PTA has processed a total of 13,185 URLs linked to electronic fraud and online scams, successfully blocking 13,021 of them. The initiative was undertaken in collaboration with several key institutions, including NCCIA, SECP, and SBP, to curb the spread of fraudulent digital content. This proactive effort is aimed at reducing the risks of online scams targeting citizens across various platforms.
An official report reveals that Facebook accounted for the largest number of flagged URLs, with 1,357 identified as suspicious. Of these, 1,246 were blocked, 47 are currently under review, and 64 were rejected by the platform. This reflects a blocking success rate of 91.82% for Facebook. Instagram had 41 URLs reported, resulting in 39 being blocked, with one under review and one rejected, achieving a 95.12% blocking rate. On YouTube, 122 URLs were processed, with 99 removed, eight under review, and 15 not taken down, indicating an 81.15% effectiveness rate. Twitter had six reported cases, five of which were blocked while one is under review, showing an 83.33% blocking rate. The most significant portion of the data falls under the “Others/Misc” category, comprising 11,659 URLs. Of these, 11,632 were successfully blocked, 17 remain under review, and 10 were rejected, yielding a 99.77% blocking efficiency.
PTA clarified that it does not regulate call centers or software houses operating in Pakistan. Responsibilities relating to cybercrime enforcement, such as cyber fraud and online scams, lie beyond PTA’s legal jurisdiction. These matters are handled by NCCIA under PECA 2016. Under Section 37 of PECA, PTA is responsible for the removal or blocking of unlawful online content. However, the task of investigating and prosecuting electronic fraud is designated to FIA and NCCIA, in accordance with Section 29 of the same act. PTA’s role is to act upon the recommendations it receives from these relevant agencies, executing the blocking or takedown of content accordingly.
To address the growing concern of digital fraud, PTA is also focusing on public education and outreach. Awareness initiatives are being carried out through various channels such as seminars, TV shows, SMS alerts, and social media campaigns. These efforts aim to inform the public about how to identify, report, and avoid online scams. PTA continues to emphasize the need for digital literacy to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure a safer internet environment for users across Pakistan.
The coordinated strategy involving blocking fraudulent content and educating users reflects a sustained approach toward safeguarding Pakistan’s digital space from increasing threats associated with electronic fraud and scam operations.
