PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman has highlighted the authority’s commitment to introducing advanced communication technologies while maintaining strong cybersecurity frameworks and public confidence. Speaking at a cybersecurity workshop and awards ceremony, he confirmed that PTA is working towards the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan, stressing that this transition must be accompanied by robust data protection measures. He noted that while Pakistan prepares for 5G, China is already advancing discussions on 6G, underlining the rapid pace of global technological change. The chairman also revealed that the regulatory framework for the Pakistan Satellite Internet Regulatory Body is complete, paving the way for satellite internet services to be launched in the country in the near future.
In his remarks, Hafeez ur Rehman stressed that artificial intelligence offers transformative capabilities but is also vulnerable to misuse, such as the creation of fabricated audio and video content. He acknowledged the growing challenge of preventing technology-driven financial fraud, stating that PTA is actively engaged in countering such threats. He underscored the importance of data sovereignty, secure internet and social media usage, and safeguarding citizens’ personal information. Emphasising the regulator’s role in ensuring digital safety, he assured that PTA remains committed to protecting the privacy and data of the public as Pakistan transitions into more advanced digital infrastructure.
During the event, PTA Director General Cyber Vigilance Dr. Mukaram Khan shared updates on the country’s cyber resilience, stating that Pakistan has successfully repelled cyber warfare attempts from India and that no major cyberattacks have been recorded in the telecom sector. He reported that Pakistan’s cybersecurity performance in telecom has reached a score of 8.8 out of 10, reflecting significant improvements in security standards. He added that PTA mandates third-party cybersecurity audits for all telecom operators, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly to maintain the sector’s integrity.
The discussions at the workshop reinforced the growing need for collaboration between technology regulators, industry players, and security experts as Pakistan moves forward with ambitious plans for both 5G and satellite internet. By combining infrastructure upgrades with proactive security measures, PTA aims to foster a digital environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding users from emerging risks in the evolving telecom landscape.
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