PTA shares major update regarding lifting ban on X

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that it is ready to lift the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, once the government gives the greenlight.

The platform has been suspended in Pakistan since February 17 due to national security concerns, but remains accessible via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman made the announcement during a Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting in Islamabad, clarifying that the authority only blocks social media platforms upon government directive.

He noted that X’s compliance with Pakistani regulations has been low, with only 7% of complaints addressed in the last three months.

Despite VPN availability, Rehman reported a significant 70% drop in X’s usage in Pakistan. He added that only selected VPNs will be allowed following a whitelisting process, limiting public access to specific services.

The meeting also discussed internet access and digital infrastructure, with Rehman revealing that about 56% of Pakistan’s population has internet access. He also announced plans for a 5G auction scheduled for March-April next year.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed taxation on social media earnings, stating that negotiations with international platforms like Facebook and Instagram are underway.