Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), has conducted a number of successful raids against illegal internet service providers in Punjab and Sindh, as part of its efforts to eliminate the illegal provision of internet services throughout the country.
The PTA has revealed that the investigations were conducted in two locations: Daharki in the Ghotki district and Johar Town, a well-known neighbourhood in Lahore.
According to reports, the office of the illegal ISP operating in Ghotki was located on Zafar Bazar Road. During its search of the Ghotki office, the PTA was able to seize all equipment but failed to make any arrests.
In contrast, the Johar Town Lahore search resulted in two arrests and the seizure of equipment such as switches and routers.
The ISP offices in Ghotki and Lahore were both secured, and the FIA is currently investigating the case in accordance with the law.
The raid targeted an illegal internet service provider located at Zafar Bazar Road in Daharki during which equipment of illegal ISP was confiscated. While in Lahore, operational internet setup was found, being operated without valid license. pic.twitter.com/LLYbSjmeuV
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) May 26, 2023
In a recent statement, the PTA attributes its successful crackdown on these two internet service providers to its unwavering commitment, continuous monitoring, and efforts, adding that illegal business practises that reduce taxes are detrimental to the nation’s financial health.
People should only obtain internet services from a list of PTA-licensed operators, which can be readily located on the PTA’s official website, the PTA advised.