Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman has reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to introduce 5G services, while also confirming that satellite internet will be launched soon. Speaking at a cybersecurity workshop and awards ceremony, he highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies while maintaining public trust, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks. He pointed out that while Pakistan is preparing for 5G deployment, China has already begun discussions on 6G, underscoring the need for Pakistan to stay competitive and proactive in the global technology landscape.
The PTA chief stressed that cybersecurity is a cornerstone for the safe and efficient adoption of 5G. He noted that artificial intelligence is proving to be a transformative technology but warned of its misuse in generating fake audio and video content. Such activities, he said, could lead to financial fraud and social harm, making it a shared responsibility to counter these risks. He also revealed that regulations for the Pakistan Satellite Internet Regulatory Body (PSARB) have been finalized, paving the way for satellite internet services to begin in the country. Alongside this, he emphasized the principles of data sovereignty, secure internet usage, responsible social media engagement, and the need to reassure citizens that their privacy and data are being protected.
During the same event, PTA Director General Cyber Vigilance Dr. Mukaram Khan shared that Pakistan has successfully defended against multiple cyber warfare attempts from India, with no major cyberattacks reported in the telecom sector. He credited these results to the improvement in national cybersecurity standards, noting that the telecom sector has achieved a score of 8.8 out of 10. Dr. Khan explained that PTA conducts third-party cybersecurity audits for all telecom operators to identify and resolve vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with stringent security measures.
Both officials highlighted the collaborative role of technology providers, regulators, and the public in creating a secure digital environment. The planned introduction of 5G and satellite internet services is expected to transform Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, expand connectivity to remote areas, and enable advanced applications in education, healthcare, and industry. PTA has positioned itself as both a regulator and a guardian of digital trust, committed to balancing innovation with strong protections for citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
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