Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Indian Spy Network targeting Pakistanis through fake Job offers, Says PTA

Indian Spy Network targeting Pakistanis through fake Job offers, Says PTA

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned that fake job offers linked to Indian networks are being used to trap Pakistani citizens and steal sensitive personal and institutional data. The scam poses serious risks to individuals and national security. How the Scam Works: According to PTA sources, scammers post fake job listings on platforms like … Read more

PTA unveils satellite license to boost internet access

PTA unveils satellite license to boost internet access

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shared a draft plan for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licensing, marking an important step in the country’s digital development strategy. This move is expected to attract global satellite internet providers like Starlink and Shanghai Spacecom, making high-speed internet available in remote and underserved areas. In its announcement, PTA said … Read more

iPhone 16 Series faces major fault in Pakistan, No warranty coverage

iPhone 16 Series faces major fault in Pakistan, No warranty coverage

Buyers of the new iPhone 16 series, including the highly promoted iPhone 16 Pro Max, have discovered serious problems with their phones and are frustrated. Despite paying record-high prices for PTA-approved sets, many users say their devices freeze completely during calls or while checking messages, leaving them unable to respond at critical moments. For customers … Read more

PTA initiates strict oversight and investigation of foreign E-commerce platforms Temu and Shein

PTA initiates strict oversight and investigation of foreign E-commerce platforms Temu and Shein

Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched an investigation into foreign e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein.

This action follows a formal letter from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), which raised serious concerns regarding consumer protection, market regulations, and potential violations of applicable laws.

The CCP’s letter highlighted multiple complaints against Temu, including the sale of counterfeit or recycled products, absence of cash-on-delivery options, and lack of local return facilities. These issues have also caused financial harm to local online sellers.

While complaints against Shein have been fewer, the PTA has initiated a preliminary inquiry and will consult with relevant authorities in the coming days to decide whether to impose legal or technical restrictions.

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PTA bans 46 apps over fraud and gambling schemes

PTA bans 46 apps over fraud and gambling schemes

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a ban on 46 mobile applications following recommendations from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). According to an NCCIA spokesperson, these apps were illegally extorting billions of rupees from the public. The banned platforms include unregulated forex trading apps, gambling apps, and services collecting users’ personal data … Read more

Telecom companies offers free calls in flood disaster areas

Telecom companies offers free calls in flood disaster areas

PESHAWAR: Mobile phone companies, in partnership with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), have announced free calls for people living in flood-hit areas to help them stay connected during the ongoing crisis. According to a statement issued on Sunday, mobile operators are offering free on-net calls (within the same network) to subscribers in affected regions. Even … Read more

Beware: PTA warns users about WhatsApp scam messages

Beware: PTA warns users about WhatsApp scam messages

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has alerted WhatsApp users to watch out for scam messages sent from unknown local or international numbers. Scammers often impersonate WhatsApp’s official account and use the platform’s logo to appear authentic. PTA warned that these WhatsApp scam messages usually contain suspicious URLs and falsely claim that the user’s account has … Read more

PTA confirms Nationwide fibre installation to boost 4G speeds

PTA confirms Nationwide fibre installation to boost 4G speeds

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology about the expansion of the country’s digital infrastructure. He revealed that Pakistan has already laid 160,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country. However, to meet the rising demand for high-speed internet and digital services, the government … Read more

PTA seizes fake IMEI devices in Gilgit raid

PTA seizes fake IMEI devices in Gilgit raid

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Gilgit and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gilgit jointly conducted targeted raids to stop illegal IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned mobile devices. Officials raided Amin Mobile Repair Shops in Aliabad Bazaar, Hunza, and seized laptops and specialized software used for IMEI modification. They arrested … Read more

PTA warns users against Microsoft Office due to security risks

PTA warns users against Microsoft Office due to security risks

PTA warns users of high-severity vulnerabilities in Microsoft products. Vulnerabilities target specific components of Microsoft Office products: Visio (CVE-2024-43505). Ignoring these recommendations could leave systems vulnerable to targeted cyberattacks The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a Cyber Security Advisory, warning users about multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in popular Microsoft products. These include Microsoft 365 Apps … Read more

PTA cracks down on Indian propaganda network operating in Pakistan

PTA cracks down on Indian propaganda network operating in Pakistan

PTA regulates telecommunication systems, internet services, and online content in Pakistan. In response to India’s propaganda war, PTA has blocked harmful digital campaigns. Pakistanis are applauding the decision, with some calling for bans on content and celebrities. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) actively regulates telecommunication systems, internet services, and online content across the country. In … Read more

PTA grants 120-day mobile registration to visiting overseas Pakistanis

PTA grants 120-day mobile registration to visiting overseas Pakistanis

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) introduced a Temporary Mobile Registration System to enable overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors to use their mobile phones during their stay in the country, according to a handout. The authority said in a news release that under this initiative, temporary visitors can register their mobile devices for up to 120 … Read more

PTA approves VPN service providers’ Licenses under class License scheme

PTA approves VPN service providers' Licenses under class License scheme

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun licensing Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers under the Class License for the Provision of Data Services in Pakistan. As part of this process, PTA has granted Class Licenses to three companies to provide VPN services. “All VPN service providers operating without a license are advised to promptly … Read more

PTA starts issuing licenses to VPN service providers

PTA starts issuing licenses to VPN service providers

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started giving licenses to Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers to help businesses use them legally. A VPN creates a secure and private connection between your device and a remote server, acting like a hidden tunnel that protects your online activities from being tracked. According to PTA, two companies … Read more

Frequent power outages causing network disruption in Karachi: PTA

PTA

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed installing express feeders to address Karachi’s telecom network disruptions caused by frequent power outages.

