Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman has assured that no Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been blocked in the country, nor are there any plans to do so in the future. Speaking at the launch of the PTA’s Annual Report 2024, he emphasized that while the authority has the technical capability to block VPNs, it has refrained from doing so and will continue this approach.
“In today’s world, attempts to conceal information are futile,” the chairman stated, addressing concerns about internet restrictions. However, when questioned about internet shutdowns for national security reasons, he clarified that such decisions fall under the purview of policymakers, not the PTA.
PTA Reports Cybersecurity Incidents to Meta
The PTA has been actively addressing cybersecurity issues, reporting over 1,000 fake IDs and 37 hacked accounts to Meta in 2024. These fake accounts included individuals impersonating government officials, politicians, and citizens. Of the 37 hacked accounts, 27 were Facebook accounts, while the remaining were WhatsApp users. The PTA reported these incidents to Meta for restoration.
Causes of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
The PTA identified several key factors contributing to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including social engineering scams, data breaches, and the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi. Other issues include malware, weak passwords, the lack of two-factor authentication (2FA), and the use of free VPNs.
While the PTA does not maintain detailed records of past hacking complaints, it clarified that users often report such incidents directly to social media platforms like Meta, which encourages direct reporting for faster resolution.
