Pakistan continues to draw global attention for its online behavior, ranking at the top worldwide for searches related to explicit and indecent content, even though actual viewership has declined significantly. The disclosure came from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Dr. Muqarram Ali, who was speaking at a cybersecurity seminar held at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
According to Dr. Muqarram Ali, Pakistan previously ranked first globally not only in searches but also in the consumption of indecent content. However, sustained enforcement actions by the PTA have led to a measurable shift. While search interest remains high, Pakistan has now dropped from the top position in terms of actual viewership, indicating the impact of regulatory controls and large-scale blocking measures.
Providing concrete figures, the PTA chairman revealed that the authority has blocked approximately 1.3 million indecent websites as part of its broader online safety and child protection strategy. He emphasized that the PTA does not arbitrarily shut down platforms and only blocks content deemed immoral or unethical under government directives and legal frameworks. Proactive censorship without formal instructions, he clarified, is not part of the authority’s mandate.
Dr. Muqarram Ali also highlighted operational challenges faced by the PTA, including contradictory court orders. In some cases, one court may direct the blocking of a platform, while another orders that the same platform should remain accessible. In such situations, the PTA is legally bound to follow established administrative and judicial procedures.
Referring to the temporary blocking of Wikipedia, the PTA chief said the move prompted international reaction, leading to the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to review the issue. He reiterated that similar directives had been issued under previous governments, reinforcing that such actions are policy-driven rather than discretionary.
On the cybersecurity front, Dr. Muqarram Ali stated that Pakistan now ranks among the top countries in cyber security preparedness. He cited the May Pak-India conflict, claiming that Pakistan successfully defended its digital infrastructure, with no Pakistani websites taken offline during the cyber confrontation.
He also addressed public misconceptions regarding mobile taxes, clarifying that the PTA does not collect them. This responsibility, he noted, lies solely with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The data highlights a complex digital reality for Pakistan—where aggressive regulatory action has reduced consumption but search behavior continues to reflect deeper social and policy challenges in online governance.
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