Pakistanis watch 560 million YouTube videos daily, PTA chief says

Pakistan ranks among the top countries in the world for YouTube viewership, with 560 million videos watched daily in the country, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman retired Major General Hafeez ur Rehman told a National Assembly committee.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, the PTA chairman said that Pakistan had 96 million YouTube users. He said TikTok had 100 million user accounts in Pakistan, while 150 million people watched videos on the platform.

He added that WhatsApp had 100 million user accounts in the country, with Pakistanis making one billion calls and sending 12 billion messages through the messaging platform every day.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said the use of social media and artificial intelligence had significantly increased data consumption.

She said no spectrum auction had been held after Nawaz Sharif left office, adding that his government had introduced 4G technology in the country, while the present government had conducted the 5G spectrum auction.

The minister said 1.8 million people were using 5G services in Pakistan and the technology was being introduced in 24 cities. She added that steps were being taken to improve telecom services.

She also cited several reasons for disruptions in telecom services, including the theft of entire mobile towers, diesel and generators.