Global oil prices continued to rise sharply on Thursday as Brent crude oil crossed the $100 per barrel mark for the first time in weeks. The increase came after growing security concerns in the Red Sea raised fears about possible disruptions to global oil supplies and important shipping routes.

At the time of reporting, Brent crude was trading at $100.10 per barrel, gaining $6.07 or 6.45 percent during the day. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil also increased to $91.49 per barrel, up $4.66 or 5.37 percent.

Over the past 20 days, Brent crude has jumped by around 42 percent, showing how quickly oil prices have risen due to increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The latest price increase follows claims by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group, which said it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The reported attacks have increased concerns about the safety of ships passing through one of the world’s busiest and most important sea routes.

Because of these security risks, several shipping companies have reportedly started diverting their oil tankers to safer routes. While this helps protect ships and their crews, it also makes journeys longer and more expensive, increasing transportation costs for oil around the world.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz are two of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Together, these two narrow waterways handle around one-third of all crude oil transported by sea worldwide.

Every day, an estimated 25 to 30 million barrels of crude oil pass through these two routes. If shipping is disrupted in either location, it can slow oil deliveries, reduce supply in global markets, and increase oil prices.

Energy traders and investors are becoming increasingly worried that tensions in the region could continue or even become worse. As a result, many buyers are paying higher prices now because they fear future shortages in oil supplies.

Over the last two weeks, global oil prices have already increased by nearly 20 percent as markets reacted to the growing political and security risks in the Middle East.

Experts warn that if Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel for a long period, it could have a major impact on the global economy.

Higher oil prices usually lead to more expensive petrol and diesel, which increases transportation costs. Businesses may also face higher manufacturing and delivery expenses, which can eventually raise the prices of everyday products and services.

For countries like Pakistan that import large amounts of oil, higher global oil prices can create additional economic pressure. They can increase the country’s import bill, put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, weaken the local currency, and lead to higher fuel and electricity prices for consumers.

Overall, the sharp rise in oil prices reflects growing fears that continued attacks on oil tankers and shipping routes in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies. If security conditions do not improve, oil prices may remain high or rise even further, increasing inflation and putting additional pressure on economies around the world.

Meta has announced a new benefit for Meta Quest headset users by adding the Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition to its Meta Horizon+ subscription service at no extra cost. This means Horizon+ subscribers can now enjoy a large collection of Xbox games along with their existing VR game library using a single subscription.

With this update, Meta Horizon+ subscribers can access more than 50 Xbox games in addition to over 100 virtual reality (VR) games already included in the service. The goal is to give Quest users more entertainment options without increasing the subscription price.

One of the biggest features is the ability to stream Xbox games directly inside a Meta Quest headset. Instead of playing on a TV or computer monitor, users can enjoy their games on a giant virtual screen inside the headset. Meta says subscribers can stream Xbox games for up to 10 hours every month through the included Game Pass Starter Edition membership.

Although the games are played inside the headset, they are not virtual reality games. Instead, the games appear on a large virtual display, giving users the feeling of playing on a huge cinema-sized screen while wearing their Quest headset.

At the moment, players need an Xbox wireless controller to play these Xbox games. The Quest’s regular controllers cannot yet be used as Xbox controllers.

However, Meta has confirmed that this will change soon. The company is preparing a firmware update for the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. After the update is released, the Quest Touch Controllers will be able to act like an Xbox controller, allowing users to play supported Xbox games without buying additional hardware.

Meta says the update will begin rolling out over the next few weeks.

The Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition includes access to a wide variety of popular games. Some of the well-known titles available in the library include:

• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76
• Overcooked 2
• Grounded
• DayZ

These games cover different genres, including action, survival, adventure, and multiplayer games, giving players plenty of choices.

While playing, users can enjoy the games on a virtual display that can appear as large as a 26-foot screen. Meta also offers a special Xbox-themed virtual environment, making the gaming experience feel more immersive even though the games themselves are not designed for virtual reality.

Along with Xbox games, the Meta Horizon+ subscription continues to include more than 100 VR games that users can download and play directly on compatible Quest headsets. This means subscribers get access to both traditional Xbox games and dedicated VR experiences through one membership.

