Cell Towers Banned from Karachi
There has been a serious shortage of idiotic behaviour from official circles recently. Dr.Sagheer Ahmed bravely steps up to supply a tankful of idiocy and end this shortage.
====================================================
Companies stand defiant against Sindh govt
Cellular service providers say it is impossible to move towers outside the city; Sindh govt gives companies 30 days to comply.
By Imran Ayub
Karachi
Cellular companies have decided not to pay heed to the Sindh government’s directive to move their towers from residential areas, on the grounds that they are obligated to follow the policy designed by the telecom watchdog and are not accountable to provincial authorities.
Senior officials of all six cellular companies pleaded ignorance about the provincial government’s campaign, saying that they always move on the directives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which has not approached any one of them yet.
“We have 317 towers within Karachi, which are likely to increase to 400 by June,” said an official at one of the companies. “We are not going to stop as there is no such directive from the PTA and we are not responsible to act on the campaign of any other organisation or authority.”
An official of another company said the PTA was the only organisation that could issue directives to the cellular companies, and, therefore, the Sindh government should approach the regional office of the authority to make its campaign effective.
“Even if the PTA agrees with the Sindh government, the shifting of cellular base station antennas (towers) outside the city is next to impossible,” he added.
The environment and alternative energy ministry of Sindh earlier this month asked the cellular companies to shift their base station antennas or mobile phone towers outside the residential areas. This call was made showing concern over radiation-related hazards associated with the cellular infrastructure, which are harmful for human life and health.
However, after more than a week has transpired since the call, there had been no such move from a single cellular company, which, it seems, is not taking the Sindh government’s concern seriously. On the other hand, the telecom watchdog is also not aware of the provincial orders.
“Normally, we are approached on any complaint against any telecom company,” said spokesman for the PTA when contacted in Islamabad. “But the Sindh government has not yet lodged a complaint or sought any cooperation from us.”
He said the PTA had received policy guidelines to check mobile tower hazards in the urban residential areas, which were being studied thoroughly before proper implementation.
“The PTA only implements the policy ñ its design and framing is done by the federal ministry,” he added. “We are bound to follow the policy guidelines issued by the federal ministry of IT and telecom, but are not aware of any role of the Sindh government on the subject.”
The city houses more than more than 1,700 cellular base station antennas mainly in the residential areas installed by all six cellular companies, which the Sindh government believes poses a serious threat to public health.
The number of mobile phone users crossed the 50 million mark in February 2007, with Karachi accounting for more than 50 per cent of the total cellular subscriber base across the country.
Four out of six cellular companies ñ Mobilink, Ufone, Al Warid and Telenor (listed in descending order of user base size) ñ operate a majority of their cellular base station antennas in Karachi, which is where a majority of their customers are.
However, all six companies seem to be standing in defiance of the provincial government, which usually waits for a month before taking any action.
“We have decided to wait for the next 30 days,” said Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Sindh Environment and Alternative Energy Minister. “We have approached the cellular companies directly to fix the issue but if they fail to do so, we would definitely take legal action.”
“It is mandatory to shift these towers, which are harmful for human life and health, from thickly populated areas.”
He said the government was more concerned about public health and safety but, at the same time, it offered all due support to business organisations. The cellular companies, the minister said, should realise the intention and spirit of the government as the radiation from cellular base station antennas was hazardous for human health.
“We only want protection measures from the cellular companies while installing such stations,” said Dr Ahmed. “Recognised research institutes, world wide, have established that the presence of such stations in residential areas is harmful for human health and no one can deny such fact.”
Labels: gorement, GSM, idiots, Wireless
1 Comments:
“We have decided to wait for the next 30 days,” said Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Sindh Environment and Alternative Energy Minister. “We have approached the cellular companies directly to fix the issue but if they fail to do so, we would definitely take legal action.” (DCO district coordination Officer or District Nazim can stop anything any activity which is dangerous for general public under Section 144)
------- it is 10th June 2008 now, ....When will Dr. Sagheer Ahmad or any other responsible Officer of Sindh or Pakistan Government initiate legal action against the defiant GSM mobile companies to remove the cancer spreading mobile towers and removal of mobile Towers from the densely populated area of karachi and other cities of pakistan?.., when 100% of our population will be exposed to mobile tower radiation and become cancer patient due to 24 hours thoroughout the year exposure of mobile tower radiation.
