Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced a major policy requiring that all internet traffic generated within the country must be routed locally, rather than passing through international gateways. The directive makes it mandatory for telecom operators to exchange domestic data either through direct connections or via local Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), reported Business Recorder.
The move is aimed at reducing dependence on costly international bandwidth while strengthening control over data flows in the country. According to the notification, local traffic can no longer be sent on upstream links or foreign gateways, making the rule strict and unambiguous.
Authorities say this shift will lower operational costs for telecom companies and improve cybersecurity by keeping data within national borders instead of routing it overseas. It also supports Pakistan’s broader push toward building a more independent and resilient digital infrastructure.
