A Pakistani court on Monday granted interim bail to Imran Khan in seven different cases registered against him following clashes at the federal judicial complex here earlier this month when the former prime minister arrived from Lahore to appear in a corruption case hearing.

Pakistan court grants interim bail to Imran Khan in seven cases

The top administrative court of France on Monday asked the government to impose a ban on fishing in different parts of the Atlantic to save dolphins after hundreds of them recently washed up dead on the coast.&nbsp;

The step taken by the State Council, which is the highest court in matters of government, comes days after a report from an oceanographic institute surfaced stating that around 910 dolphins had washed up on the Atlantic coast in France since the start of the winter.

In a single week, around 400 marine mammals were discovered stranded along the coast which the Pelagis oceanographic observatory called an "unprecedented" number in its report. The observatory is based in the western city of La Rochelle.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-experts-concerned-after-dead-dolphins-washed-up-on-atlantic-beaches-566612">France: Experts concerned after dead dolphins washed up on Atlantic beaches</a>

A legal complaint was filed by various environmental NGOs, including Sea Shepherd, against the government over the deaths of dolphins and porpoises. The organisations claimed that the government was not taking adequate measures to protect the species which are facing the threat of disappearance from parts of the Bay of Biscay along the Atlantic coast.

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Regarder la réalité en face : Hier nous avons exposé 6 🐬 aux Sables d'Olonne d'où viennent de nombreux bateaux que nous filmons avec des 🐬 capturés. Nous attendons avec impatience la décision du Conseil d'Etat sur la fermeture des zones de pêche <a href="https://twitter.com/HerveBerville?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HerveBerville</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> <a href="https://t.co/kWWQrygfc8">pic.twitter.com/kWWQrygfc8</a>
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Many of the dolphins discovered had consistent injuries which they had suffered from boat engines, nets and other fishing equipment.&nbsp;

Many dolphins died in February and March when they generally move closer to the coast in search of food and have higher chances of encountering fishing operations.

So far, the government of France has held back from imposing a ban on fishing and instead opted for solutions which can mitigate the impact of industrial fishing on dolphins like onboard cameras or loud sound equipment which can drive the dolphins away.

WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Noise pollution in ocean hinders communication of dolphins

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However, the State Council on Monday ruled that instruments of "acoustic deterrence" on fishing boats "do not guarantee a favourable state of conservation for small cetacean species" including porpoises and dolphins.

Both the species were facing the threat of extinction, "at least regionally", it said.

The court has given the time of six months to the government to establish the no-fishing zones and also asked it to increase the monitoring of dolphins' accidental capture which it said was still too approximate.

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The top administrative court of France on Monday asked the government to impose a ban on fishing in different parts of the Atlantic to save dolphins after hundreds of them recently washed up dead on the coast.

The top administrative court of France on Monday asked the government to impose a ban on fishing in different parts of the Atlantic to save dolphins after hundreds of them recently washed up dead on the coast. The step taken by the State Council, which is the highest court in matters of government, comes days after a report from an oceanographic institute surfaced stating that around 910 dolphins had washed up on the Atlantic coast in France since the start of the winter. In a single week, around 400 marine mammals were discovered stranded along the coast which the Pelagis oceanographic observatory called an "unprecedented" number in its report. The observatory is based in the western city of La Rochelle. ALSO READ | France: Experts concerned after dead dolphins washed up on Atlantic beaches A legal complaint was filed by various environmental NGOs, including Sea Shepherd, against the government over the deaths of dolphins and porpoises. The organisations claimed that the government was not taking adequate measures to protect the species which are facing the threat of disappearance from parts of the Bay of Biscay along the Atlantic coast. Regarder la réalité en face : Hier nous avons exposé 6 🐬 aux Sables d'Olonne d'où viennent de nombreux bateaux que nous filmons avec des 🐬 capturés. Nous attendons avec impatience la décision du Conseil d'Etat sur la fermeture des zones de pêche @HerveBerville @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/kWWQrygfc8 — Sea Shepherd France (@SeaShepherdFran) March 12, 2023 × Many of the dolphins discovered had consistent injuries which they had suffered from boat engines, nets and other fishing equipment. Many dolphins died in February and March when they generally move closer to the coast in search of food and have higher chances of encountering fishing operations. So far, the government of France has held back from imposing a ban on fishing and instead opted for solutions which can mitigate the impact of industrial fishing on dolphins like onboard cameras or loud sound equipment which can drive the dolphins away. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Noise pollution in ocean hinders communication of dolphins However, the State Council on Monday ruled that instruments of "acoustic deterrence" on fishing boats "do not guarantee a favourable state of conservation for small cetacean species" including porpoises and dolphins. Both the species were facing the threat of extinction, "at least regionally", it said. The court has given the time of six months to the government to establish the no-fishing zones and also asked it to increase the monitoring of dolphins' accidental capture which it said was still too approximate. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France: Court orders ban on fishing after numerous dolphins wash up on coast

