The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong advisory urging the public to avoid sharing illegal content across digital and social media platforms. The authority emphasized that while the right to freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it must not be exploited to promote harmful, unlawful, or offensive material online.
In an official statement, the PTA reiterated its commitment to upholding public safety and national integrity by taking action against those who misuse digital platforms for spreading blasphemous, hateful, or false content. It clearly outlined that sharing content that insults religious beliefs, sacred figures, or prophets, or that incites violence and spreads disinformation against national or defense institutions, is strictly prohibited under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Such activities are considered criminal offenses and are punishable by law.
Additionally, the PTA cautioned that the dissemination of immoral, obscene content or fabricated news is equally unlawful and contributes to the disruption of public order. The authority urged users to exercise responsibility while engaging online and to be mindful of the legal consequences of violating digital content regulations.
To assist in maintaining a secure and respectful digital environment, the PTA encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or illegal online material. For this purpose, the authority has introduced a dedicated platform through the PTA CMS mobile application, enabling users to flag harmful content easily. “Be alert, stay safe,” the statement advised, reinforcing the message that digital vigilance is a shared responsibility.
In a related development, the PTA also warned the public about the rising number of fake messages being circulated under the guise of courier services. These deceptive messages often claim to offer verification codes or parcel delivery updates, attempting to trick recipients into revealing personal or sensitive information.
According to the advisory, fraudsters are impersonating courier service representatives and reaching out to individuals via text messages, emails, or phone calls. The intent is typically to extract verification codes, gain unauthorized access to user accounts, or install malicious software through suspicious links.
The PTA clarified that legitimate courier services do not request such information through informal digital channels. It firmly advised users not to share any verification codes or personal details with unknown sources, and to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links. Furthermore, unsolicited calls or messages requesting financial or personal information should be treated as potential scams and ignored.
To protect themselves, users are urged to verify the authenticity of any message claiming to be from a courier company. In case of doubt, individuals should contact the official customer service number of the respective company before taking any action.
The PTA’s dual advisory on illegal content and digital scams reflects growing concerns about the misuse of online platforms for activities that can compromise public safety, national security, and individual privacy. By staying informed and practicing safe digital behavior, users can contribute to a healthier and more secure online ecosystem.
