government strategy

Pakistani engineers developed the 'Beep' messaging app specifically for government officials, completing trial runs since 2023. Baber Majid, CEO of the National Information Technology Board, announced that the app is awaiting government approval for launch, which could make it available to millions of citizens. Beep is designed to provide enhanced security and uninterrupted communication for officials amid government-imposed social media restrictions and internet blackouts. Shaza Fatima Khwaja, the state minister for IT and telecommunication, stated that Beep will be rolled out to all government employees within the next 45 days, with potential plans for future public access. Critics express concern that the app may be part of a strategy to control online discourse and limit information access, potentially impacting freedom of expression in Pakistan.