Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Rtd) Hafeezur Rehman clarified that the decision to block the social media platform “X,” formerly known as Twitter, is solely in the hands of the federal government.
In an informal conversation with journalists, he mentioned that “X” would be reinstated once the government issues the appropriate directive. The platform has faced a significant number of complaints in Pakistan, and its situation is currently under review by the Sindh High Court.
Regarding internet shutdowns, the Chairman highlighted a notable disparity in their frequency between countries, stating that India experienced 116 shutdowns in 2023, while Pakistan only had seven.
He emphasized that the PTA does not endorse internet shutdowns, but national security considerations take precedence in such decisions.
He elaborated on recent events, noting that during Ashura, on the 10th of Muharram, mobile services were suspended in certain areas, but internet services were only briefly halted in specific regions at designated times.
Drawing comparisons with other nations, he pointed out that Bangladesh also imposed mobile service suspensions during elections, illustrating that each country faces unique security challenges that influence decision-making based on intelligence reports.
Additionally, he confirmed that mobile data services are currently suspended in Panjgur due to ongoing security concerns.
The Chairman’s comments underscore the balancing act between maintaining national security and ensuring access to communication services, reflecting the complexities faced by regulators in today’s digital landscape.
As the PTA continues to navigate these issues, it remains committed to its mandate while addressing the public’s concerns.