A cross-party group of MPs and peers has requested the information commissioner to look into whether TikTok, which is controlled by China, is in violation of UK legislation regarding the handling of personal information.

Just hours after the UK imposed a ban on the popular video-sharing app on ministers' and officials' government-owned phones, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) wrote a letter arguing that TikTok cannot be consistent with data protection standards, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

IPAC predicts that TikTok may eventually be compelled to suspend operations in the UK if it is unable to comply with mounting criticism from the West over the company's Chinese ownership and the security of the data of its millions of users.

However, TikTok said that it is a victim of "fundamental misconceptions" that are "driven by wider geopolitics" that regular people are excluded from and that it has started working on a European data security strategy to address the legal issue.

Earlier on Thursday, Oliver Dowden, the Cabinet Office minister, declared that the app will be banned "with immediate effect" from the government phones of ministers, advisors, and civil employees following a security review by UK intelligence officers.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;New Zealand to ban TikTok from MPs' devices

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In order for TikTok to access data saved on a user's device, Dowden said that users had to grant permission. This data is then gathered and kept by the corporation and is accessible from China.

By granting these rights, TikTok has access to a variety of information, including contacts, user content, and geolocation data. Given that there was "a specific risk with government devices," Dowden said that this supported the ban.

In recent weeks, as ties with China continued to deteriorate, Britain followed the US, the European Commission, Canada, Belgium, and New Zealand in banning TikTok on government-owned devices. Beijing is an "epoch-defining challenge" to the West, according to a UK foreign policy assessment published earlier this week.

Dowden's announcement represents a significant U-turn from the UK's prior stance. It also came shortly after TikTok claimed that ByteDance, the app's owner, had been warned by Washington to sell the app or risk having it banned from the nation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A cross-party group of MPs and peers has requested the information commissioner to look into whether TikTok, which is controlled by China, is in violation of UK legislation regarding the handling of personal information.

A cross-party group of MPs and peers has requested the information commissioner to look into whether TikTok, which is controlled by China, is in violation of UK legislation regarding the handling of personal information. Just hours after the UK imposed a ban on the popular video-sharing app on ministers' and officials' government-owned phones, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) wrote a letter arguing that TikTok cannot be consistent with data protection standards, reported the Guardian. IPAC predicts that TikTok may eventually be compelled to suspend operations in the UK if it is unable to comply with mounting criticism from the West over the company's Chinese ownership and the security of the data of its millions of users. However, TikTok said that it is a victim of "fundamental misconceptions" that are "driven by wider geopolitics" that regular people are excluded from and that it has started working on a European data security strategy to address the legal issue. Earlier on Thursday, Oliver Dowden, the Cabinet Office minister, declared that the app will be banned "with immediate effect" from the government phones of ministers, advisors, and civil employees following a security review by UK intelligence officers. ALSO WATCH | New Zealand to ban TikTok from MPs' devices In order for TikTok to access data saved on a user's device, Dowden said that users had to grant permission. This data is then gathered and kept by the corporation and is accessible from China. By granting these rights, TikTok has access to a variety of information, including contacts, user content, and geolocation data. Given that there was "a specific risk with government devices," Dowden said that this supported the ban. In recent weeks, as ties with China continued to deteriorate, Britain followed the US, the European Commission, Canada, Belgium, and New Zealand in banning TikTok on government-owned devices. Beijing is an "epoch-defining challenge" to the West, according to a UK foreign policy assessment published earlier this week. Dowden's announcement represents a significant U-turn from the UK's prior stance. It also came shortly after TikTok claimed that ByteDance, the app's owner, had been warned by Washington to sell the app or risk having it banned from the nation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK to ban TikTok? MPs request information commissioner to investigate potential breach of law

A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, as per local media reports. The warrant was issued by the Civil Judge District Sessions Court in connection with a case about threatening Khatoon Judge Zeba Chaudhry.