The Meta Horizon+ subscription is available for $59.99 per year or $7.99 per month. New subscribers also receive a free one-month trial, allowing them to test the service before paying.

This new Xbox Game Pass benefit adds even more value to the subscription without increasing its price, making it more attractive for both gamers and Quest headset owners.

Meta is also expected to announce more news about its virtual reality products during the Meta Connect event in September. The company is likely to reveal updates about future Quest headsets, new software features, and additional improvements to its VR ecosystem.

Overall, the addition of Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition makes Meta Horizon+ a more complete gaming service. Subscribers can now enjoy over 150 games, including VR titles and popular Xbox games, all through one affordable subscription. The upcoming controller update will make the experience even more convenient, allowing Quest users to play Xbox games without needing a separate Xbox controller

Google has introduced a new data transfer system in Android 17 that makes it much easier for iPhone users to switch to an Android phone. The new feature allows users to transfer most of their important data wirelessly, without needing to install a separate migration app.

Google announced this upgrade on July 22 alongside Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 smartphones. The company says the new migration system is designed to make moving from an iPhone to Android faster, simpler, and more convenient.

One of the biggest improvements is that the transfer tool is now built directly into Android 17. In previous versions, users often had to download an additional app or use extra steps to move their data. With Android 17, everything is included in the phone’s setup process, making switching to Android much easier for new users.

The new system can transfer a wide range of important information from an iPhone to an Android phone. This includes:

• Photos
• Videos
• Contacts
• Text messages
• Calendar events
• Google accounts
• Saved passwords
• Wi-Fi network information
• eSIM data

This means users can move most of their personal information to their new Android device without having to manually set everything up again.

The transfer process has also been simplified. During the setup of a new Android 17 phone, users simply select the option that says they are moving from an iPhone or iPad.

The Android phone then displays a QR code on its screen.

Users scan this QR code using their iPhone, which securely connects both devices. Once connected, they can choose exactly what they want to transfer. For example, they can copy only their contacts and photos or transfer almost everything from the old phone.

Google says the wireless transfer process requires the receiving phone to run Android 17 or a newer version.

The iPhone should also be updated to the latest available version of iOS, with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on before starting the transfer.

Initially, Google says this feature will be available on the upcoming Pixel 10 and newer Pixel devices. If the QR code does not appear or cannot be scanned for any reason, users can still use the older transfer method as a backup.

Google also plans to expand the feature to more Android phones running Android 17 in the future, although it has not yet shared a complete list of supported devices or an official rollout schedule.

Another useful improvement is that users do not have to wait for the entire transfer process to finish before using their new phone.

After starting the transfer, they can continue setting up their Android device while photos, videos, messages, and other files are copied in the background.

However, Google advises users to keep the iPhone turned on and leave it on the transfer screen until the process is fully completed to avoid interruptions.

Some types of information require users to have a Google Account.

For example, transferring saved passwords, Google apps, notes, and certain settings requires a Google account.

If the iPhone is already signed in with a Google account, that account can automatically move to the new Android phone during setup.

If not, users can either sign in with an existing Google account or create a new one while setting up their new device.

Google has also improved eSIM transfer, making it easier for users who use digital SIM cards.

Once the main data transfer is complete, users can transfer an eligible eSIM by following the instructions shown on both devices.

To complete the process, the iPhone must remain turned on and connected to the Android phone.

Users simply select the eSIM they want to move and follow the on-screen instructions.

However, Google notes that eSIM transfer is not supported by every mobile network.

If a user’s mobile carrier does not support automatic eSIM transfer, they may need to contact their network provider to activate the eSIM manually.

Samsung has also confirmed that the new migration system will be available on its latest foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8.

According to Samsung, users will need:

• An Android phone running Android 17 with One UI 9 or later
• An iPhone running iOS 26.6 or later

These requirements apply to both wireless and wired data transfers.

Samsung also explained that the amount of data users can transfer may depend on the transfer method being used. Similarly, eSIM support will vary depending on the user’s mobile network operator.

Overall, Google’s new Android 17 migration system represents a major improvement for people moving from an iPhone to Android. By building the transfer tool directly into the operating system, simplifying the setup process with QR code pairing, supporting wireless transfers, and allowing users to move photos, contacts, messages, passwords, Wi-Fi settings, Google accounts, and even eSIMs, Google is making the switch to Android much smoother than before.

