In a recent development, Hafeezur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), announced on Thursday that the authority is poised to lift the ban on X (formerly known as Twitter) as soon as the government requests it. The platform has been suspended in Pakistan since February 17 due to national security concerns, though it remains accessible through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

PTA’s Stance on Social Media Bans

During a Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting chaired by Rana Mahmoodul Hasan in Islamabad, Rehman clarified that the PTA enforces social media bans strictly based on government directives. He highlighted that X’s compliance with Pakistani regulations has been notably low, with only 7% of user complaints addressed in the last three months.

Rehman also pointed out a dramatic 70% drop in X’s usage in Pakistan, despite the availability of VPNs. To control access, the PTA plans to permit only selected VPNs following a whitelisting process, thereby limiting public access to certain services.

Progress in Internet Access and Digital Infrastructure

On a more positive note, Rehman shared that about 56% of Pakistan’s population now has internet access. Looking ahead, he mentioned a forthcoming 5G auction scheduled for March-April next year, which is expected to enhance digital connectivity in the country.

Taxation and Local Manufacturing Insights

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed the issue of taxation on social media earnings. He revealed that discussions with international platforms like Facebook and Instagram are ongoing to ensure fair taxation. “Social media platforms are used commercially worldwide, and taxation is necessary,” Tarar emphasized, also mentioning ongoing talks about establishing virtual offices in Pakistan.

In addition, the cabinet secretary noted that the issue of social media advertisement taxes would soon be presented to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Moreover, the local manufacturing of mobile phones has begun, with 37 companies producing approximately 20 million phones annually. This is a significant step toward enhancing local tech production.

Rehman also highlighted that Pakistan imposes a 34.50% tax on telecom customers and reassured that there have been no cyberattacks on telecom networks in the past two years.

Conclusion

The PTA’s readiness to lift the X ban upon government approval signifies a potential shift in Pakistan’s approach to digital platform regulation. As the country progresses towards better internet infrastructure and local tech production, these developments mark a significant phase in Pakistan’s digital landscape.