Non-bailable arrest warrant maintained against former Pakistan PM Imran Khan

The UK has announced an immediate ban on TikTok on government devices. TikTok is a Chinese-owned short video sharing social media app that is raising privacy and security concerns, especially in Western countries.

"We're moving to a system where government devices will only be able to access third-party apps that are on a pre-approved list," Dowden told lawmakers.

"We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect."

TikTok has been in the crosshairs over privacy concerns. Voices, predominantly in the Western sphere have repeatedly alleged that the user data collected by TikTok can be used by the Chinese state for surveillance and espionage.

The app has already been banned in India.

The ban does not include personal devices and there would be limited exemptions where TikTok is required on government devices for operational reasons, Dowden added.

"This is a proportionate move based on a specific risk with government devices," Dowden had said earlier.

Earlier in the week, when the prospect of such a ban was reported, TikTok has said it would be disappointed by such a ban.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UK has announced an immediate ban on TikTok on government devices. TikTok is a Chinese-owned short video sharing social media app that is raising privacy and security concerns, especially in Western countries.

The UK has announced an immediate ban on TikTok on government devices. TikTok is a Chinese-owned short video sharing social media app that is raising privacy and security concerns, especially in Western countries. "We're moving to a system where government devices will only be able to access third-party apps that are on a pre-approved list," Dowden told lawmakers. "We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect." TikTok has been in the crosshairs over privacy concerns. Voices, predominantly in the Western sphere have repeatedly alleged that the user data collected by TikTok can be used by the Chinese state for surveillance and espionage. The app has already been banned in India. The ban does not include personal devices and there would be limited exemptions where TikTok is required on government devices for operational reasons, Dowden added. "This is a proportionate move based on a specific risk with government devices," Dowden had said earlier. Earlier in the week, when the prospect of such a ban was reported, TikTok has said it would be disappointed by such a ban. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

TikTok banned on government devices in UK effective immediately

Imran Khan accused the Pakistan government of planning his arrest, calling it part of a “London plan” to finish all cases against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. In his latest video message, ex-Pakistan PM Khan said: “This is part of the London plan and an agreement has been signed there to put Imran in jail, make the PTI fall and finish all cases against Nawaz Sharif.”

'London plan': Imran Khan accuses Sharif of plotting his arrest

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe.

According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tiktok-adds-paywall-feature-with-longer-videos-for-creators-570548">TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators</a>

No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China.

This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe.

But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business.

The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed.

The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated.

WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok

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“We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement.

“We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday. The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe. According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for. ALSO READ | TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China. This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe. But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business. The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed. The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated. WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok “We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement. “We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Belgium follows footsteps of US and EU, bans TikTok from government phones

Pakistan’s police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse ousted prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters who gathered outside his residence here, defying a government ban on rallies.

Pakistan: 1 killed as police use water cannon, tear gas on Imran Khan's supporters in Lahore

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan along with other party leaders were booked in a case on Thursday following yesterday's clashes at the former ruling party's rally, which claimed the life of one PTI worker.

Imran, others charged with terrorism after clashes at PTI rally

The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement.

The bill was supported by the Democratic party's senior senator Mark Warner and South Dakota Republican John Thune, in an act of political entente by the lawmakers.

"We applaud the bipartisan group of senators, led by Senators Warner and Thune, who today introduced the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act," said Sullivan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-may-be-targetted-in-a-us-bill-to-ban-some-foreign-tech-senator-568965">TikTok may be targetted in a US bill to ban some foreign tech: Senator</a>

The bipartisan bill "would empower the United States government to prevent certain foreign governments from exploiting technology services... in a way that poses risks to Americans' sensitive data and our national security," he added in a statement.

"Today, the threat that everyone is talking about is TikTok, and how it could enable surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party, or facilitate the spread of malign influence campaigns in the US," said Senator Warner in a statement.

"Before TikTok, however, it was Huawei and ZTE, which threatened our nation's telecommunications networks. And before that, it was Russia's Kaspersky Lab, which threatened the security of government and corporate devices," he added.