Although the feature is currently rolling out to selected Pixel devices, Google plans to bring it to more Android smartphones in the future. Once widely available, the new migration system could make switching from an iPhone to Android easier and more convenient for millions of users around the world

Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a new program to provide free digital business and artificial intelligence (AI) training to 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Pakistan.

The initiative is aimed at helping Pakistani businesses improve their digital skills, use AI tools more effectively, and grow their businesses through online platforms. At the same time, the Government of Pakistan has invited Meta to become a long-term partner in the country’s digital transformation efforts.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and a Meta delegation led by Tehara Punchihewa, who looks after Public Policy for the Asia-Pacific region, and Vivian Liang, Meta’s Policy Programs Manager for Asia-Pacific.

During the meeting, Meta introduced its Small Business Growth Academy, a special training program that will run from August to November 2026.

Under this initiative, 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses from different parts of Pakistan will receive free training through both online classes and in-person workshops.

The program will be delivered in partnership with AtomCamp, a Pakistani technology education company that specializes in AI and digital skills training.

Participants will learn how to make better use of Meta’s digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Business, to reach more customers and increase sales.

The training will also focus on the latest AI-powered business tools, showing businesses how artificial intelligence can help create marketing content, improve customer communication, analyze business data, and increase overall productivity.

In addition, business owners will receive guidance on digital marketing strategies, including how to advertise online, build a strong social media presence, engage with customers, and grow their businesses using modern digital technologies.

According to Meta, the main goal of the program is to improve digital skills among Pakistani entrepreneurs, help businesses access larger markets, and support economic growth through technology.

The company also said that the initiative will place special focus on women entrepreneurs and businesses located in smaller cities and underserved areas, giving them better opportunities to benefit from digital technology and online commerce.

Speaking during the meeting, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that digital transformation is one of the government’s top priorities. He explained that Pakistan is working to modernize government departments and public institutions by using digital technologies to improve governance, public services, and economic competitiveness.

The minister also informed the Meta delegation that Pakistan is preparing a new National E-Commerce Policy, which aims to promote online businesses, improve digital trade, and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs.

At the same time, the government is also developing a National Artificial Intelligence Policy to encourage innovation, support technology startups, strengthen entrepreneurship, and promote AI-based economic growth.

Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be viewed only as a tool for chatbots or online conversations. Instead, he said AI has the potential to improve policy planning, business intelligence, data analysis, decision-making, and the efficiency of government institutions.

He highlighted Pakistan’s strong potential as a growing digital market, pointing to the country’s young population, increasing number of smartphone users, and rapidly expanding digital economy.

According to the minister, these factors make Pakistan an attractive market for global technology companies that want to invest in digital education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

To ensure the training program reaches as many businesses as possible, Jam Kamal Khan encouraged Meta to work closely with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), local Chambers of Commerce, and various trade associations across the country.

These partnerships would help spread awareness about the program and allow businesses from different regions to participate.

The minister also invited Meta to continue working with Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce beyond this initiative. He proposed long-term cooperation in areas such as digital literacy, AI education, SME development, digital trade, and entrepreneurship.

In response, the Meta delegation expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan and expanding the Small Business Growth Academy in the future.

The company said it looks forward to supporting more Pakistani entrepreneurs by helping them develop modern digital skills and use AI technologies to grow their businesses.

Overall, the new initiative represents an important step toward improving digital education and business skills in Pakistan. By offering free AI and digital marketing training to 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses, Meta aims to help entrepreneurs become more competitive, reach new customers, increase online sales, and contribute to the country’s growing digital economy. The partnership also reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to use technology and artificial intelligence to support economic development, innovation, and job creation

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released its latest Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Report for the second quarter of 2026, but the report has once again disappointed many users because it does not clearly identify the best and worst internet service providers (ISPs) in Pakistan.

Instead of giving an overall nationwide ranking, the PTA has only shared the performance of internet companies in the specific cities where they were tested. This makes it difficult for customers to compare internet providers across the country or know which company offers the best overall service.

