NA panel told 'internet firewall' still operational ahead of 5G auction

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology was informed on Wednesday that reports about the shutdown of the so-called internet firewall ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction were incorrect, with officials clarifying that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Web Monitoring System (WMS) remains fully operational.

At the outset of the meeting, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, members raised concerns over media reports suggesting that the firewall had been dismantled. MNA Sadiq Memon sought a detailed briefing on the system, questioning its purpose and asking about the distinction between an internet firewall and the PTA’s Web Monitoring System.

Information Technology Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan categorically denied that any such system had been shut down. He told the committee that the PTA’s WMS was functioning as usual and maintained that neither the firewall nor the WMS had caused delays or disruptions in internet services.

Following the secretary’s briefing, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman explained that the term “firewall” was a colloquial reference to the WMS, which he said had been in place since 2006. He noted that the system had undergone four upgrades, the latest in 2023, and described it as a security mechanism aimed at safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure.

The PTA chief said the WMS was installed to curb grey telephony traffic and to block illegal websites and social media platforms within Pakistan’s jurisdiction when required. He emphasised the need to protect “digital borders,” adding that cyberattacks originating from India had been thwarted during periods of heightened tensions between the two countries.

Rehman further clarified that social media platforms were blocked only on directives from the government or under court orders. He informed the committee that platforms had been blocked seven times so far under such instructions but insisted that the WMS did not cause any slowdown in internet speeds.

Committee members were also told that regulatory mechanisms were in place to ensure the security of national cyber infrastructure while maintaining continuity of telecom services, particularly in light of the upcoming 5G rollout.

During the briefing on preparations for the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10, the PTA chairman said all three telecom operators—Jazz, Ufone, and Zong—had expressed interest in participating.

He noted that four spectrum auctions had been held in the past 12 years, through which 69 megahertz (MHz) had been released. In the upcoming auction, 597 MHz would be offered, with each participant required to secure a minimum of 100 MHz.

He said the availability of additional spectrum would facilitate the launch of 5G services and enhance 4G coverage across the country.

Meanwhile, a senior IT ministry official told Dawn that the WMS was not designed to block individual social media accounts. Referring to the X account of PTI founder Imran Khan, the official pointed out that it had remained operational during his incarceration.

“If the WMS had the capability to block individual accounts, the government would not have needed to approach X management to seek action,” the official remarked.

The briefing comes amid renewed speculation on social media about the alleged shutdown of the firewall ahead of the 5G auction. In August 2024, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja had acknowledged that the government was upgrading its web management system to address cybersecurity threats after months of public debate over internet disruptions and alleged content restrictions.

Until that confirmation, the IT ministry and the PTA had largely attributed slow browsing speeds, intermittent platform blockages and WhatsApp connectivity issues to telecom operators, internet service providers or global tech companies.