BlackBerry Not Quite Done in Pakistan After All

The state-run Pakistan Telecommunication Authority demanded in July that BlackBerry give it access to its data-encrypting BlackBerry Enterprise Services.

If not, the PTA said BlackBerry must shut down operations in Pakistan.

Recently BlackBerry suggested it would do just that, refusing to give the PTA access.

However, the PTA has now suggested a one-month extension to its own deadline, as the two organizations seek to find a level of access that they are both comfortable with.

Pakistan says it merely wants to maintain security, while critics suggest the increased electronic surveillance could be used to target politicians and journalists.