The director general of cyber vigilance of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr Mukarram, provided an extensive briefing on internet shutdowns, cybersecurity measures, and support for freelancers during a press conference in Islamabad.
Dr Mukarram emphasized that the prime minister has instructed the government to ensure that Special Technology Zones (STZs) and incubation centers remain unaffected by internet disruptions. He added that data services in these centers would remain operational during any shutdown, and the Ministry of IT is preparing a summary to formalize this directive.
He also highlighted that the PTA operates a 24/7 call center to assist freelancers with their queries.
Addressing concerns about privacy, Dr Mukarram assured the public that the PTA does not monitor individuals' online activities, stating, "We are not observing who is talking about what or watching what." Instead, the PTA blocks websites through social media rules. He clarified that websites are only blocked if they fail to comply with content removal requests.
"If the website removes the desired content, we do not block it," he explained.
Dr. Mukarram further revealed that over 33,000 VPNs have been registered in Pakistan so far. He explained that VPNs slow down internet speed and emphasized that internet services are blocked only on court orders or government directives.
"There are not one, but many factors involved in the slowdown of the internet. We have a whole mechanism according to which we block content," Dr. Mukarram said.
Regarding gray traffic in Pakistan, Dr. Mukarram outlined the PTA's efforts to curb its spread, aiming to ensure secure and regulated internet usage. He also clarified that the PTA’s web management system was not implemented using public funds.
In a related address, PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman reiterated that the PTA has not blocked any VPNs and dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise as inaccurate. He stated, "PTA can block VPNs, but no one has been blocked so far." He further explained that national security, a reason for mobile service disruptions, is not within PTA's domain.
