Pakistan is finally preparing to formulate Cyber Laws in the Country

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, on the directions of Prime Minister of Pakistan, has taken up the long-pending Cyber Crime Bill to finally finalize it with-in days.

A press statement issued by MoiTT has said that State Minister yesterday chaired a meeting regarding Draft Prevention of E-Crimes Bill 2013.

Statement said that all stake holders are being taken on-board for the finalization of the Cyber Crime Bill before tabling it in National Assembly for approval.

Mr. Akhlaq A. Tarrar, Secretary IT, Dr. Ismail Shah, Chairman PTA, Mr. Kamran Ali Khattak, Member (Legal), Mr. Yasir Qadir, Member (Telecom) and representatives from FIA and IT Industry were present in the meeting.

A high level committee has been constituted headed by Senior Legislative Advisor to Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights. The other members of the committee includes Member (Legal), MoIT and Director (IT), MoIT, a representative from IT Industry, PTA and FIA respectively. The committee has been assigned the task to review the Draft Bill within one week time period and submit its report to Ministry of IT.

Ministry has said that finalization of draft of cyber crime bill will be completed with-in days.

Pakistan is functioning without any cyber laws. Meaning that one can’t be prosecuted for committing any kind of cyber crimes. FIA (Federal Investigation Authority) has openly said in the past that it can’t investigate any cyber crimes since there is no law in the country to keep check on cyber offenses.

Absence of Cyber Crime Laws have not only resulted into increased cyber crimes but it is also the sole reason for non-establishment of e-commerce and internet payment gateways in the country.

The Electronic Crimes Ordinance initially discussed and deliberated in the last Legislative Assembly which was eventually resulted in the form of Draft Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill, 2013, prepared in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

Here is the copy of the draft for Cyber Crime Laws, a finalized form of which will tabled in National Assembly soon.

Samsung announces the Galaxy Grand 2

Last year, Samsung did its first major attempt in offering a phablet for a acceptable price through the Galaxy Grand. Now, they’re announcing a successor to that phone now, through the Galaxy Grand 2.

The Grand 2 builds upon its predecessor by offering a larger, higher-resolution display, faster internals and a new, leather-like finish. These features bring it closer to the Note 3.

On the front, you’ll get a 5.25 inch LCD display with 720p HD resolution and Gorilla Glass 2 protection. Another change people will notice is the new leather-like finishing on the phone, just like the Note 3 unlike the plastic of the first-generation Grand.

Just like first Grand, the Grand 2 will have a dual-sim version as well.

On the hardware side, the Grand 2 comes with a 1.2Ghz quad-core processor, 1.5 GB worth RAM and 8 GB internal storage, expandable by up to 64 GB via microSD card slot.

Around the back lies an 8 megapixel camera with Full HD video recording and LED Flash. A 1.9 megapixel front-facer can be found too.

The operating system running on the Grand 2 is Android v4.3 Jelly Bean, of course customized with Samsung’s own Touchwiz UI.

Here are the full specs of Samsung’s latest toy:

• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean customized with Touchwiz UI
• 5.25 inch LCD display with 720p HD resolution of 720 x 1280
• 8.9mm thick
• 163g heavy
• Optional Dual-Sim
• 1.2Ghz quad-core processor with 1.5 GB RAM
• 8 GB internal storage, expandable by up to 64 GB via microSD
• 8 megapixel rear-camera with Full HD 1080p video recording
• 1.9 megapixel front-camera
• dual-band Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0
• 2600 mAh battery
• Available in White, Black and Pink

Pakistan may block Etisalat-Warid Deal for Non-Payment of $800 Million

High-ups at Pakistan Government are considering its options to block possible buyout of Warid Telecom of Pakistan by Etisalat of UAE.

Etisalat and VimpelCom of Russia have submitted bids for buying Warid Telecom of Pakistan with its 12 million subscribers. While outcome of the bid is yet to surface, Etisalat is ranked favourite to take away the Warid Telecom.

The decision to block Etisalat-Warid deal came at a time when UAE’s state run telecom giant has straight-forwardly told Pakistan government that it will not pay remaining USD 800 million against buyout of 26 percent shares in PTCL due to property dispute between the two parties.

Etisalat has held USD 800 million for around 8 years because Pakistan government has failed to transfer the ownership of around 100 – out of 3,000 – properties due to legal limitations.

Pakistan has repeatedly offered Etisalat to deduct the value of disputed 100 properties – around USD 73 million – and clear the remaining amount it owes against the deal that happened in 2005.

Etisalat, on the other hands, maintains that it will not pay a single penny unless all the properties are not transferred as a whole.

Pakistan has tried almost every possible option to get the issue resolved, however, the remaining properties – the bone of contention – are confined due to legal limitations and are likely to not get transferred anytime soon.

As a result, now Pakistan government is considering options to block the possible buyout of Warid Telecom by Etisalat.

Sources familiar with the situation said that it is still unclear that how the Etisalat-Warid deal will be blocked or even if there is any legal room available to achieve this, but government is definitely ready to take up the situation to give Etisalat a tough time.

Windows 8.1 launched in Pakistan

Microsoft Pakistan, has announced the availability of Windows 8.1 in Pakistan. It is a feature-rich update to its popular Windows 8 operating system, enabling customers to create experiences that keep pace with their lives — at work, home or on the go.

Windows 8.1 comes with the new Internet Explorer 11, which is fast, fluid and perfect for touch. It provides native support for 3-D printing. Best for multitasking and productivity, it includes the display and use of up to four apps side by side. With flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen, the ability for one app to launch another app, and improved multimonitor support so users can view the desktop or apps from its redesigned Windows Store on any or all monitors. From its SkyDrive, users can create, edit, save and share files anywhere, anytime, on whatever device they are using.

Mr. Amir Rao, Country General Manager at the Microsoft Pakistan said, “Windows 8.1 is the most complete out-of-the-box experience as it evolves the Windows vision for highly personalized computing while showcasing Microsoft’s continued commitment to rapid and responsive development. It marks a wave of new, innovative devices coming for consumers and businesses — from the convenience and mobility of tablets and 2-in-1s to the productive experience expected from laptops, all-in-ones and specialized industry devices”.

Syed Nasir Hussain, Chief Operating Officer, Advance Business Systems said in a statement, “Windows 8.1 is a refreshing addition to the Windows community with some remarkable features. It makes it easier than ever to work from anywhere and know that files are always accessible — across devices and locations”.

Windows 8.1 offers a host of increased customization refinements and functional improvements, including a highly personal, improved and more customizable Start screen in variable tile sizes, more background designs and colors. In addition, customers can choose how to start their Windows experience — at the Start screen or directly in the familiar Windows desktop — while all their Windows devices stay in sync with their Microsoft account.

During roundtable journalists had firsthand experience of Windows 8.1 on multiple devices like Tablets, Laptops and all in one desktops provided by Advance Business Systems, eSys and Unique Technologies.

Importantly, consumers with a Windows 8 device in Pakistan, and more than 230 markets and 37 languages can download free update via the online Windows Store. Windows 8.1 is also available on new devices and as boxed software at retail locations across Pakistan.

Samsung owes Apple $290M more in damages

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A jury on Thursday ruled that Samsung must pay Apple $290,456,793 in additional damages for patent infringement, slightly less than the $380 million Apple had requested.

That brings its total award to about $930 million. Samsung believed it owed Apple only $52 million more in damages.

"For Apple, this case has always been about more than patents and money," Apple said in a statement. "It has been about innovation and the hard work that goes into inventing products that people love. While it's impossible to put a price tag on those values, we are grateful to the jury for showing Samsung that copying has a cost."

Samsung, meanwhile, said it is "disappointed by today's decision, which is based in large part on a patent that the US Patent and Trademark Office has recently deemed invalid."

"While we move forward with our post-trial motions and appeals, we will continue to innovate with groundbreaking technologies and great products that are loved by our many customers all around the world," the Korean company said in a statement.

The jury of six women and two men reached the decision slightly before noon PT Thursday after deliberating since midday Tuesday. Wednesday, the jury requested more information about how to determine Apple's lost profits, but most other questions related to office supplies -- they needed calculators and highlighters -- and lunch -- they got pretty sick of the catered sourdough sandwiches.

Lawsuit Paid In Full: Samsung pays Apple $1 Billion sending 30 trucks full of 5 cent coins

This morning more than 30 trucks filled with 5-cent coins arrived at Apple’s headquarters in California. Initially, the security company that protects the facility said the trucks were in the wrong place, but minutes later, Tim Cook (Apple CEO) received a call from Samsung CEO explaining that they will pay $1 billion dollars for the fine recently ruled against the South Korean company in this way.

