PTI slams Federal, Punjab govts for ‘squandering billions’ on firewall, luxury perks

• PTI CIS Sh Waqas Akram says social media monitoring firewall dismantled after billions wasted

• Calls project a product of ‘Imran Phobia,’ targeting political opponents, not national interest

• Slams Punjab transport policy expands engine capacities, fuel entitlements for top bureaucrats amid economic crisis

• Demands full disclosure, accountability, and a framework to safeguard digital freedom and IT growth

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday strongly criticized the federal government for “squandering billions of rupees” on “what it termed” a controversial and agenda-driven social media monitoring firewall that has now been dismantled, alleging that the project was conceived solely to “target political opponents” rather than to serve any “legitimate national interest.”

The party also condemned the Government of Punjab over its revised transport policy for senior bureaucrats, which significantly enhances vehicle engine capacities and monthly fuel entitlements at a time when the national economy is “on life support” and ordinary citizens are struggling under crushing inflation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the closure of the ill-conceived firewall project—just ahead of the 5G spectrum auction—amounted to a clear admission that it was not only technically unviable but had also caused billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer, both through installation costs and prolonged internet slowdowns.

He said the installation of the so-called firewall reflected grossly misplaced priorities at a time when the national economy is under severe strain and citizens are grappling with unprecedented inflation. Instead of focusing on economic revival, restoring investor confidence, and promoting digital growth, he said, the government opted to spend public funds on measures aimed at suppressing dissent.

PTI CIS described the project as a manifestation of what it termed “Imran Phobia,” reflecting a government agenda driven by political victimization and the silencing of dissenting voices rather than economic recovery. Sheikh Waqas maintained that decisions taken under such a hostile and vindictive mindset severely undermined the digital economy, eroded foreign investor confidence, harmed IT exports and the freelancer community, and further damaged Pakistan’s global reputation.

He said policies such as the firewall placed an additional burden on an already fragile economy. At a time when investment has reportedly declined by 41 per cent, unemployment is at record levels, public debt has reached historic highs, and the national currency remains under sustained pressure, allocating billions of rupees to curb freedom of expression was fundamentally against the national interest, he added.

PTI CIS demanded that the complete expenditure details and all contractual arrangements of the firewall project be made public without delay, that responsibility for its failure be clearly fixed with legal proceedings initiated against those found culpable, and that a transparent and sustainable framework be developed to safeguard digital freedom, protect freedom of expression, and ensure continued growth of Pakistan’s IT sector.

Meanwhile, PTI CIS also lashed out at the Punjab government for introducing what it termed an anti-people transport policy for senior bureaucrats amid severe economic distress.

He pointed out that under the revised policy, the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police, Punjab, are permitted to retain three official vehicles with engine capacities of 2800cc, 1800cc, and 4700cc. For two of these vehicles, they are entitled to 800 litres of petrol per month, while no fuel cap has been prescribed for the 4700cc vehicle.

Furthermore, Grade 20 to 22 Secretaries are allowed to use two vehicles with engine capacities of 2800cc and 1800cc. Grade 21 and 22 officers will receive 200 litres of petrol for personal use, while fuel for official use will remain uncapped. The revised framework, the party noted, expands engine capacity limits and fuel entitlements across multiple categories compared to the previous policy.

PTI CIS criticized what it described as the squandering of national resources by the ruling elite and senior bureaucracy at a time when Punjab’s major cities continue to face recurring urban flooding, inadequate drainage systems, and a lack of basic civic facilities. The party said millions of citizens are struggling to secure even two meals a day, while the elite continue to enjoy lavish privileges financed through public funds.

Sh Waqas said this widening disconnect between the rulers and the public reflects a deeply entrenched culture of elite capture, where state resources are treated as personal entitlement. PTI CIS stated that as citizens endure soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and deteriorating public services, the expansion of luxury privileges for the ruling elite sends a deeply troubling message about the government’s priorities. He termed the move condemnable and warned that the people of Pakistan would ultimately hold those responsible to account.