A new cyber threat, “Grass Call,” has been identified by Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, targeting job seekers on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. The attack involves fake job offers and fraudulent online interviews, prompting victims to install malicious software that steals sensitive data and transmits it to remote servers.
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in Bahrain has launched updated card reader software, allowing seamless data reading from both new and old ID cards. The updated software enhances security and expands digital transaction capabilities, supporting multiple sectors like healthcare, banking, and telecommunications. Bahrain also leads the Gulf with a travel app in the ID card.
The PTA is reviewing the Local Loop licensing regime to align with new technologies like VoIP and NFV. Proposals include allowing licensees to focus solely on broadband services, making the system technology-neutral, and improving efficiency. The aim is to foster competition, enhance service quality, and accelerate digital transformation.
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, represented Pakistan at the GSMA roundtable on spectrum challenges at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. He emphasized global collaboration for equitable spectrum allocation and advancing telecom infrastructure to bridge digital divides.
Oman has launched a Postal Sector Policy and Executive Programme (2025-2029) to modernize and regulate the expanding postal sector, improve service quality, and support e-commerce and logistics. The programme aligns with national goals and includes initiatives like postal service liberalization, a national addressing system, and e-commerce delivery guidelines.
Telecommunications Minister Charles Hajj and U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson discussed Lebanon’s reconstruction and bilateral relations during a recent meeting. Hajj stressed the importance of stability and urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to withdraw from the five points it still occupies, citing the need for progress.
Pakistan’s government is considering the formation of a National Crypto Council to regulate digital assets. The council would advise on policy development, address regulatory challenges, and ensure the secure, sustainable growth of Pakistan’s digital asset market. The approach will align with international standards and Financial Action Task Force guidelines.
Bahrain and Qatar have committed to strengthening cooperation in transport, logistics, and infrastructure development. Ministers Dr. Shaikh Abdulla and Shaikh Mohammed discussed collaboration in land, sea, and air transport, with a focus on enhancing economic integration within the GCC. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable development.
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mahdi, inaugurated the VIP sales and service lounge in Ibb city, emphasizing the expansion of telecom services. He also inspected the construction of Yemen Mobile’s main service center, urging adherence to technical specifications and timelines to improve local services.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the licensing of VPN service providers to ensure the legitimate use of private internet gateways. This move aims to improve data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance, supporting the IT and e-commerce sectors and ensuring uninterrupted service for businesses and stakeholders in Pakistan’s digital economy.
