Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PTA Highlights Challenges of 5G Rollout in Pakistan

PTA

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has outlined several key challenges for the successful introduction of 5G technology in the country, focusing on significant financial investments, slow returns, and the availability of compatible devices. In its report, the PTA stressed the need for extensive investment to upgrade networks and build necessary infrastructure, such as small cells, … Read more

PTA announces cyber security awareness week 2024

PTA announces cyber security awareness week 2024

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2024 from December 9 to 15. This week-long initiative aims to bolster awareness of digital safety at the individual and consumer levels, a press statement issued here read. The campaign will focus on online security, data privacy, and the legal aspects of cybercrimes under … Read more

PTA Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2024

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2024, which will run from December 9 to December 15. The week-long campaign aims to enhance awareness about digital safety among individuals and consumers, with a focus on online security, data privacy, and the legal framework provided by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act … Read more

Register Your VPN Using Mobile Numbers: Here’s How

Register Your VPN

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that individuals without static IP addresses can now register virtual private networks (VPNs) using their mobile numbers. This move is aimed at simplifying the VPN registration process to better support the IT sector, with over 31,000 VPNs already registered, according to the PTA. The authority has encouraged users … Read more

Federal Govt forms joint task force to combat propaganda   

Federal Govt

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has constituted a 10-member joint task force (JTF) to identify those involved in propaganda against the state of Pakistan.

The joint task force formed with the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the notification, a 10-member joint task force has been formed under the chairmanship of Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The joint task force also includes officers from other agencies. Representatives of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI) and Deputy Inspector General of Police Islamabad are also part of the task force.

Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime and Joint Director Intelligence Bureau (IB) are also included in the task force. The director of the IT (Ministry of IT), and the joint secretary of the interior and information ministries are also included in the task force.

According to the notification, the Joint Task Force will identify elements spreading false propaganda in view of the recent protests.

The JTF’s responsibilities include (a) identifying the people, organisations, and groups responsible for producing and disseminating false information about political miscreants in Islamabad from November 24–27, including the full media campaign surrounding the issue, (b) tracking down and tracing the people or groups involved in this malicious campaign, whether they are in Pakistan or overseas and (iii) proposing steps to reduce policy gaps.

[embedpost slug=”pm-shehbaz-sharif-extends-warm-wishes-to-uae-government-on-national-day”]

Read more

Today Marks Final Deadline to Register VPNs for Continued Use

PTA starts issuing licenses to VPN service providers

ISLAMABAD: The deadline set by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for VPN registration is today. While PTA had requested an extension until November 30, no response has been received as of yet. The Ministry of Interior holds the authority to approve any extension, but as of now, no official confirmation has been made. The IT industry, … Read more

PTA Steps Up Efforts to Block Unregistered VPNs

Register Your VPN

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated a second trial to block unregistered and illegal Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) operating in the country. This two-day trial involves testing advanced firewall technology to simulate the shutdown of unregistered VPNs. The exercise is part of PTA’s ongoing efforts to regulate VPN usage and ensure adherence to government … Read more

Internet Services to be Suspended in Major Cities Tonight

Internet Services

Internet and broadband services will be suspended in several key cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Gujranwala, starting from midnight tonight. Mobile phone services, however, will remain operational for the time being. The Interior Ministry has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce the suspension as part of heightened security measures ahead of … Read more

Internet, mobile service likely to remain shut during PTI’s protest

Internet

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to suspend internet and mobile phone services in the federal capital, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab from November 23, amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.

The internet and mobile phone service may be suspended in different districts of Islamabad, KP and Punjab.

Sources say that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate the firewall on the mobile internet service from November 22. Due to the activation of the firewall, the internet service will be slow, while videos and audios will not be able to be downloaded on social media apps.

Sources say that considering the situation, internet, mobile service can be suspended at certain places at any time.

It should be remembered that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI)  has given a call for protest in Islamabad on November 24 and in this regard, PTI leaders say that the preparations for the protest are going on in full swing and this time the protest will not end until all the demands will be accepted.

