Pakistan is set to launch its locally developed secure messaging application, Beep, for government employees in the coming months, according to updates shared with the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom. The platform, inspired by China’s WeChat, aims to provide a secure communication channel for public sector staff nationwide and is expected to meet its project deadline of June 30, 2026. National Information Technology Board (NITB) Chief Executive Faisal Iqbal Ratyal told the committee that the application has been developed locally and certified by relevant government authorities for official use. Committee Chairman Syed Aminul Haque directed NITB to ensure the app’s timely rollout and confirmed that it would be deployed in phases, starting with federal ministries and attached departments.
According to NITB, Beep will integrate with Pakistan’s federal e-Office system to facilitate secure messaging, document sharing, and workflow coordination across government institutions. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for text and video communications, addressing concerns raised about data security and protecting sensitive official discussions. The committee was informed that additional security features had been implemented following recent global incidents highlighting vulnerabilities in digital platforms. Beep will operate on a usage-based fee model, and efforts are underway to make it financially self-sustaining. IT secretary emphasized that revenue generation is secondary, with the primary objective being secure, efficient, and reliable internal communication. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has formally approved Beep for official deployment.
The rollout of Beep also addresses concerns over the use of foreign platforms such as WhatsApp, whose data servers are located outside Pakistan. By hosting servers locally and implementing stringent encryption protocols, Beep aims to enhance data sovereignty and reduce operational risks. Officials noted that integrating Beep with the federal e-Office system would strengthen internal coordination, reduce paperwork, and improve overall transparency within government operations. The phased launch is expected to begin within the next two months, allowing federal departments to adopt the platform progressively while ensuring secure adoption and monitoring.
Separately, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) claim of 99% mobile and internet user satisfaction. Members challenged the Quality of Service report, citing frequent signal drops, slow internet speeds, and service inconsistencies. Committee member Sharmila Faruqui questioned the methodology used in PTA surveys and called for future assessments to be conducted by independent third parties to improve transparency and credibility. Lawmakers also reiterated prior directives regarding the 5G spectrum auction, emphasizing that spectrum prices should be reasonable and any operator concessions should be strictly tied to infrastructure and network improvements.
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