[DAWN] ISLAMABAD: BlackBerry Ltd will delay shutting down its operations in Pakistain until Dec 30 as negotiations continue over government demands for access to users' private data, the company and the telecoms authority said on Monday.Pakistain Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had in July demanded BlackBerry give it access to its BlackBerry Enterprise Services, which encrypt data such as emails and instant messages, or shut it down by Nov 30.
The PTA on Monday then suggested a one-month extension to that deadline, its chairman Syed Ismail Shah said. BlackBerry also confirmed the extension in a statement on its website.
"The level of access is still under discussion," Shah said. "We can extend the deadline and they can continue to work until then."
Pakistain has said it needs access to maintain its security, with police saying criminals use secure communications like those provided by BlackBerry.
Analysts say the government is increasing electronic surveillance to target activists, politicians and journalists.
Earlier today, BlackBerry Chief Operating Officer Marty Beard confirmed in a statement posted to the smartphone makers' website that the company will not operate in Pakistain after Nov 30.