Pakistan continues to top global search charts for indecent content, even though actual viewership has declined, said Dr. Muqarram Ali, Director General of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). He shared these insights while speaking at a cybersecurity seminar hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
Dr. Muqarram Ali noted that PTA’s extensive actions, including blocking millions of indecent websites, have significantly reduced the country’s consumption of such material. “Previously, Pakistan ranked highest in viewing indecent content, but sustained enforcement has lowered this position,” he said.
Highlighting the PTA’s efforts in online child protection, he stated that around 1.3 million indecent websites have been blocked. He clarified that the authority strictly targets immoral and unethical material and does not independently shut down platforms without government directives.
The PTA chief also addressed challenges posed by conflicting court orders. “At times, one court instructs blocking a platform, while another asks us not to,” he explained, emphasizing that the authority follows all prescribed legal and administrative procedures.
Referring to the temporary Wikipedia ban, Dr. Muqarram Ali said it triggered international attention, prompting the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to review the decision. He stressed that website blocks are implemented only under government directives, consistent across previous administrations.
On cybersecurity, he highlighted Pakistan’s progress, claiming the country now ranks among the top in preparedness. He cited the May Pak-India conflict, noting that Pakistan maintained control in cyberspace and no local websites were taken offline. Dr. Muqarram Ali also clarified that PTA does not collect mobile taxes, which remain under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).