[embedpost slug=”pti-founder-forms-coordination-committee-for-nov-24-protest”]

Read more

No one has declared VPNs against Shariah or un-Islamic, clarifies CII chief

No one has declared VPNs against Shariah or un-Islamic, clarifies CII chief

ISLAMABAD: As the federal government prepares to crack down on unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi clarified on Wednesday that a “clerical error” in a previous statement led to confusion about VPNs being deemed un-Islamic. “No one has declared VPNs against Shariah or un-Islamic,” Naeemi stated … Read more

PTA Discloses Total Registered VPNs in Pakistan

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) disclosed on Monday that 25,000 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been registered in the country, according to reports. This revelation came during a Senate Standing Committee on IT meeting chaired by Palwasha Khan in Islamabad. The discussion centered on the ongoing regulation of VPNs, with concerns raised about the … Read more

PTA Simplifies VPN Registration Process for Freelancers

Shaza Fatima Khawaja

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has unveiled an easier Virtual Private Network (VPN) registration process aimed at assisting freelancers and organisations. This updated system allows software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers to register their VPNs conveniently through PTA’s official website. Members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are also eligible to … Read more

Mobile and Internet Services to Stay Suspended in Select Areas

Internet Services

QUETTA: Mobile and internet services will remain suspended in parts of Balochistan due to security concerns, on Friday. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the measure has been implemented to maintain law and order as directed by relevant authorities. The suspension follows a deadly blast at the Quetta Railway Station on November 9, which … Read more

Pakistan Blocks Nearly 1 Million Websites for Prohibited Content

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked nearly one million websites for distributing blasphemous and prohibited content. According to PTA officials, a total of 101,083 blasphemous URLs and over 844,000 immoral websites have been restricted. This action follows a letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs urging the PTA to block objectionable content … Read more

PTA Starts Blocking Unregistered VPNs in Pakistan

IT Companies

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the blocking of unregistered VPNs across the country, citing security concerns and the need for better regulation of VPN usage. According to PTA sources, this action is being enforced through a firewall system designed to identify and temporarily block VPNs that have not been officially registered with the … Read more

ATM Operations in Pakistan at Risk of Major Disruption

ATM

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom received an update from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman regarding significant arrears owed by Long-Distance International (LDI) operators. Rehman reported that while 10 of the 15 companies have cleared Rs10 billion in arrears, Rs24 billion remains unpaid, with late penalties increasing the total … Read more

PTA Declares Safety of Electronic Devices Not Its Responsibility

PTA

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Role in Electronic Device Safety. PTA clarified that it is not responsible for the safety of electronic devices, including identifying explosive materials. PTA says it doesn’t feel responsible for assuring the safety of electronic devices. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that it is not responsible for the safety of electronic … Read more

PTA reports full restoration of internet services across Pakistan

Slow internet disrupts across Karachi and other cities

Internet services were restored nationwide after a four-month outage caused by an SMW4 underwater cable defect. Further expansions are planned with three new cables from Transworld International and PTCL. Slow internet speeds lag behind international standards, affecting the global digital economy. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that internet services have been restored nationwide following … Read more

PTA Receives More Than 19,000 Complaints About Telecom

PTA announces cyber security awareness week 2024

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported receiving 19,223 complaints from telecom consumers against various operators in August 2024, with an impressive resolution rate of 99 percent, as 19,061 complaints were successfully addressed. Data revealed that the complaints were filed against a range of telecom providers, including cellular mobile operators (CMOs), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), … Read more

SHC expresses annoyance on PTA’s conflicting statements on X ban

SHC

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) expressed concerns over conflicting statements made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The two-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Omar Sial, was hearing petitions challenging the suspension of mobile internet services and the continued inaccessibility of X despite the withdrawal of the ban.

The Chief Justice Sindh High Court expressed annoyance over at the PTA’s change of stance and inquired whether it was professional misconduct or misrepresentation. “Who gave you these instructions, tell me the name, we are sure the instructions must have been issued” CJP remarked.

The Chief Justice Sindh High Court said that the Deputy Attorney General also remained silent on this occasion, the chairman of PTA can be summoned on this matter and court will take contempt of court action on it.

The Sindh High Court asked the lawyer of PTA, do you want the court to review the order.

[embedpost slug=”ihc-stops-arrest-of-sher-afzal-marwat-without-permission”]

Read more

Internet services to remain dirupted till this date; details inside

Internet services to remain dirupted till this date; details inside

Pakistan experiencing widespread internet disruptions for days. Social media heavily affected, audio messages difficult to download. Ongoing firewall work might be causing disruptions until August 30th. Internet service across Pakistan has been significantly disrupted, causing widespread inconvenience to users for several days, affecting all providers as of Monday. Social media platforms have been especially impacted, … Read more

Selective VPNs will be available to use in Pakistan: PTA

Selective VPNs will be available to use in Pakistan: PTA

PTA is approving limited VPNs for use in Pakistan. Only 30% of Pakistanis use VPNs, making blocking feasible. X (formerly Twitter) usage in Pakistan dropped by 70%. During a session of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Rana Mahmoodul Hasan in Islamabad, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman stated that the PTA is in … Read more

How To Check PTA Approve Mobile Status?