Chinese firm ByteDance owns TikTok, which has more than a billion users across the world, which includes over 100 million in the US.

WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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Reacting to the bill, TikTok pointed to its months-long negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is a government agency that understands the foreign investments' risk to US national security.

"The Biden Administration does not need additional authority from Congress to address national security concerns about TikTok: It can approve the deal negotiated with CFIUS over two years that it has spent the last six months reviewing," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement.

The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. The bill was supported by the Democratic party's senior senator Mark Warner and South Dakota Republican John Thune, in an act of political entente by the lawmakers. "We applaud the bipartisan group of senators, led by Senators Warner and Thune, who today introduced the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act," said Sullivan. ALSO READ | TikTok may be targetted in a US bill to ban some foreign tech: Senator The bipartisan bill "would empower the United States government to prevent certain foreign governments from exploiting technology services... in a way that poses risks to Americans' sensitive data and our national security," he added in a statement. "Today, the threat that everyone is talking about is TikTok, and how it could enable surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party, or facilitate the spread of malign influence campaigns in the US," said Senator Warner in a statement. "Before TikTok, however, it was Huawei and ZTE, which threatened our nation's telecommunications networks. And before that, it was Russia's Kaspersky Lab, which threatened the security of government and corporate devices," he added. Chinese firm ByteDance owns TikTok, which has more than a billion users across the world, which includes over 100 million in the US. WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app Reacting to the bill, TikTok pointed to its months-long negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is a government agency that understands the foreign investments' risk to US national security. "The Biden Administration does not need additional authority from Congress to address national security concerns about TikTok: It can approve the deal negotiated with CFIUS over two years that it has spent the last six months reviewing," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

White House welcomes bill allowing ban on TikTok

Pakistan's media regulator banned broadcasts of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches as police arrived at one of his homes to deliver another court summons for the ousted premier, officials said on Monday.

Pakistan bans media broadcasts of ex-PM Imran Khan speeches

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced that they will hold a “historic” rally in Lahore on Wednesday, which will be attended by party chairman and the former prime minister Imran Khan.

PTI's historic public rally in Lahore on March 8

An Islamabad-based district court on Monday refused to withdraw a non-bailable arrest warrant it issued last week against former prime minister Imran Khan for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana case.

Islamabad court rejects Imran Khan’s plea seeking suspension of arrest warrant in Toshakhana case

Iraq's customs agency received orders on Saturday to begin implementing a prohibition on the entry of alcohol, despite disagreements over the legislation.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the specialty retail outlets that dominate alcohol sales in the virtual absence of bars or restaurants with permits continued to operate, at least in Baghdad, according to AFP.

The new law, which prohibits the sale, import, and manufacturing of alcohol, was first adopted by parliament in 2016, but it wasn't until it was published in the official gazette on February 20 that it became a law.

"The General Customs Authority has given orders to all customs centres to ban the entry of all types of alcoholic drink," the authority said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-popular-zero-calorie-sweetener-erythritol-can-cause-heart-attack-stroke-and-death-study-reveals-567001">Popular zero-calorie sweetener erythritol can cause heart attack, stroke and death, study reveals</a>

The new legislation imposes fines for violations of between 10 million and 25 million dinars ($7,700-$19,000).

Yet, it is in opposition to a government order that was approved less than a week earlier on February 14, which imposed a levy of 200 per cent on all imported alcoholic beverages for the following four years.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;An ancient restaurant unearthed by archaeologists in Iraq

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The proposal has come under harsh criticism from parliamentarians and human rights advocates who represent Iraq's shrinking non-Muslim minority.

According to MP Duraid Jameel of the Christian group, five members of parliament filed an appeal with the federal Supreme Court earlier this week, claiming that the prohibition was illegal since it did not respect the rights of minorities.

Although the alcohol ban is a federal law, it is unlikely to apply in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, which operates its own customs posts on the northern border with Turkey.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Iraq's customs agency received orders on Saturday to begin implementing a prohibition on the entry of alcohol, despite disagreements over the legislation. Nonetheless, the specialty retail outlets that dominate alcohol sales in the virtual absence of bars or restaurants with permits continued to operate, at least in Baghdad, according to AFP.

