Facebook launches internet.org in Pakistan

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 10 years ago

ISLAMABAD: Facebook has launched internet.org in collaboration with local telecom company Telenor to provide free and basic internet access to people.

An array of services pertaining to health, education, finance, news and jobs can easily be accessed now on internet.org free of cost.

Local websites such as Ilmkidunya, Mustakbil.com and Urdupoint are also part of the package in the country.

“If someone can’t afford to pay for connectivity, it is always better to have some access than none at all,” Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder, wrote on his page in response to criticism by some digital rights activists.

Dive Deeper

Sohrab Barkat’s airport arrest defies court directive

November 27, 2025: Journalist Sohrab Barkatt was detained at Islamabad Airport despite a court order removing his name from the PNIL, raising concerns about rule-of-law gaps and media freedoms.

Najam Sethi to debut new show on Dunya News

November 26, 2025: Najam Sethi will host a new prime-time show on Dunya News following his departure from Samaa TV, signaling a key move in Pakistan’s competitive media landscape.

Shalimar Recording Company to terminate all staff

November 26, 2025: Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) will cease operations and terminate all personnel by Nov 30, 2025, as ordered under court-supervised liquidation, affecting hundreds of employees.

Lahore journalists reported missing after by-election coverage

November 25, 2025: Two Lahore-based digital journalists went missing after covering the alleged by-election irregularities, with colleagues alleging police involvement and no court appearance reported.

Journalists face new risks and opportunities from X’s location labels

November 24, 2025: Journalists should brace for both safety risks and new verification tools after X’s 'About This Account' feature begins to disclose the location of user accounts.

New study shows alarming decline in press freedom in Pakistan

November 20, 2025: New data from the Worlds of Journalism Report shows rising threats, political pressures, and shrinking media freedom for Pakistani journalists working in an increasingly hostile environment.

Shahzeb Khanzada faces lawsuit threat in Canada over video

November 19, 2025: Shahid Bhatti threatens legal action against Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife in Canada, claiming their actions endangered his life and violated Canadian law.

Journalists condemn police handling of Imran Khan’s sisters

November 19, 2025: Journalists across Pakistan condemn police for allegedly roughing up Imran Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail, sparking outrage and raising questions about rights and accountability.

Newsroom

Inside the world's largest private sports memorabilia collection

November 29, 2025 Dr. Nauman Niaz owns the world's largest private sports memorabilia collection. From Bradman's bats to Ali's gloves, explore rare cricket and sports treasures.

Tunisian commentator Sonia Dahmani released after detention

November 28, 2025 Tunisian commentator Sonia Dahmani is released after over a year in detention, raising questions on press freedom, remaining trials, and EU calls for journalist protections.

The shift from text to video reshapes journalism standards

November 28, 2025 As newsrooms move from text to video, journalists face new challenges in accuracy, ethics, and verification. Here is how the shift is reshaping journalism standards today.

EU states move to boost independent journalism visibility

November 28, 2025 EU states back stronger rules to increase online visibility for independent journalism, aiming to protect media pluralism and safeguard access to reliable information across digital platforms.

India Supreme Court calls for an independent social media regulator

November 28, 2025 India’s Supreme Court urges the creation of an independent regulator and pre-screening rules for social media content, signaling major shifts in digital media oversight and compliance.