The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced it has blocked more than 900,000 websites, including over 844,000 pornographic sites, in its ongoing effort to curb online access to illicit content. The crackdown has been ramped up as Pakistan remains one of the top countries attempting to access such material, with nearly 20 million daily attempts being blocked at the international gateway.
The PTA has also blocked 100,183 “blasphemous” URLs and is closely monitoring online platforms for offensive content. Despite these efforts, many users are bypassing restrictions by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which the PTA is working to control with additional measures.
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The use of VPNs has been a major challenge in circumventing internet filters, and PTA is actively exploring new strategies to enforce its content restrictions. This is part of a broader initiative to adhere to international regulatory standards while ensuring the safety of online spaces in Pakistan.
The PTA’s efforts include continuous monitoring and the collaboration of legal and technical teams to block offensive material, as well as efforts to restrict the use of VPNs, particularly for accessing banned platforms like X.
