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ISLAMABAD:
The government on Thursday denied reports that the so-called Internet Firewall had been shut down ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, telling a parliamentary panel that no such system had been dismantled and that the Web Monitoring System (WMS) remained fully operational.
The clarification came during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, where Chairman Syed Aminul Haque flagged media reports regarding the firewall.
Committee member Sadiq Memon asked for a detailed briefing, questioning both the purpose of the system and the difference between an Internet firewall and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (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IT Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan rejected suggestions that any monitoring mechanism had been withdrawn.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 a firewall nor the WMS had caused any delays or slowdowns in Internet services.
PTA chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that the term “firewall” was simply a colloquial label for WMS, which has been in place since 2006.
He said the system had undergone four upgrades, the last in 2023, and functioned as a digital security tool similar to firewalls used around the world.
According to Rehman, WMS was introduced to reduce gray telephone traffic and block illegal websites and some social media platforms under Pakistan’s jurisdiction.
“Our digital borders must also be protected,” he said, adding that cyberattacks from India had been thwarted during periods of heightened tensions between the two countries.
It clarified that any blocking of social media platforms is done in strict accordance with government directives or court orders. So far, he said, these platforms have been blocked seven times on official instructions.
However, he maintained that WMS does not cause Internet speed degradation or service disruptions.
The committee was informed that regulatory safeguards remain in place to protect the national cyber infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted telecommunications services, particularly as Pakistan prepares for 5G.
Members were also informed about the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10. The PTA chairman said all three telecommunications operators have indicated their willingness to participate.
He highlighted that over the past 12 years, four spectrum auctions have been conducted, freeing up a total of 69 megahertz (MHz). In the next cycle, 597 MHz will be offered, with each participant required to acquire at least 100 MHz.
He said expanded spectrum availability would not only enable 5G deployment but also strengthen 4G coverage nationwide.
A senior IT ministry official separately rejected allegations that the WMS could target individual social media accounts. Referring to PTI founder Imran Khan’s X account, which remained active during his imprisonment, the official questioned the claims.
“If WMS could block individual accounts, why did the government wait so long and finally contact X management to block this account? said the manager.
