Tech Desk 
Nov 09, 2024
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that it is not responsible for ensuring electronic devices are free from explosives. This clarification comes after questions about the safety of electronic gadgets like pagers following recent incidents in Lebanon and Syria.
PTA states that detecting explosive materials falls outside its duties, as it has no connection to telecommunications equipment.
PTA explained that any electronic device, from refrigerators to TVs, could potentially be misused for illegal purposes, not just devices related to telecommunications.
PTA’s role under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act is to regulate and approve telecommunications devices like mobile phones, radios, and routers, ensuring they meet specific standards.
The authority verified that mobile devices have valid IMEIs and are neither stolen nor cloned, but it does not inspect devices for explosives.
According to PTA, once a device is type-approved, it can be imported in bulk, and any further checks for illegal materials are the responsibility of other relevant agencies.
PTA uses international standards to certify device safety through accredited testing labs, focusing solely on telecom-related safety standards, not explosives detection.
In support of national cyber security, the government has recently implemented Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Rules 2023.
CERT includes a Digital Forensics Lab and Screening Lab to secure digital systems, focusing on bugs, malware, and hardware implants rather than physical explosives. For more details, the PTA advised contacting the relevant agencies directly.
