The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in a statement on Tuesday issued a directive to all telecommunications companies to stop late night mobile phone packages, on the grounds of “violating social norms and values” of the country. The late night packages offered by almost every telecom company in Pakistan are a tool to encourage consumption during off-peak hours, in line with similar packages being offered globally. The packages, which offer nominal rates for calls and texts, are hugely popular among the youth in the country. “We have received a number of complaints from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Standing Committee of the Parliament, senators, MNAs and subscribers regarding the promotion of vulgarity through such advertisements and have therefore asked CMOs to immediately discontinue such packages and to present compliance reports,” said PTA Chairman Farooq Awan. ‘Rash decision’ say experts This ban is drawing criticism for being ill-thought out and against consumer rights. Waseem Hashmi, Manager Coordination and Outreach at the Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan called the ban an infringement of personal freedom and rights. “The issue has not been taken up internally yet, but it is a rash decision and we do not support such rash decisions,” he said. Calling the…

  Washington — The World Bank on Thursday said it would provide Pakistan with $5.5 billion in development aid over the next two years.   According to source, “The Bank has responded flexibly in the face of the tremendous challenges Pakistan has gone through over the past year or so,” said its Pakistan country director Rachid Benmessaoud.   “We will continue our strong support to Pakistan, while keeping a keen eye on implementation to ensure that these efforts translate into real results on the ground,” he said.   The bank’s progress report on its Pakistan program said its efforts had been disrupted over the past two years by the devastating floods of 2010-2011, ongoing security problems as well as “slow economic reform”.   “Shifting the focus and resources in response to the floods led to a delay in infrastructure investments,” it said.   It said Pakistan’s economic recovery from the floods and other problems remains slow, with growth of 3.9 percent expected next year.   “A range of governance, corruption and business environment indicators suggest that these areas remain a challenge,” it added.   The funds include $4 billion in development assistance and $1.5 billion from the bank’s International Finance…