Following are some EYE-OPENER for PAkistan health Minister and PTA and our Supreme court to take SOU MOTO action against these defiant Mobile Phone companies. In UK these are called "Tower Of DOOM" meaning "MAUT KAY TOWER" see this link (Modretor please make following links clickable to open in new tab or new browser window)http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23407354-details/Orange+to+remove+mobile+mast+from+'tower+of+doom',+where+cancer+rate+has+soared/article.do/>
complete detailed with medical research references http://www.scram.uk.com/Docs/Base%20station%20emissions%20and%20health%20concerns%203pdf.pdf
this Link may teach a lesson to PTA chairman and our learned Health minister http://educate-yourself.org/cn/neilcherrycellphonerisks07may01.shtml
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/natawcampak.html breast cancer in pakistan has increased
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/enis.html
worth reading -- Mobile And Wireless - Largest Biological Experiment http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2006/04/20/mobile_and_wireless_largest_biological_experiment.htm
Following links from http://www.earthrainbownetwork.com/Archives2007/BigScoop17.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1687357.ece is it the mobile phone masts causing cancer ?
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/3715609/ Oprah and Dr. Carlo :Cell phones and your health (May 10,2007)
Are mobile phone masts killing bees? (7/ 5/2007) http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/3697498/
To Bee or not to Bee http://omega.twoday.net/stories/3695900/
Colony Collapse Syndrome (CCS) poses a serious risk to bees as well as to global agriculture. What was not explored in your article [ http://omega.twoday.net/stories/3672147/ ] is the fact that CCS is being caused by the globalization of microwave radiation that is utilized by telecommunications.
Bees immune systems damaged (7 May 2007)
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/bees_immune_systems_damaged.htm
Here are another three interesting stories about honey bees dying or vanishing. In the Australian story researchers have dissected bees that have died and they have found that their immune systems have "totally gone to pieces". "It like they just lost their immune system and anything will kill them".
Australian bees in high demand ( 7 May , 2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2007/s1916354.htm
Australian bee exporters are finding they can't send enough Aussie bees to the United States, where local bees are mysteriously disappearing by the hundreds of thousands.Research in the US has found that something is attacking the local bees' immune system, rendering the bees vulnerable to any contagion. Australian bees have been coming to the rescue, trying to make up the numbers to pollinate many of America's crops.But now the new arrivals are also dying, as North America Correspondent Kim Landers reports.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1687357.ece
GOD save u all from wireless GSM and microwave Radiation hazard ... Well wisher ...Chishty ... email agsm34@yahoo.com
By 
, at
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 2:49:00 AM GMT+6
Internet censorship
DAWN speaks out against Internet Censorship. It helps that they are currently receiving minimal amounts of Government advertising money. Usually DAWN is docile and compliant with ruling party wishes.
==============================================================================================
Internet censorship
WHILE the global uproar over the government’s recent attempts at gagging the mainstream media in Pakistan may lead it to a hands-off-the-media policy for now, it brings little relief to those nationalist media organs and groups whose websites continue to be blocked. Dozens of internet blogs and sites run by Baloch, Sindhi and even smaller ethnic groups continue to face the ban, with internet service providers forced by the government to apply filters to block their viewing in the country. While the initiated internet users know how to circumvent the ban via a third domain, it is the blocking of direct access to a particular blog or a socio-economic and political forum which presents the government and the country in equally bad light as do attempts to gag the popular media. The internet is a common cyberspace shared by users globally; there are innumerable sites run by rights activists which provide lists of the websites banned by a given government. Gen Musharraf’s has the dubious distinction of being listed among the world’s most xenophobic regimes censured for curtailing people’s access to information.
That this has been happening for months with media organs representing Pakistan’s smaller ethnic communities which do not find a voice in the mainstream media is all the more reprehensible. It is good that now when the national media and civil society are rallying behind the cause of the freedom of the press, the Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement has also decided to take part in the multi-party conference called by the PML-N in London later this week. This will provide the nationalist leaders a wider platform from which to voice their grievances and become part of the mainstream opposition to press the government for greater civil liberties and for enforcing the rule of law.
Labels: censorship, gorement
0 Comments:
Censor off?
