The alleged shutdown of a controversial social media firewall came under discussion in the Senate, with Senator Kamran Murtaza questioning the government over reports suggesting the system had been deactivated.
Speaking during the session, the senator asked whether the firewall, reportedly installed to regulate and monitor online content, had been shut down after significant public investment.
“Rs40 billion were spent to install the firewall. If it has now been discontinued, under whose account will this loss fall?” he asked, referring to media reports that have been circulating since a day earlier.
He noted that the government had remained silent on the matter, with no official confirmation or denial issued so far. “Since yesterday, reports are in circulation that the firewall has been switched off, yet there has been no clarification,” he said.
The issue has gained traction amid broader debate over internet governance and digital content regulation in the country. However, at the time of reporting, no formal statement had been issued by the government regarding the alleged shutdown.
The discussion underscores growing parliamentary scrutiny over digital monitoring mechanisms and public expenditure linked to technology-driven regulatory measures.
