ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology on Thursday took up reports regarding the alleged shutdown of a social media firewall, with the government firmly denying any such move and clarifying that the web monitoring system remains fully operational.
During the meeting, committee member Sadiq Memon questioned whether the firewall had been removed ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. In response, IT and Telecom Secretary Zarar Hasham rejected the claims, stating that no firewall had been shut down.
“The PTA’s web management system is fully functional,” the secretary told lawmakers, adding that neither the firewall nor the monitoring mechanism causes any delay in telecom or internet services.
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that the system in place is not a “firewall” but a web management system that has been operational since 2006. He noted that the system has been upgraded four times, most recently in 2023.
The PTA chief said the system has contributed to a significant reduction in grey traffic and enables authorities to block social media platforms when required under government directives or court orders. He confirmed that platform X was blocked under the web management system following government instructions.
According to the chairman, platforms have been restricted seven times so far on the basis of government and judicial orders. He maintained that the system does not slow down technology or create service disruptions.
“Our digital borders must be protected,” he said, adding that the system also helped counter cyberattacks originating from India during periods of heightened tensions.
The briefing concluded with officials reiterating that the web monitoring framework is aimed at regulatory compliance and national cybersecurity, and is not an obstacle to technological advancement, including the rollout of 5G services.