The funny part is that the signed document does not specify a single payment method, so Samsung is entitled to send the creators of the iPhone their billion dollars in the way they deem best.

This dirty but genius geek troll play is a new headache to Apple executives as they will need to put in long hours counting all that money, to check if it is all there and to try to deposit it crossing fingers to hope a bank will accept all the coins.

Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, told the media that his company is not going to be intimidated by a group of “geeks with style” and that if they want to play dirty, they also know how to do it.

You can use your coins to buy refreshments at the little machine for life or melt the coins to make computers, that’s not my problem, I already paid them and fulfilled the law.

A total of 20 billion coins, delivery hope to finish this week.

Let’s see how Apple will respond to this.

Misbah, Hafeez retained as ODI, T-20 captains

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 17-member team for the short tour of South Africa comprising two T-20s and three ODIs commencing from November 20.

Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez have been retained as ODI and T-20 captains.

Fast bowler M.Irfan has been left out because of injury while Wahab Riaz who went wicketless in three ODIs against South Africa in the UAE has been dropped.

Medium pacer Anwar Ali and all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti have been included in the side.

Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain ODI), Mohammad Hafeez (Captain T20), Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal (wk), Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Tanvir, Anwar Ali, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti.

Mobile phone services suspended in more than 80 cities

ISLAMABAD: The cellular networks have blocked in the vulnerable cities of Pakistan as a security measure during Ashura. 

The services would remain suspended in more than 80 cities from 06:00 AM till 10:00 PM.

According to intelligence reports, the districts of Chakwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Multan were deemed sensitive in this regard.

Other districts where the services would remain suspended include Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Pakpattan. The sources disclosed that the security agencies informed the federal interior ministry that there was a potential threat that terrorists could target processions on Ashura processions.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had sent the list of cities to mobile phone companies.

According to sources, mobile phone service would also remain shut in Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Sehwan, Nawabshah and Larkana for two days.

In restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, there will be no mobile phone service in Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and parts of Peshawar. In addition, mobile phone firms have been asked to block services in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rahimyar Khan, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Pakpattan, Multan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Jhang and Attock.

Sources say the mobile phone service would also be blocked on routes of Muharram processions in specific cities.

Sindh and Balochistan had written letters to the federal government, requesting to close mobile phone services in Quetta and five cities of Sindh on Yaum-e-Ashur.

The Sindh regime had mailed requests for closure of mobile phone service on 9th and 10th days of Muharram in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Khairpur, and Sukkur.

The Balochistan government requested the federal regime, via mail Friday, to close the mobile phone service in Quetta.

Twin blasts in Karachi’s North Nazimabad

KARACHI: Two explosions have taken place in Karachi’s North Nazimabad

Initial reports suggest that the blasts took place near an Imambargah and were so loud that they were heard from far distances. Windows of the nearby buildings were also shattered.

A vehicle was reportedly destroyed in the first explosion which took place at 9:40pm.

Police and rescue services are now rushing to the scene.

This is a developing story and will be updated as reports come in

Muharram security: Govt imposes ban on pillion riding in Punjab

LAHORE: The government has imposed a ban on pillion riding in Punjab on Muharram 9 and 10

Punjab Law Minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah confirmed the imposition of this ban.

Earlier today, a notification was issued when the government banned pillion riding in Lahore.

According to the directives, women, children and elderly will be exempted from the Lahore ban.

Police will be responsible for arresting violators, who could be kept in custody for 72 hours.

Security measures 

As per the security plan for the holy month announced earlier, 15,700 policemen will perform security duty at more than 600 processions and 5,369 majalis in the city.

Around 400 policemen will also perform security duty in plainclothes at processions andmajalis at sensitive locations.

Police would patrol within a 100-metres radius of majalis and processions, while parking lots will be set up 100 metres away from processions and majalis.

Sindh, Punjab seek blockage of cell phone services for Ashura

KARACHI.: 
The Sindh government has requested the federal interior ministry to suspend mobile phone services in Sindh on Muharram 10

 Bureau Chief Karachi Aslam Khan, the Sindh interior ministry has requested the federal ministry to mull blocking the cellular services in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana and Mirpurkhas on Muhaaram 10 for security purposes.

