A new messaging application called “Beep Pakistan” is set to become a powerful local alternative to WhatsApp, according to government officials. Introduced last August by then-federal minister for information technology, Amin ul Haque, Beep Pakistan is being positioned as a secure and homegrown solution for communication needs in the country.
Beep Pakistan: A Homegrown Solution
Beep Pakistan is not just another messaging app. It is a robust platform designed to offer features such as audio, video, messaging, conference calls for up to 200 participants, and document sharing. The app’s servers will be located within Pakistan, ensuring a high level of data security. Haque emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating, “Beep’s data center will be in Pakistan, ensuring 100% safety and security.”
Currently, government officials in the ministry of IT and its allied departments are already using Beep Pakistan for internal communications. The government plans to roll out the app to all government employees within the next 45 days, with a public launch to follow.
Public Rollout
Baber Majeed Bhatti, CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), confirmed that Beep Pakistan has been tested and deployed within the ministry to address any issues. Bhatti highlighted that the app is far more powerful than WhatsApp, describing it as a unified and secure communication platform for the government.
The app is set to be gradually rolled out to the public, pending government approval. Bhatti mentioned that while there are no immediate plans to ban WhatsApp in Pakistan, it aims to offer a secure alternative that aligns with national data security interests.
Digital rights activists, however, have expressed concerns over the government’s approach, citing inadequate data protection and privacy safeguards. They warn that launching local applications without substantial investment and technological support may expose users to security risks and could face challenges similar to those experienced by local apps in other countries.
Read more: Pakistan Set to Launch Government Employees Communication App ‘Beep Pakistan’
