ISLAMABAD — Pakistani engineers have developed and successfully tested “Beep,” a government messaging app designed for secure communication among officials, authorities announced Tuesday. The app could eventually be available to millions of citizens if approved by the government, said Baber Majid, CEO of the National Information Technology Board.
“Beep” has been in trial since 2023 and is now ready for launch, Majid stated. The development comes amid restrictions on social media use and frequent internet and mobile phone network shutdowns in Pakistan to prevent dissent.
Ordinary Pakistanis have struggled to access the social networking platform X, which was blocked ahead of the February 8 parliamentary elections. The vote was marred by violence, a nationwide mobile phone service shutdown, and allegations of vote rigging. The government claims the phone service suspension was for security reasons, but critics, including imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, argue it was to facilitate vote rigging—a charge the government denies.
Pakistan has imposed frequent internet restrictions, particularly in the southwestern Baluchistan province. Annual phone service suspensions also occur during Ashoura, an Islamic commemoration involving Shiite Muslim processions.
Research by Netherlands-based cybersecurity company Surfshark B.V. highlighted five separate internet restrictions during and after the elections. The company argues such actions undermine democracy and hinder fair elections.
The phone and internet suspensions have also affected communication between officials and security forces. The “Beep” app aims to ensure uninterrupted communication among officials. Designed for sharing text, audio, video, and holding conference calls, the app requires an internet connection. Majid emphasized that “Beep” is safer than other messaging apps but did not elaborate on measures to restrict internet availability to authorized users only.
