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ISLAMABAD:
The government on Thursday dismissed reports that the so-called internet firewall had been shut down ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, telling a parliamentary panel that such a system had not been dismantled and that the Web Monitoring System (WMS) remains fully operational.
The clarification came during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, where Speaker Syed Aminul Haque flagged media reports on the firewall.
Committee member Sadiq Memon requested a detailed briefing, questioning both the purpose of the system and the difference between an internet firewall and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) WMS.
IT Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan rejected suggestions that any monitoring mechanism had been withdrawn. “The PTA’s WMS is fully operational,” he said, adding that neither the firewall nor the WMS had caused delays or slowdowns in Internet services.
PTA president Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that the term “firewall” was simply a colloquial label for the WMS, which has been in force since 2006.
He said the system has gone through four upgrades, the last in 2023, and functions as a digital security tool similar to firewalls used globally.
According to Rehman, the WMS was introduced to curb gray telephony traffic and block illegal websites and certain social media platforms within Pakistan’s jurisdiction.
“Our digital borders must also be protected,” he said, adding that cyberattacks from India were thwarted during periods of intense tensions between the two countries.
It clarified that any blocking of social media platforms is carried out strictly in accordance with government directives or court orders. So far, he said, such platforms have been blocked seven times according to official instructions.
However, he maintained that the WMS does not cause degradation in internet speed or interruptions in service.
The committee was informed that regulatory safeguards remain in place to protect national cyber infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted telecommunication services, particularly as Pakistan prepares for 5G.
Members were also informed about the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10. The PTA president said that all three telecom operators have indicated their willingness to participate.
He noted that in the last 12 years, four spectrum auctions have been held, releasing a total of 69 megahertz (MHz). In the next round, 597 MHz will be offered and each participant must purchase at least 100 MHz.
He said the increased availability of spectrum will not only enable the deployment of 5G but also strengthen 4G coverage across the country.
A senior IT Ministry official separately dismissed claims that the WMS can target individual social media accounts. Referring to PTI founder Imran Khan’s X account, which remained active during his imprisonment, the official disputed such claims.
“If the WMS was able to block individual accounts, why did the government wait so long and finally turn to X’s address to block this account?” the official said.
