Pakistan Has Entrusted Much Of Its Infrastructure To China, And Now It’s Developed A Homemade ”WhatsApp” For Enhanced Security


Delhi News


Beep Pakistan

Pakistan is on the verge of launching its first messaging application, “”Beep Pakistan.”” This app has been designed to facilitate secure communication between government employees and officials. Developed under the leadership of Babar Majid Bhatti, head of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Beep Pakistan is tailored for exclusive use within government circles. Bhatti emphasized that limiting the app to government employees serves a dual purpose: protecting the privacy of official conversations and ensuring that sensitive data remains within secure channels. The app’s design aligns with the country’s growing interest in fostering digital independence, offering a safe platform for internal communication in place of more commonly used foreign apps.

While Beep Pakistan App focuses on security within government communications, the app’s introduction raises questions about Pakistan’s broader approach to digital privacy and data security. Despite Beep’s launch, Chinese apps, like TikTok, remain widely available in Pakistan, contrasting with neighboring India and other countries that have imposed strict restrictions or outright bans on TikTok due to data security concerns. This discrepancy raises a point of contention, as many ask why Chinese applications continue to operate unchecked in Pakistan despite privacy concerns highlighted by other nations.

Critics argue Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese tech and applications undermines its readiness to embrace local digital infrastructure. While Beep Pakistan is a step towards digital autonomy, the country’s open stance toward Chinese digital platforms may create challenges in establishing a fully secure digital ecosystem. As Pakistan moves to enhance its tech capabilities and safeguard data, the coexistence of Beep Pakistan with foreign platforms like TikTok could bring new conversations to the forefront about balancing national security with digital openness.

Bhatti said, ”This app has been made and is already working. Its testing is going on in our ministry.” He said the app would be launched once the testing was over.

“”The app has been designed in such a way that it can be extended for general use,”” he said, adding that depending on the future situation, it may be considered to be made available to the general public at a later stage.

When asked about the launch time frame, Bhatti said, ”There is no fixed time frame for this, but it will be launched among government departments within the next few months. However, it can happen earlier as well.” He further said that the upcoming new app has no competition or comparison with WhatsApp.

He further said, ”WhatsApp is for commercial benefits, to collect and use your data for commercial purposes. Beep Pakistan is a government communication project to secure data and maintain privacy.”

Bhatti announced that, with a strong emphasis on privacy, the government is phasing out WhatsApp for official communication among government employees and introducing a new, secure messaging app instead. This move aims to enhance data protection within government communications.

This decision comes amid ongoing frustrations among internet users nationwide, who have experienced disruptions due to the ban on the social media platform X. The government imposed this ban on February 17 following extensive protests against alleged rigging in the general elections. As a result, users have faced consistent challenges accessing the platform, adding to Pakistan’s broader discourse on digital freedom and security.

By shifting to a locally developed app, the government signals its commitment to data security and its intent to move away from foreign messaging platforms for official use. However, the timing of this change—alongside recent restrictions on public digital expression—raises questions among the public about access to secure and open channels for information.

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