PTA Chief Warns of Rising Digital Fraud, Urges Public to Adapt to New Technologies
Islamabad — Pakistan’s top telecom regulator has warned that the country’s rapid digital adoption is outpacing public awareness, leaving citizens increasingly vulnerable to online fraud, misinformation, and misuse of artificial intelligence.
Speaking at a National Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar, Hafeez ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, stressed the urgent need for citizens to learn modern digital tools and exercise caution in their online activity. He noted that while digital platforms have become integral to daily life, many people spend excessive time on social media without understanding the associated risks.
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“Technology is evolving faster than our ability to comprehend it,” he told participants, according to officials present at the seminar. “No individual can claim to have complete knowledge in the digital age, which makes continuous learning essential.”
The PTA chairman highlighted a recent fraud case in which a citizen was reportedly deceived into transferring Rs30 million, underscoring the scale of financial losses caused by cybercrime. Officials say such cases are becoming more common as scammers adopt increasingly sophisticated methods, including the use of artificial intelligence to generate realistic audio and video content.
With the spread of AI-generated videos and manipulated visuals, Hafeez ur Rehman cautioned that people are often unable to distinguish between real and fabricated content. Cybersecurity analysts attending the seminar said deepfake technology, once limited to advanced labs, is now accessible through common online tools, making deception easier and detection harder.
While acknowledging that legislation and enforcement fall under the government’s mandate, the PTA chief emphasized that regulation alone cannot prevent digital crimes. “Public awareness is equally important,” he said, adding that timely information and vigilance can prevent financial losses and, in some cases, save lives.
In line with these concerns, the PTA recently issued new guidelines aimed at ensuring the safe use of artificial intelligence platforms. According to the advisory, users are urged to protect their personal information and avoid uploading sensitive documents, such as identity records or financial data, to AI-based applications. The authority also warned that AI-generated content should always be verified, as false or misleading information can spread rapidly if shared without scrutiny.
PTA officials say the guidelines reflect growing concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity in Pakistan, where digital services have expanded sharply in recent years. From online banking to remote work and e-governance, AI tools are increasingly embedded in everyday interactions, raising questions about safeguards and user responsibility.
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“The creation of a secure digital environment is a shared responsibility,” a senior PTA official said, noting that regulators, service providers, and users all have roles to play. Experts believe that without sustained awareness campaigns, technological progress could widen the gap between digital access and digital safety.
The chairman’s remarks on cybersecurity come amid broader efforts by the PTA to position technology as a driver of national development. Earlier this year, Hafeez ur Rehman addressed a digital summit at ITCN Asia 2024 in Lahore, where he described digital transformation as pivotal to Pakistan’s future economic growth.
At the event, he outlined the regulator’s roadmap for strengthening digital infrastructure, improving service quality, and expanding access to telecommunications across the country. He also briefed participants on preparations for the introduction of 5G services, including spectrum allocation and regulatory reforms, according to event organizers.
Industry representatives and analysts attending the summit said Pakistan’s digital ambitions will depend not only on infrastructure investment but also on building public trust in technology. “Cybersecurity and digital literacy are now as important as connectivity itself,” one telecom analyst said.
Looking ahead, PTA officials say the authority plans to continue public awareness initiatives while refining regulatory frameworks to address emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence and online platforms. As Pakistan accelerates toward a more connected future, policymakers and experts agree that balancing innovation with security will remain a central challenge in the years to come.