The report examined 34 fixed broadband operators in 24 cities during the second quarter of 2026. PTA tested these companies using several important performance indicators to measure the quality of their internet services.

The tests included:

• Network availability, which measures how often the internet service remains available without interruptions.
• Bandwidth utilization, which checks whether users are receiving the internet speed they are paying for.
• Latency, which measures how quickly data travels between the user and the internet. Lower latency means a faster response, which is especially important for online gaming and video calls.
• Jitter, which measures how stable the internet connection is during activities such as voice and video calls.
• Throughput, which measures the actual internet speed users experience while downloading or uploading data.

Although PTA collected this data, it did not combine the results into a single national score for each internet provider. As a result, customers cannot easily determine which company performed best overall.

Instead, every provider was judged only in the cities where it was tested. This means an internet company may receive a perfect score in one city while performing poorly in another. Because of this, the report does not provide a clear picture of each company’s overall service quality across Pakistan.

For example, PTCL, Pakistan’s largest internet provider, received full compliance in Multan, showing that it met all of PTA’s quality standards there. However, in Gwadar, PTCL achieved only 42.86 percent compliance, the lowest score recorded in the entire survey.

Similarly, National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) performed well in Sukkur, where it achieved full compliance, but received only partial compliance in Gwadar.

Another major broadband provider, Nayatel, also showed mixed results. The company achieved full compliance in Lahore, but only partial compliance in Islamabad and Multan.

Several smaller internet service providers received 100 percent compliance, meaning they met all of PTA’s quality requirements in the cities where they were tested.

These included:

• Cyber Internet Services in Abbottabad
• New Millennium Network in Abbottabad
• Global Xperts in Abbottabad
• SCO in Barah and Khaplu
• The Professional Communications in Islamabad
• Netpoint IT & Communication in Jatlan
• Helium Communication in Karachi
• Satcomm in Karachi
• Supernet in Karachi
• Telecard in Karachi
• Global Connect Synergy in Karachi
• Call 2 Phone in Lahore
• NU Internet in Lahore
• Connect Communications in Mardan
• Broadband Business Ideas in Matiari
• Comsats Internet Services in Multan
• Cyber Internet Services in Peshawar
• CMPak LDI in Quetta
• TES Media in Quetta
• Gamma Links in Rawalpindi
• Nexgen Telecommunication in Sargodha
• Micro Tel in Sargodha
• NTC in Sukkur
• Wancom in Sukkur

Several other operators received partial compliance, meaning they met some of PTA’s quality standards but failed to meet all of them.

These included:

• Air Touch Wireless in Batkhela
• NTC in Gwadar
• Nayatel in Islamabad
• Net-Cloud Telecom in Kabirwala
• Kot Jamel Cable Network
• Pace Telecom in Mardan
• Mansoorah Telecommunications in Mian Channu
• Nayatel in Multan
• Pace Telecom in Quetta
• Prime Broadband in Sahiwal
• Classic Broadband in Sehnsa
• Galaxy Technology in Sukkur

One of the biggest criticisms of the report is that PTA did not provide an overall compliance score for each company operating nationwide.

For example, customers who want to compare PTCL, Nayatel, or NTC across Pakistan cannot do so because the report only shows city-by-city performance instead of combining all test results into a national ranking.

The report also does not consider the number of customers served by each provider. Large companies with millions of subscribers are evaluated in the same way as smaller regional internet providers that serve only a single city or district.

Many industry observers believe that subscriber numbers should also be considered when preparing such reports, as this would provide a better understanding of how major internet providers perform for most Pakistani users.

Another concern is that PTA did not clearly explain which companies officially passed or failed the quality assessment. While compliance percentages were published, the authority did not prepare an overall list showing the country’s best-performing and worst-performing internet service providers.

The regulator also did not explain whether any action would be taken against companies that repeatedly failed to meet quality standards.

Like previous Quality of Service reports, PTA advised operators with poor performance to improve their network capacity, upgrade their infrastructure, and enhance service quality.

However, the authority did not announce any penalties, fines, deadlines, or enforcement measures for operators that failed to meet the required standards.

