Pakistan is set to launch a locally developed secure messaging application, BEEP, for government officials in the coming months, drawing inspiration from China’s WeChat platform.
The application is nearly ready for launch and is anticipated to achieve its project target of June 30, 2026, according to information provided to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom on Tuesday.
Syed Aminul Haque, the chairman of the committee, directed National Information Technology Board (NITB) CEO Faisal Ratyal instructions to guarantee the app’s prompt release. The committee was informed that BEEP was created locally and that all relevant government agencies had certified it.
Explaining the purpose of the application, Ratyal said BEEP aims to provide a secure messaging platform for public-sector employees across the country. He added that the rollout would take place in phases, beginning with federal ministries and their attached departments.
According to the NITB CEO, the rollout is expected to begin within the next two months. Secure texting, document sharing, and workflow coordination between government institutions will be made possible via the app’s integration with the federal e-Office system.
Ratyal also told the committee that BEEP has improved security measures, including full encryption for government personnel’ text messages and video calls. He pointed out that in light of events documented during global conflicts in 2024, the committee had previously voiced concerns regarding the security of official communications.
He said that since then, the app has been updated with new security features, such as end-to-end encryption for video communications, which makes it appropriate for sensitive government discussions. In response to a query on operational costs, Ratyal said that BEEP will use a usage-based charge model and that efforts were underway to make the platform financially self-sustaining.
The IT secretary made it clear throughout the discussion that the app’s main goal was not to generate revenue. He stated that ensuring safe, effective, and dependable communication amongst state institutions was the government’s top concern. The committee was also informed that the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) had approved the app for official deployment.
The most popular platform for voice and video calls and media sharing at the moment is WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta; however, its data servers are located outside of Pakistan. On the other hand, BEEP’s security framework is built on the Chinese WeChat platform, and its data servers will be located within the country.
Additionally, officials recalled that in order to save paperwork and increase transparency, the government had previously implemented the federal e-Office system. They stated that it is anticipated that BEEP’s integration with e-Office will enhance internal coordination and lower operational risks.
Lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s internet and telecom services during the following item on the agenda, rejecting the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) claim that 99 percent of users are satisfied.
The PTA’s Quality of Service report, which claimed a 99 percent satisfaction score for mobile signals nationwide, was challenged by Committee Chairman Aminul Haque. The number was unanimously rejected by the panel, who claimed that the regulator’s assesment was in conflict with frequent internet slowdowns and poor mobile coverage.
Committee member Sadiq Memon criticised the report and questioned the seriousness of the regulator’s approach, describing the data as unrealistic and saying the gap between official reporting and public experience was widening.
MNA Sharmila Faruqui also questioned the methodology used by the PTA to conduct its surveys. She called for future Quality of Service surveys to be conducted by independent third parties, stressing that external audits were necessary to ensure transparency and credibility.
The committee also recalled that it had previously directed that spectrum prices not be set too high and that the 5G spectrum auction be held in Pakistani rupees.
Additionally, it reaffirmed that any discounts or concessions given to telecom operators must be closely linked to investments in infrastructure development and network expansion.