A meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology was held to discuss the alleged removal of the so-called firewall used to regulate social media platforms.
During the session, committee member Sadiq Memon questioned whether the firewall had been dismantled ahead of the proposed 5G spectrum auction.
Responding to the query, IT and Telecom Secretary Zarrar Hasham denied that any firewall had been removed, stating that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s web management system remains fully operational.
He clarified that neither the firewall nor the web management system causes internet slowdowns or delays.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority told the committee that what is commonly referred to as a firewall is in fact the PTA’s web management system, which has been in place since 2006 and has been upgraded four times, most recently in 2023.
According to the chairman, the system has significantly reduced grey traffic and provides the technical capability to block social media platforms when required.
He noted that the platform X was blocked under the web management system on government instructions, adding that various platforms have been suspended seven times so far on the basis of government and court orders.
The PTA chief further maintained that the system does not slow down technology or create delays.
He added that safeguarding digital borders is essential, claiming that cyber-attacks originating from India during periods of tension were thwarted through the same mechanism.