Many internet users believe that future PTA reports should be more transparent by providing:

• A nationwide ranking of all major internet providers.
• An overall score for each operator.
• Separate rankings for speed, reliability, latency, and customer experience.
• Information about how many customers each provider serves.
• Details of any action taken against companies that repeatedly fail to meet quality standards.

Such improvements would help consumers make better decisions when choosing an internet service provider and encourage companies to improve their services through greater competition.

Overall, while PTA’s latest Broadband Quality of Service Report provides useful technical information about internet performance in different cities, it falls short of giving consumers a clear national comparison. Without overall rankings, subscriber-based analysis, and enforcement details, many users are still left wondering which internet provider truly offers the best broadband service in Pakistan

A new leak suggests that Apple is working on a larger display for its future iPhone 20 Pro Max, which is expected to be released as part of the company’s 20th anniversary iPhone lineup. Although Apple has not officially confirmed the phone or its features, the latest rumors point to one of the biggest iPhone redesigns in years.

According to well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently testing a display measuring around 6.96 inches. If the phone reaches the market with this screen, Apple could advertise it as a 7-inch display.

The new screen would only be slightly larger than the current Pro Max model. However, the report says Apple plans to keep the same screen shape and aspect ratio. This means the phone may not become much wider or more difficult to hold, even with the slightly larger display.

The leak also notes that Apple regularly tests different hardware during product development. Many prototype designs never reach the final product, so there is no guarantee that the 6.96-inch display will be included in the finished smartphone.

The display rumor follows several earlier reports claiming that Apple is preparing a major redesign for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. The company is expected to give the device a more modern appearance with an edge-to-edge quad-curved display.

A quad-curved display curves gently on all four sides, creating a more seamless and premium look. The screen would blend smoothly into the phone’s frame, making the front of the device appear almost entirely covered by glass.

Reports also claim that Apple is working with Samsung Display to develop a special equal-depth quad-curved OLED panel for the new iPhone. This display is expected to improve both the appearance and the overall user experience.

There is still some uncertainty about the phone’s name. Some reports suggest Apple could release it as the iPhone 19 Pro, while others believe the company may skip directly to iPhone 20 to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

Another exciting feature reportedly being tested is under-display Face ID. Instead of placing the Face ID sensors inside the Dynamic Island, Apple may hide them underneath the display itself. The company is also said to be testing an under-display front camera, which would remove the visible camera cutout from the screen.

If Apple successfully develops this technology in time, the anniversary iPhone could offer a true full-screen display without any notch or Dynamic Island, giving users a cleaner and more immersive viewing experience.

However, these technologies are still being tested, and there is no confirmation that they will be ready for the final version of the phone.

The leaks also suggest Apple is experimenting with solid-state buttons. Unlike traditional mechanical buttons that physically move when pressed, solid-state buttons use haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of a button press.

If introduced, these new buttons could replace the existing volume buttons, power button, Action Button, and Camera Control button. This design could improve durability by reducing moving parts while providing a more modern user experience.

Battery life may also receive a major upgrade. According to earlier rumors, Apple is testing a battery with a capacity of around 6,000mAh, which would be one of the largest batteries ever used in an iPhone.

A larger battery could significantly improve battery life, allowing users to spend more time watching videos, playing games, browsing the internet, and using AI-powered features without needing to recharge frequently.

Some reports also claim the phone may support reverse wireless charging. This feature would allow users to charge compatible accessories, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch, simply by placing them on the back of the iPhone.

Despite the growing number of leaks, Apple has not officially confirmed any of these features. The larger display, quad-curved design, under-display Face ID, under-display selfie camera, solid-state buttons, larger battery, and reverse wireless charging are all still based on early reports and prototype testing.

Apple is not expected to launch its anniversary iPhone lineup until next year, giving the company plenty of time to make changes before the final product is announced.

If the rumors prove accurate, the iPhone 20 Pro Max could become one of Apple’s biggest smartphone upgrades in years. Rather than simply making the phone larger, Apple appears to be focusing on creating a more immersive edge-to-edge display, improving battery life, and introducing new technologies that could make the iPhone look and feel more futuristic than ever before

Sindh Police to Set Up Digital Forensic Lab

Sindh Police has decided to establish a Digital Forensic Laboratory to strengthen criminal investigations and better deal with crimes involving modern technology. The new facility will help investigators collect, examine, and analyze digital evidence from electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, and other digital equipment.