The PTA seems to have un-censored this site at this moment in time. Is this related to the illegal house arrest of the Chief Justice of Pakistan?
Labels: censorship, gorement, Pakistan
0 Comments:
Charities Banned, websites to be hacked.
This is interesting/funny/idiotic. The Ministry of the Interior has banned 2 charities and apart from closing their offices and siezing their bank account (all normal stuff, I believe) "The cyber crimes wing of the FIA has been instructed to hack the websites of these trusts".
:-)
Can anyone imagine the FIA hacking a website?
Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C19%5Cstory_19-2-2007_pg1_4 and also the Daily Pakistan.
Labels: gorement, idiots, war on terror
0 Comments:
Censorship
PTA has become the new censor. This blog is censored by the PTA in that it is not possible to directly view it in Pakistan as the PTA tries to block the WHOLE of the Blogger.com domain from Pakistan.
This Blog may therefore move around to try to circumvent that, or it may post here.
0 Comments:
0 Comments:
PTA incompetence continued: the FIR
The interesting point to note is that Cogilent IP addresses are 203.99.57.232/29. The IP No. 203.99.57.224/29 mentioned in the FIR below is in use by some other customer. Hope that other customer has cleaned up their premises :-)
Faisal Chohan is still in Adiala Jail, bail having been refused by the Additional District & Session Judge, Malik Abudl Qayum, while hearing the bail application of Faisal, and instead advised to take the bail application to High Court.
========================================================
FIR:-
FIA Crimes Circle, RWP
FIR No. 24/2006
Date: 5.12.06
Complainant: Mr.Sajjad Awan, Director PTA
Against: M/s Cogilent, STP-II, F-5, Islamabad
Today 5th December, 2006 written complaint from Mr. Sajjad Latif Awan, Zonal Director (Enforcement) PTA Rawalpindi was received addressed to Additional Director FIA Crime Circle as under-Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received a report from Manager Network Security & Surveillance\ (NSS) of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) Islamabad dated 30th November, 2006 that some illegal VOIP has been detected against IPs 203.99.57.224/29. The Manager NSS requested PTA to provide assistance in obtaining the final destination of the IPs reported (Copy attached as Annex-X). the same was provided accordingly (Attached Annex-Y). In response of the information above PTA has received a complain from Manager Network Security & Surveillance (NSS) of Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) that M/S Cogilent is involved transaction of International Voice traffic by establishing and authorized computer based PABX/Gateway exchange at 205D, 2nd Floor, Evacuee Trust Complex, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1, Islamabad. The complainant has further submitted relevant analytical record of IP's though which the voice is being used internationally. By looking into the record submitted the Manager NNS and the info collected from Web Site of Company (www.cogilent.com) and having been satisfied that the illegal business for wrongful gains and loss to Govt. exchequer has occurred, undersigned believes, that is a prima-facie case of violation of, in addition to others. Section 31 of Pakistan Telecommunication (R-Organization) Act 1996, Section 36/37 of ETO 2002 and Section 25 C of Telegraph Act, 1885. It is therefore requested the necessary investigation be carried out in the greater interest of service and save Govt. from further loss of revenue. The cop of complaint received from PTCL alongwith submitted record mentioned above is attached for ready reference. The team of PTA and PTCL will be available for any assistance required by FIA round the clock.
As per Sensitivity of the case and a risk for leakage of information which could alert the accused and early action will be highly appreciated S/d—Sajjad Latif Awan, Zonal Director (Enforcement), Rawalpindi. ACTION BY FIA: From the contents of complaint reproduced above. Prima-facie offences under section 31 TRA, 1996, 36/36, E.T.O 2002, 25C Telegraph Act, 1885, 34/420 PPC appear to have been committed. Accordingly a case is registered under the order of the Competent Authority. Copies of FIR being sent to quarter concerned. After completing necessary formalities raid will be conducted in collaboration with PTA/PTCL officers for recovery of device/apparatus illegally installed/reportedly functioning.
1 Comments:
Dear sir,
I am a registered user of
telenor company,my mobile no is 03448492517.
My complaint is that some
non registerd users disturbing me by loosetalking and nonshowable
photographs. when i reported against thies non registerd users
in local franchiser of telenor co.
He refused to help me.
These non registered users numbers are.03434021430.
03442349788.
Yours truly.
Dr. Ahsan ullah.
