Tech Desk 
Dec 17, 2024
As the country continues to suffer from internet slowdowns as well as the registration and blockage of virtual private networks (VPNs), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez-Ur-Rehman the regulatory body can block VPNs but the decision would be taken by the government.
Speaking at the National Broadband Network Forum 2024 organised by the telecom regulator in collaboration with Huawei, the PTA chief noted that the authority neither blocked VPN nor would do so, adding that PTA was just an execution agency.
On the sidelines of VPN registration and takedown, the session also observed deliberations on prevailing issues affecting the digital fabric of the country, The News reported.
Regarding this, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani urged the government to make efforts to reduce the divide between urban and rural areas and stressed the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across sectors.
Gilani was of the view that high-quality internet and information technology services should be to the general public, for which the government needs to put an end to restrictions imposed on the internet and social media.
The Senate chairman also called for public-private partnership which would play a vital role in executing the digital agenda of the government.
Similar remarks were made by Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim, who stated that follies endured during the previous spectrum auction should not be repeated in the upcoming 5G auction slated to be conducted in April 2025.
