Advertisment

No butts and Fs in Pakistan SMSes

author-image
CIOL Bureau
Updated On
New Update

BANGALORE, INDIA: Pakistanis will have to refer a new dictionary while SMSing. They can no longer use the 'F' words on mobiles. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has ordered the mobile phone operators to block text messages that use offensive language.

Advertisment

After a long deliberation, the officials have prepared a list of over 1000 words and phrases in English to be banned and it includes fuck, butt, flatulence, fondle and deposit. The screening will begin by November 21.

According to media reports, in a letter to mobile phone firms, watchdog director Muhammad Talib Doger stated: "the system should be implemented within seven days ... and a report submitted to PTA on monthly basis on the number of blocked SMSs".

The officials' flair for the task was apparent, with prohibition embracing more figurative language, such as "flogging the dolphin", and 51 terms with the suffix "ass" — although only one variation of the word 'arse'. There were 17 variants on "tit" and 33 on "cock", with officials managing to produce eight obscenities involving the word "foot", reported the Guardian.

Very soon, Twitter was flooded with tweeets against the government's move to exercise its authority to curb freedom of citizens.

Nida Jahen wrote: "So they're going to ban the word flatulence. Big deal! I prefer more expressive terms "thuss" and phusses any way."

tech-news