Punjab to install firewalls in public e-libraries

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has decided to install firewalls in libraries across the province, including those operating in government schools, colleges and universities, according to a report.

The plan covers public educational institutions that have e-libraries and online library systems. Under the decision, modern firewalls will be introduced to regulate access through these digital library platforms and support the use of government-run library resources.

The firewall system is intended to ensure that readers can only access books available through the government’s online libraries. Websites that are not part of the e-library system will be blocked under the new arrangement.

The move is also aimed at restricting book piracy and ensuring that government libraries are used for their intended purpose. The installation of firewalls would apply to all such public institutions across the province where e-library and online library facilities are available.

Awareness campaign planned

To inform users about the changes, posters will be displayed in libraries as part of an awareness campaign linked to the system update. The outreach effort is meant to familiarise readers and library users with the new digital access controls once they are introduced.

Funds for the firewall system will be included in the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The installation is scheduled to take place between July 15 and July 31.

The decision signals a province-wide rollout of digital restrictions in public-sector library networks, particularly in educational institutions where online reading facilities are already in place. The government’s stated objective, is to channel usage toward officially available digital books while preventing access to websites outside the approved e-library framework.

No further operational details were provided in the report about the type of firewall technology to be used or the number of institutions that will be covered in the first phase. However, the report made clear that the measure will extend to government schools, colleges and universities with e-library facilities.

With budgetary allocation planned for the next fiscal year and a defined installation window in July, the firewall initiative is set to become part of the province’s public education and library infrastructure during 2026-27.