In a written response to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, PTA highlighted that prolonged load-shedding is a key factor affecting network availability in the city.

PTA has declared load shedding due to network problems in Karachi and has proposed express feeders to solve mobile internet service problems in the city.

The PTA document states that voice and data service were improved during the survey in Karachi, the main reason for the closure of the network in key areas is the long load shedding of electricity.

According to the documents, the network closure areas include District Central, East, South, West and Malir areas.

According to the document, telecom infrastructure in the affected areas is equipped with backup power systems, with an average battery backup just 2 to 4 hours.

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PTA advises mobile buyers to verify tax status before purchase

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged consumers to check the tax payment status of mobile devices before making a purchase. In an official statement, PTA emphasized that buyers must confirm that all necessary taxes have been paid and that the device is registered under the correct CNIC or passport category in the Device … Read more

PTA introduces MVNO framework to boost telecom sector

PTA introduces MVNO framework to boost telecom sector

As Pakistan moves towards nationwide digitalisation, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has developed a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework to transform the telecom sector. The framework aims to accelerate growth, enhance competition, and attract investments. PTA has submitted it to the IT ministry for final approval. What is MVNO? MVNO allows a telecom provider … Read more

PTA alerts users about severe Google Chrome security risks

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a cybersecurity advisory, urging users to update their Google Chrome browsers immediately after the discovery of two severe security flaws. According to PTA, these vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems. The flaws impact all Chrome versions prior to the latest emergency … Read more

PTA shares update on Starlink launch in Pakistan

Starlink launch in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has provided a significant update regarding the launch of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, in Pakistan. During a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the PTA Chairman revealed that Starlink had applied for a license on February 24, 2022, and … Read more

PTA identifies reasons for internet slowdown in Pakistan

PTA

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday outlined several factors contributing to reduced internet speeds and service disruptions across the country. In its latest report, the PTA identified the surge in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a significant cause of internet slowdowns. “The increased use of VPNs during internet disruptions … Read more

Pakistan’s cellular subscribers cross 193 million

Pakistan cellular subscribers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported that the number of cellular subscribers in Pakistan has reached 193,238,238, marking a mobile teledensity of 79.10% as of November 2024. Mobile broadband subscribers grew to 139 million, achieving a mobile penetration rate of 56.90%. Meanwhile, fixed telephone subscribers were recorded at 3 million, with a fixed teledensity … Read more

Pakistan faces slow internet speeds due to submarine cable damage

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Internet users in Pakistan continue to face slow browsing speeds as a result of a fault in the international submarine cable. Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) reported that 830 gigabytes per second of affected traffic had already been rerouted via alternative channels, with ongoing efforts to shift the remaining … Read more

PTA engages with Starlink to tackle Internet connectivity issues

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that discussions between the government and Starlink are in progress regarding the issuance of a satellite service license. The PTA noted that the licensing process is at an early stage and is being reviewed in response to Starlink’s application. As part of the evaluation, the PTA is … Read more

PTA cites excessive VPN use as cause of internet slowdown

PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that the recent internet slowdown in Pakistan is primarily due to the increased use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). According to the PTA, the high volume of VPN usage has caused additional strain on the country’s bandwidth, leading to slower internet speeds. In its report, the PTA … Read more

Senate Committee urges PTA to lower mobile taxes amidst 5G rollout plans

Senate Committee

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to work towards reducing mobile phone taxes, aiming to make devices more affordable for the public. Acknowledging that tax adjustments fall under the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) jurisdiction, the committee emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to provide financial … Read more

Is Pakistan ready for 5G revolution?

Is Pakistan ready for 5G revolution?

The Pakistani government appears determined to launch 5G technology, driven by efforts to address connectivity issues and the passage of digitalisation-friendly legislation. However, the country’s economic struggles raise concerns about its readiness for this technological leap. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) 2024 annual report highlights significant hurdles in adopting 5G. Despite the growing availability of … Read more

PTA announces launch date for 2Africa submarine cable operations

PTA announces launch date for 2Africa submarine cable operations

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced updates on the 2Africa Submarine cable for Pakistan and disclosed its expected operational date. “Supported by a global consortium of eight partners, including Meta and Vodafone, the 2Africa cable is set to go live in Pakistan by Q4 (fourth quarter) in 2025,” the PTA said in a press release. … Read more

Government sets target for 5G rollout in 2025 with speeds of up to 100 Mbps

Government

As Pakistan continues to grapple with internet-related challenges throughout the year, the government has set an ambitious target for 2025, focusing on improved broadband access and higher connectivity speeds. “Year of 5G,” 2025 is expected to witness a leap in broadband performance, with plans to achieve average internet speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps and … Read more