47y, Model town. Dera Ghazi Khan. Pakistan.
By 
Unknown, at
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 12:23:00 PM GMT+5
More PTA idiot mode activity
Here is a Press Release from the PTA. I will attempt to analyse it below. Read on!
======================================
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=35307
PTA conducts raids on solid evidence
KARACHI: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Tuesday it has always encouraged both local and foreign investors to invest in the telecom related business and facilitated them in every possible manner.
“Besides, it is evident from the facts and figures of telecom sector that PTA has always encouraged both local and foreign investors to invest in the telecom related business and facilitated them in every possible manner,” said a PTA statement on Tuesday.
It said the PTA always conducted raids against illegal operations on solid evidence and through monitoring of the suspected facility as per law.
“The voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is a licensed service and not an illegal activity but to run such a facility, a company has to acquire a license from PTA,” it added.
Referring to the latest raid against Cogilent Solutions -an IT firm in Islamabad - the PTA said it was running VoIP without a valid license from PTA.
“The bandwidth provided to the company was for data purposes only as written in the agreement which a DSL customer signs upon taking a connection. In contrast, it was being used for VoIP,” added the statement.
=======================================
First of all lets be clear that using VoIP is not illegal, does not need a licence. It is a technology not a service. The legality of using this technology is clear from PTA determination Dir(LE)/45-1/VOIP/Coord/PTA dated 16 November 2002 that clearly and specifically allows use of VoIP.
No where in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Ordinance 1996 is the term VoIP used or mentioned.
What is illegal, without a licence, is providing a "BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE". This usually means termination, which requires setting up of an exchange to route calls to licenced service provider numbers. Cogilent has 4 PTCL lines, no equipment for terminating to GSM or CDMA networks. So no termination in the traditional meaning of the word.
It appears that what Cogilent was doing was using their data link to make VoIP calls between its Islamabad and USA offices. The PTA sometimes thinks that this is illegal.
In any case if a customer signs an agreement with its DSL provider not to use VoIP over that DSL connection then at most this would be grounds for a civil case between the ISP and the customer. For the FIA goons to be involved on the basis of this is ridiculous and illegal.
1 Comments:
let' all bycott PTA Chairman/their employees , Ministry of IT officials & FIA officials - we should not invite those stupid fu** heads in any of our functions - they don't deserve any thing....
despite i am not in the favor of Musharaf as he being a dictator without any roots in the Pakistani community - but we should arrange some high end protest via our association so that next time PTCL/PTA or stupid personals of FIA do this , they should twice think about it !
By binary-zero, at
Friday, December 15, 2006 at 3:10:00 PM GMT+5
PTA in idiot mode, again
This is an email from Atif Mumtaz.
--------------------------------------------
Asalam Alekum,
I wanted to share a recent harrowing experience that my company is going through in Pakistan. First a bit of a background.
I co-founded an internet Startup company, called Cogilent Solutions ( www.cogilent.com), in Islamabad, which runs a very successful job portal in the country called ( BrightSpyre ). Among our innovations, we were one of the first companies in the world to launch an integrated Voice Resume system based on VoIP technologies. And our solution is being used by companies like TRG and others to hire quality talent for their call centers in Pakistan.
On Tuesday Dec 4, Pakistan time, around noon, FIA (Federal Investigation Authority) and PTA (Pak Telecom Authority) walked into our offices, seized all our servers, mobiles and everything on the pretext that we are using it for illegal VoIP termination. They also locked up our current CEO, Faisal Chohan behind bars. Even when we explained to them that we are not doing call terminations, and only develop creative solutions for call centers to use, they would not listen.
Now, we are a small internet startup company based out of Software Technology Park, Islamabad. Nor do we have any connections with any major government or military establishments. We have no interest in call termination or anything of that sort. We are focused on BrightSpyre and bringing software revenue into the country through US based projects. Taking away all our servers means, we cannot deliver on those projects and locking up our CEO without any notices and warnings is also not a good step.
We request PASHA to officially look into the matter and help us resolve this crisis. Especially, the immediate release of our CEO, Faisal Chohan.
Regards,
Atif Mumtaz
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reuters Digital Vision Fellow
Stanford University
Tele-Healthcare Initiative
www.tele-healthcare.org
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Labels: gorement, hero, idiots, Pakistan
0 Comments:
