the details of the situation. However, we believe that it is essential to share this experience to raise awareness about potential issues that could occur with online retailers.

If you have had any similar experiences with PriceOye or any other online retailer, please feel free to share them in the comments below. We advise all consumers to be cautious when making online purchases, to read the terms and conditions carefully, and to take steps to protect themselves from potential fraud.

13/03/2023

Karachiites woke up to a nightmare on Monday morning as loadshedding time increased from three hours to eleven hours within a day. The sudden increase in power outages has left many households and businesses struggling to cope without electricity for long periods of time.

The situation has been attributed to a shortage of gas supply to power plants, causing a drop in electricity generation. The increase in loadshedding time has led to outrage among the public, who are questioning the government's ability to handle such a crisis.

Many small businesses have been severely impacted, with some being forced to shut down due to the lack of power. The extended power outages have also led to difficulties in daily household activities such as cooking, refrigeration, and studying.

The power crisis in Karachi is not a new issue, but the sudden increase in loadshedding time has sparked renewed frustration and anger among the citizens. The public is demanding answers from the authorities, and a resolution to the power crisis as soon as possible.

13/03/2023

Can you believe it? Apparently, you can buy a Mercedes Benz for just Rs. 6 lac these days. At least that's what former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would have us believe. According to the newly released Toshakhana gift records, Nawaz Sharif paid a meager Rs. 636,888 to keep the luxury car in April 2008. Wow, talk about a bargain!

I mean, who needs to be a millionaire to own a Mercedes Benz, am I right? Nawaz Sharif has shown us that all you need is a little bit of political power and some creative accounting to make your luxury car dreams come true.

But let's not forget that it's not just about the cars. Nawaz Sharif also managed to keep a Piaget wristwatch, a Christopher Claret watch, a diamond necklace, a bracelet, and a whole lot more. All for just a fraction of their actual worth!

So, next time you're thinking about splurging on a fancy car or a designer watch, just remember that you don't have to be a millionaire to live the high life. Just become a public office holder and learn from the best! "

12/03/2023

The government has finally released the much-awaited records of Toshakhana gifts received by public office holders from foreign governments and dignitaries since 2002.

The records reveal some interesting findings. Former President and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari retained a BMW car (Rs57.8m) and Toyota Lexus (Rs50m) after paying a total of Rs16.1m for them, and another BMW car (Rs27.3m) after paying Rs4m. Meanwhile, three-time former Prime Minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif retained a Mercedes Benz (Rs4.2m) in April 2008 after paying Rs636,888 for it. He also kept a Piaget wristwatch (Rs1m) in January 2015 after paying Rs240,000 for it and a box of perfumes.

However, when it comes to taking the most gifts while paying the least, former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan tops the list. In September 2020, Imran retained a Rolex watch, assessed at Rs4.4m, after paying Rs2.4m for it and a number of other gifts. He also retained a boxed watch, assessed at Rs1.9m, in October 2019 after paying Rs935,000 for it, and another Rolex watch, assessed at Rs1.5m, in October 2018 after paying Rs294,000 for it. In the same month, his wife Bushra Bibi also kept a necklace (Rs10m), bracelet (Rs2.4m), ring (Rs2.8m), and a pair of earrings (Rs1.85m) after paying Rs9m for them.

It is worth mentioning that former Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also retained a Graff wristwatch assessed at Rs890,000 in November 2012 after paying a total of Rs218,000 for it and other items.

12/03/2023

Team PG, a social media watchdog, recently created a post highlighting the increasing number of harassment cases being reported from the ride-hailing service . In response, another victim has come forward to share her own harrowing experience.
According to the respondent, her friends were also subjected to the same kind of behavior where the driver demanded extra money, and when refused, he responded with foul language and threatening phrases. What's more alarming is that this is the same driver who was reported just one day ago.
The fact that has allowed the same driver to continue working despite repeated complaints is a cause for concern. This raises the question of how seriously values its customers and their safety. The lack of action against such perpetrators and the absence of proper policies to protect customers is a worrying trend.
The incident underscores the need for to take immediate action against the driver and to implement stricter policies to ensure the safety of its customers. Daily commuters have the right to expect a safe and secure ride, and it's up to to make sure that this is a reality.