Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman said on Thursday that the Telecommunication Authority would lift the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, whenever the government allows them to do so.
Chairman Rehman made the statement during a meeting of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat which Rana Mahmoodul Hasan chaired in Islamabad.
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The social media platform has been suspended in Pakistan since February 17 due to national security concerns. However, it can be accessed through a virtual private network (VPN).
Speaking about the usage of VPNs in Pakistan, the PTA chairman said that the usage of X in Pakistan has decreased by 70% despite the availability of VPNs.
“Only 30% of people are using VPN,” he said, highlighting that VPNs can be blocked.
He also told the members that the PTA is whitelisting VPNs after which only selected VPNs will be available in Pakistan.
Rehman said that about 56% of people have internet access. He added that the 5G auction is likely to be held in March-April next year.
When asked if content creators pay taxes from the income through international ads, the PTA chairman said there is no legislation in this regard at present.
Following the ban, various petitions were filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the restrictions on microblogging site and intermittent suspension of internet services in the country.
Speaking about the usage of VPNs in Pakistan, the PTA chairman said that the usage of X in Pakistan has decreased by 70% despite the availability of VPNs.
“Only 30% of people are using VPN,” he said, highlighting that VPNs can be blocked.
He also told the members that the PTA is whitelisting VPNs after which only selected VPNs will be available in Pakistan.
Rehman said that about 56% of people have internet access. He added that the 5G auction is likely to be held in March-April next year.
When asked if content creators pay taxes from the income through international ads, the PTA chairman said there is no legislation in this regard at present.
