PTA says it does not conduct surveillance

Published May 7, 2014
The PTA has distanced itself from charges that it carry's  out surveillance on the internet. -File Image
The PTA has distanced itself from charges that it carry's out surveillance on the internet. -File Image

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has responded to non-profit organisation Bolo Bhi’s request for information regarding surveillance equipment and list of blocked websites.

Responding to the requests, the PTA says that it does not carry out surveillance on the internet and has distanced itself from the charges.

The PTA was specifically asked about the presence of surveillance equipment in Pakistan.

According to Canada-based Citizen Lab’s report, published on April 30, 2013, tests carried out detected the presence of FinFisher Command and Control servers in Pakistan.

FinFisher is a digital spying server used for mass surveillance of the internet.

Regarding disclosure of the list of websites blocked by the PTA, it is still awaiting decision of the relevant authority.

Bolo Bhi has stated that tests confirm the presence of FinFisher servers in Pakistan.

The organisation had filed right to information requests with the PTA under the Freedom of Information Act 2002 on 12 February, 2014.

Under the law, an authority has 21 days to respond to the request.

Bolo Bhi filed a complaint on 24 March 2014 with the Federal Ombudsman about failure of the PTA to respond to the information requests within the specified period.

On 2 April, 2014, the Federal Ombudsman notified Bolo Bhi that PTA has been given the deadline of 18 April 2014 to respond to the organisation's request.

Complying with the order of the Federal Ombudsman, PTA responded on 15 April 2014.

PTCL and Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication have been sent similar requests by Bolo Bhi, but have not responded.

The organisation said that it is still waiting for an official notification for a hearing at the Ombudsman’s office.

Opinion

Editorial

Soaring again
Updated 18 Jul, 2025

Soaring again

The lifting of the ban by the UK will lead to several welcome developments.
Terror in Kalat
18 Jul, 2025

Terror in Kalat

THE unrest in Balochistan is increasingly taking on an ugly and dangerous colour, with repeated, indiscriminate...
Economic exclusion
18 Jul, 2025

Economic exclusion

FOR all the progress made in Pakistan towards the inclusion of women across the sociopolitical divide, comprehensive...
Digital gaps
Updated 17 Jul, 2025

Digital gaps

Digital technology affords Pakistan a unique opportunity to transform itself into a dynamic digital economy.
A grave matter
17 Jul, 2025

A grave matter

IT is a weighty issue, and one which many would not touch with a barge pole, primarily out of concern for...
Vaccine paradox
17 Jul, 2025

Vaccine paradox

PAKISTAN has recorded its highest-ever coverage of the DTP vaccine — protecting children against diphtheria,...