Earlier, Sindh government had imposed ban on pillion riding for Muharram 9 and 10.

Mobile phone services in Punjab:

Punjab police has requested to mull the mobile phone services in Punjab on Muharram 9 and 10.

Mobile jammers would be used to monitor the mourning processions on Muharram 8th , said Punjab police.

Moving towards 3G: 7 Firms bid for 3G auction consulting services

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received very encouraging response from the local and international firms for its offer of spectrum auction consultancy, said a statement just issued by the regulator.

The proposals submitted by various consultants for Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services in Pakistan were opened at PTA today (12th November, 2013) at 01:30 p.m by the Evaluation Committee constituted for the evaluation of the bids.

In response to PTA’s advertisements for the hiring of a consultant of international repute, published in national and international newspapers and on PPRA website, a total of 7 bids were received from various consulting firms.

PTA will finalize the selection of consultants after evaluating the technical and financial proposals in accordance with the relevant rules.

While PTA didn’t communicate any deadline but it is likely that selection of consultant(s) will be finalized by 20th of November, 2013.

The selected consultant (s) would be responsible for providing professional analysis, input, and advice/recommendations on the whole auction process as per PTA’s RFP and ToR, and for the successful completion of auction in a transparent manner, averting collusion, ensuring competition and complete transparency in the auction process.

PTA is aiming to auction 3G licenses by late February 2014.

Pakistan win Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

KAKAMIGAHARA: Pakistan have won the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy defeating Japan by 3-1 here at Green Stadium, Kakamigahara, Japan on Sunday.

The green-shirts won the trophy for the second consecutive time. Haseem Khan, Rizwan Senior and Hammad Butt scored one goal each in the second half of the final match.

Iqbal Day Holiday Notification November 9, 2013

The federal government of Pakistan has announced a public holiday on 135th birth anniversary of  Hazrat Allama Muhammad Iqbal (RA). On Saturday, November 9th, 2013, there will be general public holiday in all over Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Balochistan Provinces and Azaad Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal born in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. His date of birth is November 9, 1877 and date of death is April 21, 1938.

SA takes series after see-saw game

Quinton de Kock fulfilled the promise thrust upon him in his ninth ODI, with a century that defied Pakistan's best efforts to unsettle him. He was dropped on 2, in a reminder to employ the patience that evaded him in the first few matches of his career, and should have been run out on 95 in his haste to bring up the milestone. But in between that, he played an array of aggressive cuts, lofted drives and rotated strike well to form the spine of the South Africa total.

Pakistan pulled the visitors back slightly with three wickets in four overs in the last quarter of the innings, but could not turnaround their initial lethargic showing as JP Duminy and Ryan McLaren added 52 in 6.2 overs. The seamers struggled to find their lines and the spinners failed to pose much danger, underlined by Saeed Ajmal going wicketless for the first time in 10 ODIs.

Hashim Amla asserted himself against Mohammad Irfan early on, clipping a full ball off the pads and unfurling an exquisite cover drive in successive overs. De Kock had only managed two singles while his senior partner appeared to be sailing along and he soon grew anxious to catch up. He flashed at a Sohail Tanvir delivery and got a thick edge but Mohammad Hafeez, who was at slip, could not hold on.

De Kock realised the need for safety first but Amla went the other way. He called for a sharp single after pushing the ball to Misbah-ul-Haq at mid-on and a direct hit would have seen him run-out.

With both South Africa openers having offered chances that were not taken, Pakistan appeared deflated and allowed the pair to up the tempo. Amla was fluent against Irfan which gave de Kock time to settle. The half-century stand came up at the end of the 11th over, with both meeting the introduction of spin with good footwork.

But Amla forgot to move his when Hafeez turned one less than he expected and was bowled as he tried to run the ball down to third man. Pakistan had an opening and felt they should have prised it further in the next over when Shahid Afridi struck Faf du Plessis on the pads with a slider. Afridi insisted on the review, before Misbah could have his say, but ball-tracking showed the ball clipping the outside of leg stump so the not out decision stood.

Du Plessis lasted long enough to see de Kock loft Hafeez over the infield, bring up his half-century and play an inside-out drive before he charged Irfan in an attempt to hit over cover but found only the fielder. De Kock was joined by AB de Villiers, who was probably the best person to usher him to three figures, as he encouraged quick singles and reminded de Kock repeatedly to "bat normally."

