• December 21, 2024
• Information Technology

The National Assembly on December 18 passed the National Forensic Agency Bill 2024. This legislation, which aims to transform the National Forensic Agency (NFA) into an independent body, was introduced by the Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and already received the Senate’s approval. During the deliberations, a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Shazia Marri, who […]

• December 17, 2024
• Front Page, General News, Information Technology

The Senate on December 13 unanimously passed the National Forensic Agency (NFA) Bill, 2024 with amendments, transforming the National Forensics Agency into an independent body to strengthen forensic capabilities nationwide. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar piloted the bill in the House on behalf of the Minister for Interior. The bill had been passed by the Senate […]

• December 17, 2024
• Information Technology

Pakistan’s Telecom operators have outlined the conditions for launching 5G services in the country. These include payments in local currency, staggered payment plans, lower taxes, and enough spectrum in the 2600 MHz band. Industry sources say these steps are necessary for a smooth and sustainable rollout of 5G. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) hired a consultancy firm, […]

• December 17, 2024
• Information Technology

On December 10, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confiscated  25 illegal mobile booster sets during a raid in Karachi. The PTA warned that illegal amplifiers interfere with the licensed spectrum of PTA’s licensees, negatively impacting the Quality of Service (QoS) provided by Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs). It advised consumers to use only PTA Type-approved equipment. “Pakistan Telecommunication […]

• November 26, 2024
• Access to Information, Freedom of Expression, General News, Information Technology

Since November 23, citizens in different parts of Pakistan have been experiencing disruptions in internet access and access to social media platforms. While the government had announced possible closures in specific “high-risk areas” ahead of protests by the opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI), the sporadic, widespread, and unexplained service disruptions extend […]

• November 23, 2024
• Access to Information, Information Technology

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology on November 20 about the progress in 5G technology development. PTA officials informed the committee that they have engaged a consultant to assist with the 5G spectrum. This consultancy, formalized through a contract on November 5, aims to recommend auction strategies, spectrum valuation, and regulatory reforms. […]

• November 22, 2024
• Information Technology, Social Media

Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja has expressed her support for TikTok to impart basic education and skill development. During a meeting held on November 20 with a TikTok delegation led by its Director of Public Policy, Mr. Emir Gelen, the minister emphasized the potential of TikTok in promoting quality […]

• November 18, 2024
• Information Technology

The government is gearing up to introduce its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy by early 2025, aiming to revolutionize cybersecurity with advanced capabilities designed to detect and respond to threats in real time, thereby preventing potential data breaches. This comprehensive policy is expected to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy and pave the way […]

• November 12, 2024
• Information Technology

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) awarded Telenor Pakistan the top accolade in the Cellular Mobile Operators category at the Telecom Cyber Security Awards 2024, held in Islamabad on November 5th. The award is based on PTA’s rigorous annual cybersecurity assessment, including detailed audits and security practices revalidation. Telenor Pakistan demonstrated a high compliance rate with the Critical […]

• November 12, 2024
• Information Technology

Under the leadership of Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, the government is intensifying efforts to fast-track the development of Islamabad’s Information Technology Park. During a progress meeting with Ambassador Park Kijun of the Republic of Korea on November 6, Minister Iqbal highlighted the importance of aligning the IT Park’s development with the broader […]

• November 12, 2024
• Information Technology

On November 8, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a delegation from VEON Group, led by Chairman Augie K. Fabela, to discuss the expansion of IT, digitization, and 5G services in Pakistan. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to partnering with VEON to promote innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, acknowledging the role of VEON’s subsidiary, […]

• November 12, 2024
• Information Technology

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that it is not responsible for securing electronic devices, such as pagers, from explosive materials. The Authority emphasized that the detection and identification of explosives fall outside its mandate, as they are unrelated to telecommunications. In the context of incidents involving the explosion of pager devices in Lebanon and […]

• November 5, 2024
• Information Technology, Social Media

According to a report submitted to the Peshawar High Court, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 113,133 TikTok accounts since 2020 to regulate and remove obscene and blasphemous content on social media platforms.  The PTA report revealed that since 2020, TikTok has seen over 114,015 uploads of explicit videos in Pakistan. Additionally, the PTA blocked 2,463 posts featuring blasphemous […]

• November 4, 2024
• Information Technology

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has launched the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, setting the stage for Pakistan’s aspiration to become a regional information technology and cybersecurity leader. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, inaugurated the event on October 30, underscoring the government’s commitment to establishing Pakistan as […]