PTA Chairman Warns of Fake Calls, OTP Scams and Cyber Threats

Pakistan continues to face cyberattacks around the clock, with fake videos, fraudulent calls, and suspicious messages posing serious risks to citizens, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman has warned. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week, the PTA chairman said Pakistan remains a major target for cyber threats, with thousands of fake videos circulating across digital platforms. He highlighted that citizens frequently receive fraudulent calls and messages requesting one-time passwords (OTPs), making public awareness essential to preventing online scams. The chairman urged people to avoid sharing suspicious or misleading messages without verification, warning that the spread of false information can create further security risks. Telecom Sector Also Vulnerable to Cyberattacks Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman acknowledged that Pakistan's telecom sector is not completely protected from cyberattacks, despite ongoing efforts to strengthen digital security. He said institutions including NADRA, PEMRA, and PTA have taken measures to secure their systems against potential threats. However, he stressed that stronger cybersecurity policies and greater public awareness are needed to address emerging risks. The PTA chairman also referred to the role of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in addressing relevant concerns related to suspicious communications. He emphasized that protecting Pakistan's digital infrastructure requires continuous security improvements and responsible online behavior. According to him, the ultimate objective is to safeguard citizens and secure Pakistan's digital future. Also read: PTA warns of cyber threats to Pakistan's 5G networks, flags risks of data theft, attacks Mobile Phone Taxes Portal Find the PTA Taxes on All Phones on a Single Page using our Taxes Portal. Note: Mobile phone tax rates and calculations fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), not the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Explore NowFollow us on Google News!