For 31 deliveries, they could not find the boundary before de Kock dispatched a Junaid Khan short ball to third man. Then it was back to nudge and nurdle for another four overs during which de Kock entered the nineties. He ended the boundary drought by making room off Irfan and hitting him over mid-off.

De Villiers began to free up, too, with a spectacular whip through midwicket off Ajmal and a ramp shot off Irfan. De Kock, on seeing the fireworks, saved the biggest for himself. He got under an Irfan length ball and crashed it over mid-on to being up his maiden century off 127 balls.

His innings set South Africa up for a last ten-over blast but they lost de Villiers as soon as that period began, caught off a leading edge against Junaid. De Kock became Junaid's second and when David Miller was out lbw to Hafeez, South Africa had been pegged back.

However, Duminy and McLaren took the total over 250 with three fours and two sixes in the last 10 overs. That number is important because Pakistan have not been able to chase down a total of over 250 since March 2011 and will need an improved performance if they are to change that this time.

Operation 021 Official Teaser

Operation 021 Official Teaser
For trailer visit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153432735625368&set=vb.122347611155856&type=2&theater


Operation 021 is an upcoming Pakistan's first spy Action thriller movie. 
This movie is currently in a final stage of production.

Huawei Ascend G610 Dual SIM

Last month Huawei launched  a mid-range smartphone Ascend G610 in Pakistan, company’s first phone to offer Dual-SIM compatability.

The good news is that Ascend G610 is now available in all major cities of Pakistan, at a price-tag of Rs. 20,000 with one year Warranty of Airlink Communication.

Ascend G610 comes with two colour options; Black and White.

15 crores in 17 days unstoppable movie

Bendable display that will turn your entire phone into a screen

Until now, the only serious effort in making curved display smartphones has came from LG and Samsung and that too, without any offense, looks only half-serious. The implementation is off the mark and the products themself don’t look too comfortable for daily usage.

Now though, something has arrived which can make even the most indifferent of people pay attention: the world’s most bendable mobile display. Its maker, SEL (Semiconductor Energy Laboratory), claims that it can bend to a record-shattering 4mm diameter and revealed the technology at the FPD 2013 show in Japan.

SEL is also the same company which made IGZO displays a reality.

The prototype unit was a 5.4″ mobile display with pixel density of 302ppi. The new display is more reliable and designable than a conventional OLED as it uses CAAC oxide semiconductors which are crystalline and not amorphous. As a result, these displays can be rolled towards the sides and at the top of a smartphone, or even at the back – if required. Still, they look just as good as an OLED screen.

Blackberry vs Apple - Brilliant Ad

Blackberry's Commercial and Apple's Response

https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpv=10153420766750368&set=vb.122347611155856&type=2&theater

Pakistan beaten by South Africa in 3rd ODI

ABU DHABI: Pakistan were defeated by South Africa in third One-day International to give the Proteas 2-1 lead in the five match series here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest total of 260, Pakistan openers Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Hafeez provided a fine start of 50 but later other batsmen could not resist the accurate bowling by spinner Imran Tahir and pacers Morne Morkel and Dayle Styen, and were all out for 191 in 44.3 overs, losing the match by 68 runs.

De Blasio elected mayor of New York

NEW YORK: Public Advocate Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH'-zee-oh) has been elected mayor of New York, becoming the first Democrat since 1989 to be chosen to lead the largest U.S. city.

De Blasio defeated Republican Joe Lhota (LOH'-tuh). De Blasio will succeed Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire who is leaving after 12 years.

De Blasio ran on a liberal, tax-the-rich platform that was sharply at odds with Bloomberg's pro-business, pro-development record.

QMobile has introduced a new phablet A650

QMobile has introduced a new phablet A650 in the Noir series. This time the screen size is bumped up to 5.5-inches, other than that there is nothing special, even its predecessor Noir A700 had better specifications.

Have a look at the specifications:

• 5.5-inches IPS LCD and 854×480 pixels resolution
• 1.2GHz quad-core A7 Processor, PowerVR 5XT GPU
• 512MB of RAM and 4GB ROM (Built in Memory)
• Primary 5-megapixel camera with LED, 0.3-megapixel camera for video calling
• 1700mAh removable battery
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Operating System

Just like many other QMobile devices, Noir A650 is packed with  low RAM and Internal Storage. 512MB of RAM would be enough for surfing websites and listening to music  but if you are plan to play resource hungry games on this device, well don’t as your experience will be ruined.