The decision was discussed during a review meeting held at the Central Police Office on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Inspector General (IG) of Police Javed Alam Odho, who emphasized the importance of using modern technology in law enforcement.

During the meeting, IG Javed Alam Odho said that crime has changed significantly over the years. Many criminals now use smartphones, computers, social media, and other digital tools to commit offences, making it difficult to solve cases through traditional investigation methods alone.

He said that police investigations must now rely more on technology and digital evidence instead of only depending on eyewitness statements or conventional investigation techniques. According to him, using scientific and evidence-based methods will improve the quality of investigations and help police solve cases more accurately.

Several senior police officials attended the meeting, including the Additional Inspector General of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) from the headquarters, IT, telecommunications, transport, and training departments, along with Assistant Inspectors General and other senior officers.

During the meeting, officials reviewed different proposals for establishing the Digital Forensic Laboratory. The IT project director gave a detailed presentation explaining the laboratory’s planned functions, technical requirements, equipment, and how it will operate once completed.

Officials informed the meeting that around 97 percent of criminal investigations now involve digital devices, including mobile phones, computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic equipment. These devices often contain valuable evidence such as messages, call records, emails, social media activity, location history, photos, videos, and other digital data that can help investigators identify suspects and solve crimes.

The meeting was also told that nearly 90 percent of criminal cases around the world now depend on digital evidence in one way or another. This highlights the growing importance of digital forensic technology in modern policing.

The planned Digital Forensic Laboratory will enable Sindh Police to examine electronic evidence more efficiently, improve the accuracy of investigations, speed up criminal cases, and strengthen the prosecution process by providing reliable digital evidence in courts.

By introducing modern forensic technology, Sindh Police aims to improve its ability to investigate cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, online scams, digital harassment, and other crimes that involve electronic devices. The initiative is expected to modernize the province’s law enforcement system and help police keep pace with the increasing use of technology in criminal activities.

Sindh Police has decided to establish a Digital Forensic Laboratory to strengthen criminal investigations and better deal with crimes involving modern technology. The new facility will help investigators collect, examine, and analyze digital evidence from electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, and other digital equipment.

The decision was discussed during a review meeting held at the Central Police Office on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Inspector General (IG) of Police Javed Alam Odho, who emphasized the importance of using modern technology in law enforcement.

During the meeting, IG Javed Alam Odho said that crime has changed significantly over the years. Many criminals now use smartphones, computers, social media, and other digital tools to commit offences, making it difficult to solve cases through traditional investigation methods alone.

He said that police investigations must now rely more on technology and digital evidence instead of only depending on eyewitness statements or conventional investigation techniques. According to him, using scientific and evidence-based methods will improve the quality of investigations and help police solve cases more accurately.

Several senior police officials attended the meeting, including the Additional Inspector General of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) from the headquarters, IT, telecommunications, transport, and training departments, along with Assistant Inspectors General and other senior officers.

During the meeting, officials reviewed different proposals for establishing the Digital Forensic Laboratory. The IT project director gave a detailed presentation explaining the laboratory’s planned functions, technical requirements, equipment, and how it will operate once completed.

Officials informed the meeting that around 97 percent of criminal investigations now involve digital devices, including mobile phones, computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic equipment. These devices often contain valuable evidence such as messages, call records, emails, social media activity, location history, photos, videos, and other digital data that can help investigators identify suspects and solve crimes.

The meeting was also told that nearly 90 percent of criminal cases around the world now depend on digital evidence in one way or another. This highlights the growing importance of digital forensic technology in modern policing.

The planned Digital Forensic Laboratory will enable Sindh Police to examine electronic evidence more efficiently, improve the accuracy of investigations, speed up criminal cases, and strengthen the prosecution process by providing reliable digital evidence in courts.

By introducing modern forensic technology, Sindh Police aims to improve its ability to investigate cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, online scams, digital harassment, and other crimes that involve electronic devices. The initiative is expected to modernize the province’s law enforcement system and help police keep pace with the increasing use of technology in criminal activities.