Government of Pakistan has issued a regulation, as per Telecom Act of Pakistan, for possible termination of Telecom services in a particular region or whole of Pakistan, due to any concern relating to national security, told a highly reliable source at Ministry of IT and Telecom.
In simple, as per directive, Government of Pakistan can ask PTA, in case of any national security situation, to order temporary or permanent termination of telecom services of any service procider, in any part or whole of Pakistan.
If implemented in true spirit, this regulation is in favor of Pakistan’s national security; however, we have seen in past that rules are used for personalized benefits by political parties, and not for national concerns.
As per this regulation, Government can ask for closure of mobile phone service, landline, internet or any Telecom service, anytime if Government considers it necessary.
We remember that cellular services in Islamabad were asked to put down during long march, back in March 2009.
Let’s expect more such instances in future, if required.
