Latest news with #PakistanTelecommunicationAuthority
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PTA directs uninterrupted services amid rain relief efforts
ISLAMABAD: As flash floods and landslides wreak havoc across parts of Pakistan due to the ongoing monsoon spell, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an urgent advisory to telecom operators to ensure uninterrupted communication services and support relief efforts. To coordinate emergency telecom measures, the PTA has established the National Emergency Telecommunication Coordination Centre (NETCC). This body will oversee the implementation of contingency plans and ensure that vital mobile and internet services remain operational in the affected areas. According to the advisory, all telecom operators have been directed to activate their emergency protocols immediately. Special instructions have been issued to secure critical telecom infrastructure in sensitive regions to prevent further disruptions. 'In the event of any major technical failure, operators must inform PTA Headquarters without delay,' the advisory states. Additionally, service providers are required to submit service restoration reports every six hours to monitor recovery progress in real time. The PTA has also emphasised the importance of public awareness during the crisis. Mobile operators are to disseminate flood-related alerts, evacuation information, and emergency contacts in both national and regional languages, helping ensure timely response and public safety. Further directives include the deployment of temporary mobile units in heavily affected regions, activation of franchises by local loop operators to manage complaints, and the presence of staff at mobile top-up points to assist users. Essential telecom services such as SIM issuance, balance recharge, and other basic facilities must continue without interruption, the advisory notes. The PTA has also called for the deployment of trained personnel at local and regional levels for field operations and on-ground support. Lastly, the PTA urged operators to prioritise communication services for relief and emergency personnel, underscoring the critical role of telecom networks in disaster management and response. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt secures two-thirds majority in Senate
Two PPP senators tabled a bill in the Senate on Monday to ban boys and girls under the age of 16 from using social media accounts, with a view to regulating the online activities of the minors. The bill, presented by senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahsan, makes the social media companies legally responsible to block the accounts of under-16 persons. In case of violation, the bill stipulates a fine of Rs50,000 to Rs5 million and a prison term of six months. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will have the authority to implement the law, make procedures and clarify, according to the bill.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate introduces bill to ban social media accounts for U-16s
Listen to article Senate has introduced the "Social Media (Age Restriction for Users) Bill 2025," which seeks to ban individuals under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. The bill was presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed on Monday, marking a significant step towards safeguarding minors from online exploitation, cyberbullying, and harmful content. The bill proposes severe penalties for violations. Social media platforms found to be allowing underage users will face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. Furthermore, individuals who assist minors in creating accounts could face up to six months in prison. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be responsible for deleting all existing social media accounts of minors, with the authority to draft and implement regulations concerning the matter. Read More: No under-16s on social media: New Zealand The bill places legal responsibility on social media companies to prevent underage access, aligning Pakistan's policy with those of Australia and New Zealand in a bid to foster digital safety. Senator Sarmad Ali highlighted the government's focus on protecting children in the digital age, noting that the bill is a vital measure to reduce online harms. It also aims to raise digital awareness among both parents and children, ensuring a safer online environment for young users. Last year, Australian lawmakers also passed a similar bill to ban under 16s from social media, approving one of the world's toughest crackdowns on popular sites like Facebook, Instagram and X. The legislation ordered social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts was passed in the Senate with 34 votes in favour and 19 against.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Huawei Technologies license for vehicle tracking services suspended: PTA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that Huawei Technologies (Private) Limited was granted Data CVAS License No DIR(L)/CVAS-877-PTA/2017, dated 8th September 2017, for tracking its vehicle fleet in Pakistan, said a press release. The company, however, did not commence the intended operations, and the license was accordingly suspended solely due to non-commencement of services. However, a segment of the media reported the suspension of the said license, creating the impression that Huawei Pakistan's overall service provision had been suspended. It is clarified that this suspension applies exclusively to the aforementioned license for vehicle tracking services and has no impact on any other operations provided by Huawei Technologies (Private) Limited to telecom operators in Pakistan. All other operations engagements remain unaffected and continue as usual. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTA, Meta collaborate on digital counterterrorism workshop
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with Meta, on Monday hosted a workshop titled 'Counter Terrorism in the Digital Age' at its headquarters, focusing on evolving strategies to curb extremist content online. The session brought together policy experts from Meta's platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, alongside representatives from key government departments and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Discussions centred around Meta's latest policies on tackling terrorism-related content, strengthening coordination mechanisms between digital platforms and state institutions, and refining complaint escalation processes. A dedicated Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with Meta's policy specialists. E-commerce scams: Meta partners with PTA, TDAP to raise awareness Speaking at the event, PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman underscored the importance of institutional collaboration to prevent the misuse of online spaces. 'Engagement with global platforms like Meta is crucial in safeguarding the digital ecosystem from extremist exploitation,' he said. Dr. Nawab Osman, who leads Meta's Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) policy, acknowledged PTA's role in promoting digital safety. 'Such joint efforts are essential in maintaining safe digital environments while respecting community standards and fundamental rights,' he remarked. The workshop is part of PTA's broader initiative to promote responsible digital practices and enhance national cyber resilience.