QMobile has always tried to grab the market by offering cheap prices, but the fact is that the hardware used in these devices is also cheap. They are offering a big screen but the battery is not enough to power this device even for a single day, let alone the low RAM and Internal Storage issue. Moreover the screen resolution for this device in unacceptable, A phone having a 5-inch or above screen must have at least a 720p resolution.

So my advice is to stay away from this phablet as its not worth the money. Its time that QMobile should focus on Quality rather than Promotion.

Muharram security: Section 144 imposed in many parts of Pakistan

As Muharram begins, authorities on Tuesday in three provinces of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Penal Code for the next ten days for security reasons.

Some restrictions for pillion riding was also announced for some days of Muharram

Punjab

The Punjab government on Tuesday imposed Section 144 CrPC for one month starting from first of Muharram, due to begin on Wednesday.

According to home department, the home secretary had imposed section 144 CrPC to maintain law and order during Muharram throughout the province.

The government has banned brandishing of firearms, distribution of hate material, wall chalking and propagated speeches for the month starting Wednesday.

Any violator of the restriction will be booked under relevant laws.

The law enforcing agencies have also been directed to observe strict imposition of Section 144.

As many as 15,700 police personnel will be deputed to provide security to more than 600 mourning processions and 5,369 congregations in Lahore during Muharram.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while chairing a high level meeting on Tuesday, directed authorities to take all necessary measures for ensuring religious harmony during Muharram.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Deputy Commissioner Peshawar also imposed Section 144 in the city on Tuesday for a period of 30 days.

Per the notification issued on Tuesday, the government has prohibited writing or distribution of objectionable pamphlets or posters, wall chalking especially on mosques and Imam Bargahs, use of tinted glasses on private and public vehicles, display of or carrying weapons, printing and or circulation of objectionable materials, sale and use of fire crackers during Muharram.

Further, opening of shops dealing in acids and sale of acids, sale of diesel, petrol, kerosene oil and other flammable fuels in shops or in open areas and the use of loudspeakers other than for “Aazaan and Khutbas” on Friday.

Anyone found violating this order shall be prosecuted against under section 188 PPC.

Similar restrictions were announced in Gilgit Town, Kohat and DI Khan. The measure was also extended to Parachinar.

Sindh

The government in Sindh, which has been reeling from a spate of sectarian violence on the eve of Muharram with over 20 people killed in two days in the provincial capital of Karachi, has not yet taken a decision on imposing Section 144 in the province.

However, Sindh government has requested the army to deploy troops on Muharram 9 and 10 in the province for security.

A military spokesperson confirmed that army deployment had been requested as backup to Police and Rangers contingents and will remain deployed in Karachi with further deployment in other parts of Sindh as per requirement.

Balochistan

The Balochistan government has also decided to impose Section 144 in the province on account of Muharram.

Balochistan has seen some of the worst sectarian attacks in recent years with the minority Shia Hazara community coming under repeated gun and bomb attacks, some from the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

Last week, six miners belonging to the Hazara community were shot dead

Waheed Shah, deputy commissioner in Kach district, said that the seven men were on their way back from Mach bazaar when they were attacked by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle.

Huawei announces its second Windows Phone, the Ascend W2

Huawei is a rather unknown Windows Phone partner of Microsoft. It announced its first phone of the line-up way back in January and that was it. But now, they think its about time for a new phone to be announced and they’ve done exactly so with the Ascend W2.

The phone comes with a larger 4.3″ inch display with 800 x 480 resolution. It’s also Gorilla Glass-protected and comes with a Super Sensitive display. Design-wise, it is quite chubby, weighing in at 160 grams. Bezels are quite massive too.

Under the bonnet, it comes with a 1.4Ghz dual-core processor with 512 GB RAM, Adreno 305 and 8 GB non-expandable storage. Towards the back is a 5 mp camera with 720p HD video recording. There’s no secondary camera on the front.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB 2.0, Wi-Fi and 3G. Battery capacity is set at 1700 mAh.

Pricing is not known right now but we will know that when it will be released in the coming few weeks. Color options include Blue, Red, Yellow and Black. If the Ascend W2 is placed in the range of the Lumia 620, it has the potential to become a bestseller.