The federal government is preparing to launch a secure, homegrown messaging platform called ‘Beep’ for public sector officials, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign communication apps and strengthen data security across state institutions.
The development was shared with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, which met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of MNA Syed Amin Ul Haque. Officials informed the committee that the application is technically ready and is expected to be rolled out by June 2026.
A Secure Alternative for Official Communication
As per Faisal Iqbal Ratyal, Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Beep has been designed specifically for government use and is modeled on China’s popular all-in-one platform, WeChat.
“The main objective of Beep is to provide a secure and reliable communication platform for public sector employees,” Ratyal told lawmakers.
The app offers end-to-end encrypted messaging and video communication, making it suitable for sensitive government discussions. Officials believe it is going to assist in ensuring safety and protection to the official data, particularly at a time when widely used platforms like WhatsApp store data on servers located outside Pakistan.
Focus on Security, Not Profit
Responding to questions about operational costs, NITB officials explained that Beep will operate on a usage-based fee model, with efforts underway to make the platform financially sustainable in the long run.
However, the Federal Secretary for IT clarified that revenue generation is not considered to be the primary sole aim of this platform.
“Our priority is secure, efficient, and uninterrupted communication within government institutions,” he said.
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Concerns Over Internet Quality
During the meeting, committee members raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s internet and mobile service quality. The chairman rejected data presented by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which claimed a 99% satisfaction rate nationwide, calling it disconnected from ground realities.
PPP lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui questioned the survey methodology and urged that future Quality of Service assessments be conducted by independent third parties to ensure transparency and credibility.
Spectrum, 5G, and Digital Laws
The committee also reiterated earlier directions that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction should be conducted in Pakistani rupees and that spectrum prices should remain reasonable. Any concessions given to telecom operators, members stressed, must directly translate into network and infrastructure improvements.
Lawmakers also discussed the Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025. After input from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)—which said existing laws under the PECA Act already cover the issue—the bill was withdrawn to avoid overlapping legislation.
The committee at the end summed it up by directing further consultations to solidify existing cyber laws rather than creating new regulatory bodies, emphasizing
- Clarity
- Efficiency
- Effective digital governance with accountability mechanisms