Islamabad, February 01, 2023 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking / removing sacrilegious contents. Wikipedia was approached for blocking / removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority.

Given the intentional failure on part of the platform to comply with the directions of PTA, the services of Wikipedia have been degraded for 48 hours with the direction to block / remove the reported contents. In case of non-compliance by Wikipedia the platform will be blocked within Pakistan.

The restoration of the services of Wikipedia will be reconsidered subject to blocking / removal of the reported unlawful contents. PTA is committed to ensuring a safe online experience for all Pakistani citizens according to local laws.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
PTA Headquarters, Sector F- 5/1, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2878152
Fax: +92-51- 9219921
Email: pr@pta.gov.pk
Website: https://www.pta.gov.pk