Iraq's customs agency received orders on Saturday to begin implementing a prohibition on the entry of alcohol, despite disagreements over the legislation. Nonetheless, the specialty retail outlets that dominate alcohol sales in the virtual absence of bars or restaurants with permits continued to operate, at least in Baghdad, according to AFP. The new law, which prohibits the sale, import, and manufacturing of alcohol, was first adopted by parliament in 2016, but it wasn't until it was published in the official gazette on February 20 that it became a law. "The General Customs Authority has given orders to all customs centres to ban the entry of all types of alcoholic drink," the authority said in a statement. ALSO READ | Popular zero-calorie sweetener erythritol can cause heart attack, stroke and death, study reveals The new legislation imposes fines for violations of between 10 million and 25 million dinars ($7,700-$19,000). Yet, it is in opposition to a government order that was approved less than a week earlier on February 14, which imposed a levy of 200 per cent on all imported alcoholic beverages for the following four years. ALSO WATCH | An ancient restaurant unearthed by archaeologists in Iraq The proposal has come under harsh criticism from parliamentarians and human rights advocates who represent Iraq's shrinking non-Muslim minority. According to MP Duraid Jameel of the Christian group, five members of parliament filed an appeal with the federal Supreme Court earlier this week, claiming that the prohibition was illegal since it did not respect the rights of minorities. Although the alcohol ban is a federal law, it is unlikely to apply in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, which operates its own customs posts on the northern border with Turkey. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iraq govt directs customs agency to start enforcing ban on import of alcohol

Tennessee’s governor, Bill Lee, is facing accusations of hypocrisy after a photo of him dressed in drag went viral days after the politician confirmed that he would sign legislation criminalizing drag performances.

How are Drag Queens 'National Nightmare' ?

Canada is the most recent nation to impose a ban on TikTok on devices provided by the government, claiming it poses a "unacceptable" level of risk to security and privacy. The action highlights the growing opposition to the social networking app owned by ByteDance, the most valued start-up in the world, due to worries about its ties to the Chinese government and control over user data globally.

Canada bans TikTok on government devices over security risks

Following similar moves by the United states and EU, Canada has banned TikTok from government-issued devices and mobile phones. Seth Schachner, Managing Director of Strat Americas joins us to discuss the practical implications of this.

Is the clock ticking on TikTok?

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered the immediate restoration of the Wikipedia website that was banned by the country's telecom regulator last week citing failure to remove "sacrilegious content."&nbsp;Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday warned Wikipedia of blocking its services if it failed to adhere to their order.&nbsp;

“The action was taken because some of the content is still available on Wikipedia after the expiry of a 48-hour deadline,” Malahat Obaid, spokesperson for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told Bloomberg.

Even before the blanket ban of the website, the country's telecom authority degraded Wikipedia services countrywide.&nbsp;In the most recent development, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) handout published on February 6 stated that Shehbaz held&nbsp;discussions with&nbsp;a committee of the ministries to conduct an initial investigation.

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The handout also said that the committee met and that its members discussed how Wikipedia supported the dissemination of knowledge and information for the public, students, and the academics. “Blocking the site in its entirety was not a suitable measure to restrict access to some objectionable content,” the PMO statement said. “The unintended consequences of this blanket ban, therefore, outweigh its benefits.”

After committee's recommendations, PM Shehbaz ordered the website's quick restoration and established a special cabinet committee including the ministries of law, information, commerce, and communication under the leadership of Aminul Haque, the IT minister.

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In addition, the committee would consider&nbsp;social, cultural, and religious sensibilities&nbsp;while considering alternative technological means for the deletion or banning of undesirable content on Wikipedia and other online information sites.

Wikimedia Foundation in its argument said that it does not make choices about what information is allowed on Wikipedia or how that content is maintained as it is&nbsp;"by design" to ensure&nbsp;that articles are the result&nbsp;of many individuals coming together to choose what information should be provided on the web, resulting in "richer", more unbiased articles.&nbsp;

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“We believe that access to knowledge is a human right. A block of Wikipedia in Pakistan denies the fifth most populous nation in the world access to the largest free knowledge repository. If it continues, it will also deprive everyone access to Pakistan’s history and culture,” it had said.

It added, “We hope that the Pakistan government joins with the Wikimedia Foundation in a commitment to knowledge as a human right and restores access to Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects promptly, so that the people of Pakistan can continue to receive and share knowledge with the world.”

