Pakistan on high alert to protect cyber systems from Indian propaganda

Amid rising tensions and a wave of online propaganda allegedly linked to Indian sources, all relevant Pakistani agencies have been placed on high alert to protect the nation’s cyber infrastructure.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that the National Telecom Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and other related institutions are actively monitoring critical infrastructure and web servers across the country.

 PTA spokesperson said that so far, no major Pakistani website has suffered any confirmed cyber attack or damage, but all precautionary measures have been implemented. These include the issuance of cyber alerts, continuous monitoring, and strict oversight of web servers. Every report of a cyber threat is being thoroughly investigated.

Pages blocked

In a parallel effort to counter digital threats, law enforcement agencies have increased cyber patrolling to monitor anti-state activity on social media platforms. According to police sources, a total of 52,778 social media pages spreading propaganda against national security have been identified. Out of these, 11,132 pages have been blocked by cyber security units and the police.

Authorities also revealed that 18 terror plots were foiled by intercepting and analysing suspicious online activity. Leads were obtained through surveillance of 54 different social media platforms, which also helped in disrupting the communication networks of extremist groups. 

“Cyber security teams are on full alert and working round the clock to secure Pakistan’s digital borders,” the PTA spokesperson told Samaa TV. He emphasized that the situation remains under close observation, with enhanced coordination between cyber watchdogs and law enforcement bodies.

Officials have urged citizens to stay vigilant online and report any suspicious content or activity that could compromise national security.

On April 30, the PTA launched a comprehensive crackdown on Indian bots and fake social media accounts actively running anti-Pakistan campaigns amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

According to sources, Pakistani regulatory bodies had identified dozens of suspicious social media accounts involved in spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda. The PTA implemented round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms to counter these hostile activities. 

"So far, 46 suspicious URLs have been reported to relevant social media platforms for blocking," a PTA official confirmed. The authority emphasized that countering Indian-backed bots and fake social media accounts is an ongoing process requiring constant vigilance.

Sources within the PTA revealed that all relevant Pakistani institutions, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, have been mobilized to combat this coordinated disinformation campaign. Officials assured that any account found involved in anti-Pakistan activities will be immediately reported to the respective platform for appropriate action.

source samaatv