Conflicting claims over whether a controversial internet firewall is operational or has been shut down have triggered public concern, with the government yet to issue a formal clarification.
The matter was debated in the Senate a day earlier, where Senator Kamran Murtaza sought an official explanation from the government regarding reports circulating on social media about the firewall’s alleged shutdown.
Despite mounting speculation, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied reports of any deactivation, maintaining that relevant systems remain functional. Telecom operators have also confirmed that infrastructure deployed on their networks continues to operate.
“The firewall system cannot simply be switched off with the press of a button,” IT experts said, cautioning against oversimplification of complex network-level security frameworks.
PTA further clarified that linking the firewall controversy with the upcoming 5G spectrum auction is inaccurate, dismissing suggestions that regulatory or commercial considerations had prompted any change in status.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has not issued a formal statement, fueling speculation online. Analysts warn that removing or weakening cybersecurity infrastructure without a structured transition could pose serious risks to national cyber resilience.
PTA also noted that questions regarding operational jurisdiction involve both the IT Ministry and the Interior Ministry, underscoring the need for institutional clarity.
Senator Murtaza called for Parliament to be taken into confidence, stressing that transparency is essential in matters involving public expenditure and digital governance.
With no official notification confirming any shutdown, regulators and operators insist the system remains active, even as the absence of a clear government statement continues to stir debate across social media platforms.