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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered the immediate restoration of the Wikipedia website that was banned by the country's telecom regulator last week citing failure to remove "sacrilegious content.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered the immediate restoration of the Wikipedia website that was banned by the country's telecom regulator last week citing failure to remove "sacrilegious content." Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday warned Wikipedia of blocking its services if it failed to adhere to their order. “The action was taken because some of the content is still available on Wikipedia after the expiry of a 48-hour deadline,” Malahat Obaid, spokesperson for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told Bloomberg. Even before the blanket ban of the website, the country's telecom authority degraded Wikipedia services countrywide. In the most recent development, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) handout published on February 6 stated that Shehbaz held discussions with a committee of the ministries to conduct an initial investigation. Also Read | Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf’s mortal remains brought to Karachi The handout also said that the committee met and that its members discussed how Wikipedia supported the dissemination of knowledge and information for the public, students, and the academics. “Blocking the site in its entirety was not a suitable measure to restrict access to some objectionable content,” the PMO statement said. “The unintended consequences of this blanket ban, therefore, outweigh its benefits.” After committee's recommendations, PM Shehbaz ordered the website's quick restoration and established a special cabinet committee including the ministries of law, information, commerce, and communication under the leadership of Aminul Haque, the IT minister. Also Read | These nations, global organisations pledged support to Turkiye in its quake relief efforts In addition, the committee would consider social, cultural, and religious sensibilities while considering alternative technological means for the deletion or banning of undesirable content on Wikipedia and other online information sites. Wikimedia Foundation in its argument said that it does not make choices about what information is allowed on Wikipedia or how that content is maintained as it is "by design" to ensure that articles are the result of many individuals coming together to choose what information should be provided on the web, resulting in "richer", more unbiased articles. Watch | Turkiye and Syria struck by powerful earthquakes “We believe that access to knowledge is a human right. A block of Wikipedia in Pakistan denies the fifth most populous nation in the world access to the largest free knowledge repository. If it continues, it will also deprive everyone access to Pakistan’s history and culture,” it had said. It added, “We hope that the Pakistan government joins with the Wikimedia Foundation in a commitment to knowledge as a human right and restores access to Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects promptly, so that the people of Pakistan can continue to receive and share knowledge with the world.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Blanket ban not suitable': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif orders immediate restoration of Wikipedia

The Taliban Administration has banned most female aid workers and last year stopped women and girls from attending high schools and universities. Many female working as judges, prosecutors were threatened as well as they became the target of revenge attacks as they tried and convicted men accused of gender crimes including rape and murder.

Afghanistan: Taliban administration has banned most female aid workers

Taliban on Saturday banned female students from taking university entrance exams this year in all public and private universities in Afghanistan, reported the country's local media outlets. Afghanistan's universities need applicants to take the Kankor test. Thousands of high school graduates take this exam each year to continue their education at public, state-run, or private colleges.

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In the latest decree, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced a complete ban on female students’ enrollment in educational institutions effective from Saturday, 28 January 2023. &nbsp;

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According to the statement, private institutions must abide by the Taliban's rules and regulations and refrain from violating the most recent decree that limits the entrance of female students to private universities; otherwise, they risk facing penalties.

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This comes as the international community and humanitarian groups continue to pressure the Taliban regime to ease restrictions on Afghan women and girls' access to education. Recently, in a bid to reverse the ban on women aid workers, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths met several Taliban officials.&nbsp;

The Taliban’s ban on women working in NGOs has prompted major international aid agencies to suspend operations in Afghanistan. It also raised fears that millions will be deprived of critical services.

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Notably, the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have limited women's freedom of movement since 15 August, 2021. They prevented women from attending secondary education, excluding them from the majority of the workforce, and forbade them from visiting parks, gyms, and public bathrooms. Afghan women and girls are ultimately confined within the four walls of their houses as a result of these restrictions.

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Taliban on Saturday banned female students from taking university entrance exams this year in all public and private universities in Afghanistan, reported the country's local media outlets.

