Telegram is a popular encrypted messaging service just like WhatsApp. It’s available for various platforms and is working fine all over the globe – excluding Pakistan. As it was noted in fall last year, the app and the web version, both stopped functioning in the country. Meanwhile, the service was properly accessible in rest of the world.
This blockage of Telegram caused an uproar over social media platforms, as many people started complaining. At first, the problem was unclear, some perceived it as a technical issue and began tweeting to the Telegram’s official account about the matter.
However, after some silence, PTCL finally broke the ice and confirmed that the secure messaging service was deliberately banned under the instructions of PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority).
Now, it’s been a few months and it seems that Telegram is still blocked all over Pakistan and so far, a clear reason for this ban hasn’t been disclosed either.
Some speculations could be that the app being an encrypted service might be annoying for the government because any type of users – specifically terrorists or criminals – can take benefit of the Telegram’s security services to cover their activities and communication. But interestingly, WhatsApp also being an encrypted service is roaming out free.
It must be noted that Telegram was recently temporarily removed from Apple’s App Store after some child abusive media was found being distributed in the app. Indonesia also threated to ban the messaging service over some negative content related to terrorism. Perhaps, there is a similar content related issue with Pakistan too. But, nothing can be confirmed as of yet.
Also, it would be wrong to state that Telegram is completely inaccessible in Pakistan. Reportedly, there are a lot of people using VPNs and proxy servers to bypass the blockage for accessing the service.
All in all, it is unknown that how long this ban will continue and when will the app be accessible again without using any proxy or private network.
We would let you know as soon as we hear something on this. So, for more, keep following TechJuice.
