National Assembly orders PTA to block 25,000 terrorist websites

National Assembly’s session on Information and Technology raised its concerns over thousands of websites being operated by terrorist organizations. Tahir Iqbal, who was chairing the meeting, said that there are more than 25,000 websites accessible in Pakistan that are operated by terrorist organizations. The committee also asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the steps it is taking to block the content on such websites.

Dr. Ismail Shah, Chairman PTA, while briefing the committee said that PTA can’t block any of the website on its own, following an order from Islamabad High Court. For those of you who don’t know, PTA is not entirely responsible for blocking YouTube or any other inaccessible site in Pakistan. Inter-Ministerial Committee decides if a website should be accessed or blocked in Pakistan. It has been put on hold by Islamabad High Court in response to a petition filed by Bolo Bhi.

He said that there has to be a complaint registered with PTA for the blocking of a website after which authority investigates the content of reported website to finally block it. He said that Islamabad High Court is also intimated of any website that is blocked by PTA.

Azmat Ranjha, IT Secretary, expressed that law enforcement agencies have been asked to form research wings for hunting any potential terrorist websites and share their content with PTA.

Following the concerns raised by the National Assembly, it is hoped that PTA will block the access of all sorts of terrorists websites in the country. If you suspect any such websites, you can report it to the PTA.