PTA) – Page 9 – PPI News Agency

Further extension in VPN registration deadline till 30th September

Islamabad, July 31, 2020 (PPI-OT): In order to facilitate businesses and the public for registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to further extend the VPN registration deadline for a period of two months till 30th September 2020, under the recommendations of Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITeS (P@SHA).

Legitimate VPN users are requested to approach their internet service provider for initiating VPN registration process.

For resolution of any related queries and facilitation, users can email PTA at: ipreport@pta.gov.pk.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
PTA Headquarters, Sector F- 5/1, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2878152
Fax: +92-51- 9219921
Email: pr@pta.gov.pk
Website: https://www.pta.gov.pk

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority unbans BIGO

Islamabad, July 30, 2020 (PPI-OT): As a result of constant engagement and a detailed review by PTA, the Authority has decided to unban the services of Bigo in Pakistan. A meeting was held between PTA Authority Members and Vice President South Asia Operations of Bigo, Mr. Jhon Zhang wherein the representative assured Bigo’s commitment to moderate immoral and indecent content in accordance with Pakistani laws. Bigo management assured continued engagement with PTA to address the issue of unlawful content.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Meeting with PUBG

Islamabad, July 30, 2020 (PPI-OT): A meeting was held today between PTA and legal representatives of Proxima Beta Pte Ltd (PB). Proxima Beta (PB) representatives briefed the Authority on response to queries raise by PTA with respect to controls put in place by PB to prevent misuse of the gaming platform. The Authority expressed its satisfaction on measures adopted by PB so far, and emphasized on continued engagement and a comprehensive control mechanism.

The representative of the company welcomed PTA’s feedback on the issue and assured that the concerns of PTA would be taken into account. In addition, the company requested PTA to unban PUBG. Keeping in view the positive engagement and response of the company, the Authority has decided to unban PUBG.

Amazon web services are not being disrupted

Islamabad, July 28, 2020 (PPI-OT): With regards to the disruption in Amazon Web Services reportedly faced by some users recently, the impression being created on social media that it was due to the PUBG ban is wrong and baseless.

The ban on PUBG is in place since 10th July whereas AWS users faced issues reportedly on 23rd July. Complaints received by operators from AWS users also show that they experienced intermittent accessibility issues and not complete blocking of AWS IPs or services. Furthermore, this phenomenon was not specific to Pakistan only but users in other countries including United States also experienced similar issues.

PTA has already clarified the matter through its social media accounts as well when this trend was first seen on social media.

Currently, PTA is not doing any VPN blocking and the apprehensions are unfounded. In terms of VPN registration, the requirements are tailored around users working from home either for a local or a foreign company. Users can get their VPNs registered without having a static IP on their end. To facilitate the public, PTA has already clarified VPN registration process / requirements on its official website and has also engaged on Industry forums to create awareness. On Industry requests, online mechanism for VPN registration is also being launched.

Moreover, contact details of operators are available on PTA website (www.pta.gov.pk) so users can easily initiate VPN registration request through their respective service provider.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issues detail order on PUBG

Islamabad, July 27, 2020 (PPI-OT): PTA has issued a detailed order regarding blocking of online game PlayerUnknown’s Battle Ground (PUBG). The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court’s orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 and in accordance with the provisions of PECA 2016.

PTA provided an opportunity of hearing to concerned parties including PUBG’s lawyers. As per the order of the Authority, the PUBG game shall remain blocked in Pakistan. PTA has also approached PUBG management to inform about a suitable framework to address key concerns. No response has been received from PUBG so far.

Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir visits Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

Islamabad, July 27, 2020 (PPI-OT): Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Mr. Shehryar Khan Afridi visited Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters. Chairman PTA, Major Gen. Amir Azeem Bajwa (R) briefed him about the various PTA activities and initiatives being undertaken with regards to the rights of the public on social media.

In view of 5th August 2019 revocation of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India, Mr. Afridi expressed his concerns over the silencing of Kashmiri voices on social media platforms.

During the meeting, ways for better utilization of social media platforms to highlight plight of Kashmiris were discussed. Chairman PTA reiterated that PTA continues to engage with social media platforms in order to highlight the unwarranted blocking of accounts of Pakistani Parliamentarians and public for posting content in support of Kashmir and Kashmiris.

Illegal gateway exchange raided in Sargodha

Islamabad, July 21, 2020 (PPI-OT): In its continuous efforts to curtail grey telephone trafficking, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in coordination with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), carried out a successful raid in Sargodha.

The raid was conducted at Chak no. 25 Shamali, Sargodha. During the raid, an illegal gateway exchange, 6 BVS devices, 3 laptops, and an internet device along with other equipment were recovered. One person was arrested.

The successful raids are testament to PTA’s continuous monitoring, commitment and persistent efforts made with the support of FIA for containing grey traffic.