All Posts in #NationalSecurity

December 17, 2025 - Comments Off on Govt to launch a secure messaging app for government employees

Govt to launch a secure messaging app for government employees

Recent global incidents have underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on official digital communication platforms for relaying sensitive information. The NA Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications mentioned as such in a session this week, justifying the need for a locally developed messaging platform that allows for safe, secure, and reliable communication amongst government employees. They instructed the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to accelerate the roll-out of “Beep”, a secure messaging application with enhanced encryption features and locally situated servers. Inspired by the Chinese “WeChat” platform, Beep is Pakistan’s latest attempt at indigenizing its digital infrastructure- with the ultimate objective of reducing reliance on official platforms.

December 16, 2025 - Comments Off on “Anti-state campaigns” on social media condemned as paid trends

“Anti-state campaigns” on social media condemned as paid trends

State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry has targeted opposition political parties and foreign actors for concocting “paid” social media trends against Pakistan. According to Mr Chaudhry, the Pakistani government has unearthed coordinated social media campaigns on Whatsapp groups and X that promote terrorism and incite anti-state sentiment meant to manipulate public opinion. Mr Chaudhry also asserted that accounts affiliated with PTI are at the root of many such trends spreading misinformation against the state, and called for harsh punishments against individuals who knowingly participate in “paid trends”. Driven by a commercial rather than ideological logic, he also clarified that such rhetoric is not reflective of public opinion.

December 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Govt hints at banning “uncooperative” social media platforms

Govt hints at banning “uncooperative” social media platforms

According to the Minister of State for Law and Justice, the Pakistani government will consider restrictions on social media platforms that fail to comply with local directives. These comments were targeted at X, which according to the Barrister’s comments, serves as a hotspot of disinformation, terrorism, and anti-state rhetoric. Specifically, the government has expressed repeated frustrations at the platform’s perceived indifference to anti-state tweets posted under PTI leader Imran Khan’s official account. The Pakistani government is currently investigating a ban on the founder's account and such comments serve to build pressure on a platform that views Pakistan as a lucrative market.

May 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistani FM stations halt Indian music amid rising tensions

Pakistani FM stations halt Indian music amid rising tensions

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has lauded the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) for its decision to stop playing Indian songs on local FM radio stations, calling it a “patriotic gesture” in light of escalating cross-border tensions.

The move follows accusations by India linking Pakistan to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 civilians dead. While Islamabad has denied involvement, diplomatic unease and military alerts have intensified across both sides of the border. In an official letter, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting commended the PBA’s “principled decision,” stating it reflects national unity and supports the government’s efforts to uphold “dignity and sovereignty” during a critical time.

The announcement comes shortly after India banned multiple Pakistani YouTube and Instagram accounts, including those of well-known entertainers like Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, as part of a broader crackdown on Pakistani content.

March 17, 2025 - Comments Off on Suspect held for online “anti-state campaign” in wake of Balochistan train attack

Suspect held for online “anti-state campaign” in wake of Balochistan train attack

A social media and political activist was arrested for allegedly carrying out an “anti-state campaign” online in regards to the hijacking of a Pakistani passenger train on March 11, 2025, which saw 64 people dead and 380 injured. According to a statement issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the social media user had been arrested for ““spreading a hate campaign against state institutions” and had “shared negative propaganda and derogatory content against institutions during the Jaffar Express tragedy”.

The FIA also asserted that he was “supported ”supporting and promoting banned terrorist organisations on social media”, and was ““not only running a poisonous campaign against state institutions but also kept sharing inflammatory statements and content in favour of terrorists” on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter).