(Web Desk Monitoring) — Major General (R) Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), announced that while virtual private networks (VPNs) could potentially be blocked across the country, such a measure could negatively impact businesses.

Speaking at the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom, he explained that the PTA has initiated the whitelisting of VPNs to prevent unauthorized services from operating within Pakistan. He noted that, to date, the usage of the app X in Pakistan has decreased by 70%, with only 30% of users accessing it through VPNs.

Additionally, Rahman highlighted that X has responded to only 7% of the PTA’s complaints over the past three months. The decision to unblock X, he stated, rests with the federal government.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who also addressed the committee, pointed out that posts offending religious sentiments often lead to protests. He expressed concern that platforms like YouTube and TikTok feature more criticism of the government compared to X, but assured that the government has no issues with criticism on social media.