Taliban on Saturday banned female students from taking university entrance exams this year in all public and private universities in Afghanistan, reported the country's local media outlets. Afghanistan's universities need applicants to take the Kankor test. Thousands of high school graduates take this exam each year to continue their education at public, state-run, or private colleges. Also Read | Memphis police to ‘permanently deactivate’ its SCORPION unit whose officers fatally beat Tyre Nichols In the latest decree, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced a complete ban on female students’ enrollment in educational institutions effective from Saturday, 28 January 2023. × According to the statement, private institutions must abide by the Taliban's rules and regulations and refrain from violating the most recent decree that limits the entrance of female students to private universities; otherwise, they risk facing penalties. Also Read | Real-life Squid Game: Three people get treatment during filming of Netflix show This comes as the international community and humanitarian groups continue to pressure the Taliban regime to ease restrictions on Afghan women and girls' access to education. Recently, in a bid to reverse the ban on women aid workers, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths met several Taliban officials. The Taliban’s ban on women working in NGOs has prompted major international aid agencies to suspend operations in Afghanistan. It also raised fears that millions will be deprived of critical services. Watch | Zombie Fungus: Fungal pandemic can turn humans into zombies? Notably, the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have limited women's freedom of movement since 15 August, 2021. They prevented women from attending secondary education, excluding them from the majority of the workforce, and forbade them from visiting parks, gyms, and public bathrooms. Afghan women and girls are ultimately confined within the four walls of their houses as a result of these restrictions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Now, Taliban ban Afghan girls from appearing in university entrance exams

Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to take a step further into sustainability and climate protection as it aims to ban all plastic disposables provided as part of hotel bookings.

Guests to carry their own toiletries as Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to ban disposables

Amid the ongoing violation of the rights of Afghan women in Afghanistan, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has urged Taliban government to think about women's rights to education and employment. Watch further to know more.

OIC urges Taliban to open schools for girls

A top UN envoy held talks with the higher education minister of the Taliban-led Afghan government on Saturday to discuss the ban imposed on women's education in universities.&nbsp;

Markus Potzel became the first official of an international organisation who held talks with the minister after the ban was imposed.&nbsp;

On December 20, the Taliban authorities gave orders to private and public universities to stop the entry of female students with immediate effect, till further notice.&nbsp;

The step was widely condemned by international universities, which included Muslim-majority nations like Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

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The ban was defended by Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim who claimed that it is important to prevent different genders from mixing in the university, adding that he believes it to be a violation of Islamic principles.&nbsp;

After the ban on women's education, female employees were also banned from working in international and national non-governmental groups, which also led to further global condemnation and suspension of official work being carried out by various aid agencies in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The UN mission in Afghanistan stated that special envoy Markus Potzel appealed to the minister to lift these bans immediately, adding that the nation is entering into a new era of crisis.

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“Taliban bans on female education &amp; work for aid agencies will harm all Afghans,” the mission stated. Potzel also held talks with Economy Minister Qari Din Mohammed Hanif who had issued the ban on women working in NGOs, along with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi; and former President Hamid Karzai to discuss the latest crackdowns on Afghan women.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A top UN envoy held talks with the higher education minister of the Taliban-led Afghan government on Saturday to discuss the ban imposed on women's education in universities.

A top UN envoy held talks with the higher education minister of the Taliban-led Afghan government on Saturday to discuss the ban imposed on women's education in universities. Markus Potzel became the first official of an international organisation who held talks with the minister after the ban was imposed. On December 20, the Taliban authorities gave orders to private and public universities to stop the entry of female students with immediate effect, till further notice. The step was widely condemned by international universities, which included Muslim-majority nations like Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. ALSO READ| Afghan hospital wards full with children suffering from pneumonia The ban was defended by Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim who claimed that it is important to prevent different genders from mixing in the university, adding that he believes it to be a violation of Islamic principles. After the ban on women's education, female employees were also banned from working in international and national non-governmental groups, which also led to further global condemnation and suspension of official work being carried out by various aid agencies in Afghanistan. The UN mission in Afghanistan stated that special envoy Markus Potzel appealed to the minister to lift these bans immediately, adding that the nation is entering into a new era of crisis. WATCH| Gravitas: Prince Harry claims he killed 25 people in Afghanistan “Taliban bans on female education & work for aid agencies will harm all Afghans,” the mission stated. Potzel also held talks with Economy Minister Qari Din Mohammed Hanif who had issued the ban on women working in NGOs, along with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi; and former President Hamid Karzai to discuss the latest crackdowns on Afghan women. (With inputs from agencies)

UN envoy holds meeting with Afghan higher education chief over ban on women's education

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