PTA set to block THESE mobile phones: Complete details here

To tackle fraud and protect consumers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stresses the importance of verifying smartphone approvals before buying. With fraudulent activities on the rise, it’s crucial for buyers to follow specific guidelines to avoid scams. PTA Verification Guidelines Be Wary of Unrealistic Deals: Avoid purchasing high-end smartphones at unusually low prices or without … Read more

PTA issues fresh warning regarding JV phones, IMEI patch devices

PTA issues fresh warning regarding JV phones, IMEI patch devices

PTA warns consumers about IMEI Patch and JV crack phones. PTA advises to buy phones from credible vendors with warranty. Avoid buying premium phones at suspiciously low prices. Pakistan’s mobile sector has witnessed significant expansion lately. However, the steep prices of gadgets have led to a rise in the sale of IMEI Patch and JV … Read more

Is WhatsApp service disrupted in Pakistan?

WhatsApp launches voice message transcription feature

Over 52 million WhatsApp users faced issues in Pakistan. PTA denies any involvement in the disruptions. VPNs worked fine, indicating local issue rather than global problem. Last week, more than 52 million WhatsApp users in Pakistan experienced significant disruptions, struggling to send and receive media files, including voice notes, photos, and videos, on the popular … Read more

PTA calls for timely reporting of unlawful content

PTA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stressed that timely reporting of unlawful content directly to social media platforms is crucial for its prompt removal.

The PTA highlighted that social media platforms encourage users to lodge complaints directly, ensuring a faster and more efficient process to address and eliminate inappropriate content.

PTA Director Muhammad Farooq in his article “The Need to be Responsible Online User” said it is essential for the public to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, as they provide a framework of rules for uploading and sharing content.

Social Media companies strive to ensure a safe platform for users through self-regulation, which involves establishing community guidelines and standards.

He further said that effective results cannot be achieved without active public participation. To facilitate the instant reporting of unlawful content to the PTA, a state-of-the-art and user-friendly Complaint Management System (CMS) has been developed.

Users, he said, can lodge complaints by selecting relevant categories, such as Against the Glory of Islam, Hate Speech, Anti-State, Child Abuse or Indecent/Immoral content.

The PTA team thoroughly analyzes each complaint and takes up the matter with the concerned social media platform for its prompt removal.

In a culturally rich and diverse nation like Pakistan, where individuals embrace various religious beliefs and sects, it is paramount to avoid uploading or sharing content that offends the sentiments of others. Knowledge of local laws is crucial to avoid legal consequences for uploading unlawful content, he said in the article.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Section 37 deals with the removal of unlawful online content related to the glory of Islam, particularly in cases of blasphemy, and Section 11 addresses hate speech and criminalizes any online content that promotes or is likely to promote interfaith, sectarian, or racial hatred.

PTA encourages online users to use digital space responsibly and to report any unlawful content directly to the relevant social media company or PTA for timely removal. This collective effort will help minimize the negative impact of such content on society at large.

[embedpost slug=”fia-recovers-two-missing-children-through-interpols-ibms”]

Read more

PHC orders PTA to remove blasphemous content from TikTok

PHC

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court(PHC) has ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to remove blasphemous and objectionable material from TikTok.

Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Shakeel Ahmed of Peshawar High Court while hearing the petition filed for banning Tik Tok asked the PTA to remove the objectionable content within 7 days.

During the hearing, Barrister Babar Shehzad told the court that blasphemy and objectionable content is shared on Tik Tok, so it should be closed  or removed.

Justice Shakeel Ahmed remarked that this is a very sensitive issue and blasphemous content should not be shared.

Lawyer PTA told the court that million of videos are shared daily on Tik Tok and blasphemous content is removed immediately, but few account holders who share blasphemous content are from foreign countries, so this is a technical problem.

Justice Attique Shah remarked that it is not possible to build a firewall and block any blasphemous content as soon as it comes.

The PTA lawyer said that we don’t have such technology, only after identifying the inappropriate content can it be deleted from Tik Tok.

[embedpost slug=”senator-vawda-seeks-unconditional-apology-in-contempt-case”]

Read more