• October 2, 2024
• Social Media
• Web Desk

In a briefing on October 1, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, clarified the key players behind internet shutdowns and the temporary bans on social media platforms, notably X (formerly known as Twitter). He said that the PTA does not make decisions to impose such restrictions but is driven by the government.

Speaking in Islamabad, Rehman said, “If the government or the Ministry of Interior orders us to block X, we are bound to follow the instruction without raising any questions. We are ready to reopen the platform the day the government says so.”

Rehman highlighted that internet restrictions are not exclusive to Pakistan, citing instances in other Asian countries. “Look it up on Google; in 2022, India imposed internet shutdowns 24 times, while Pakistan did it once. In 2023, India enforced 116 shutdowns. Even in France, the internet was suspended for several days after the recent incidents. During Bangladesh’s last elections, the internet was cut off too. While we don’t support these actions, every country has security concerns that the government must address. National security is a necessity,” he said.

The chairman also addressed ongoing Internet restrictions in Panjgur, Balochistan, where services have been suspended due to security concerns. “When I was asked about the Panjgur shutdown, I said to consult the relevant corps commander or the Ministry of Interior. We will lift the restrictions when instructed, as the government and the Ministry of Interior make decisions on national security”, he added.

The PTA chief further elaborated on the agency’s handling of public complaints regarding social media platforms. He pointed out that the PTA has a robust complaint mechanism and processes complaints daily under the PECA law and other regulations. Rehman said: “We have received excellent cooperation from social media platforms, resulting in a 93% compliance rate.”