ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication on Thursday debated reports regarding the alleged shutdown of a social media firewall, with the government firmly rejecting claims of any disruption or conflict with the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
During the meeting, committee member Sadiq Memon questioned whether any controversy had emerged between the 5G spectrum auction and the installation of the firewall system. He also raised concerns over deteriorating service quality, stating that even within Parliament, calls often drop two to three times.
“Has the firewall failed to achieve its objectives?” he asked, referring to reports circulating on social media about its possible shutdown.
The IT Secretary dismissed the reports as “baseless and false,” clarifying that no such decision had been taken. “We have checked these claims, and there is nothing to substantiate them,” the secretary told the panel.
Officials maintained that a web monitoring system remains operational and continues to function under established procedures. The system, they said, is used to ensure compliance with court orders related to online content.
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed lawmakers that the web monitoring system is designed to safeguard the country’s digital boundaries and does not obstruct the rollout of new technologies, including 5G services. “It is not a hurdle to 5G,” he emphasised.
The committee chairman noted that the PTA had been briefed earlier on preparations for the 5G spectrum auction and described the regulator’s work as commendable. He remarked that in the past, one operator — Zong — had refrained from participating before auctions, but welcomed the fact that all three telecom operators are now set to take part in the upcoming bidding process.
The discussion concluded with lawmakers expressing hope that both regulatory oversight and next-generation connectivity would proceed without controversy, ensuring improved digital services for consumers nationwide.
