On the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has started working on blocking the ‘undesirable’ short text messages (SMSs) on mobile phones, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

In compliance with the prime minister’s directions, the PTA has introduced a new system which will block the marketing SMS on mobile phones. 

According to the PTA, from July 1, the mobile companies will act upon the marketers’ Opt-In and Opt-Out system. There will be an Opt-Out link at the end of every marketing SMS. Those mobile users who will click on the Opt-Out link, they will be included in the SMS marketing block list. Only those users will continue receiving the marketing SMS who will stay in the Opt In list. 

https://twitter.com/PTAofficialpk/status/1537658283598684160

The PTA said that a list of telemarketers will be prepared which will be consisted of letters and numbers. All Cellular Mobile Operators are required to get alphanumeric IDs approved for telemarketers/brands/organizations and submit the list to the PTA by June 21. 

The PTA further informed that the authority has started working on the protection of personal data of citizens. 

Reporter Saba Bajeer