PTA Chairman Announces Potential Lift of X Ban and Updates on Digital Infrastructure

On Thursday, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman indicated that the authority is ready to lift the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, if directed by the government. The platform has been suspended in Pakistan since February 17 due to national security concerns, though it remains accessible via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

During a Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting chaired by Rana Mahmoodul Hasan in Islamabad, Rehman clarified that the PTA blocks social media platforms only upon government directives. He pointed out that X’s compliance with Pakistani regulations has been notably low, with only 7% of complaints addressed in the past three months.

Rehman highlighted a significant decline in X’s usage in Pakistan, reporting a 70% decrease despite the availability of VPNs. He added that only selected VPNs would be permitted following a whitelisting process, which will limit public access to specific services.

In terms of digital infrastructure, Rehman noted that about 56% of Pakistan’s population currently has internet access. He also revealed plans for a 5G auction scheduled for March-April next year, aiming to advance the country’s digital capabilities.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed the issue of taxation on social media earnings, stating that negotiations with international platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are underway. “Social media platforms are used commercially worldwide, and taxation is necessary,” Tarar emphasized, adding that discussions about virtual offices in Pakistan are ongoing.

The cabinet secretary mentioned that the topic of social media advertisement taxes would be presented to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

In addition, Rehman reported that local mobile phone manufacturing has begun, with 37 companies producing approximately 20 million phones annually. He also noted that Pakistan imposes a 34.50% tax on telecom customers but assured that there have been no cyberattacks on telecom networks in the past two years.