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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) remains 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 about 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IT Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan rejected suggestions that any monitoring mechanism had been withdrawn. “PTA’s WMS is fully operational,” he said, adding that neither a firewall nor the WMS had caused delays or slowdowns in Internet services.
PTA chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that the term “firewall” was just a colloquial label for WMS, which has been in place since 2006.
He said the system has undergone four upgrades, the most recent in 2023, and acts as a digital security tool similar to firewalls used globally.
According to Rehman, WMS was introduced to curb gray telephony traffic and to block illegal websites and certain social media platforms within Pakistan’s jurisdiction.
“Our digital borders must also be protected,” he said, adding that cyber attacks by India were thwarted during periods of heightened tensions between the two countries.
He clarified that any blocking of social media platforms is done strictly in accordance with government directives or court orders. So far, he said, such platforms have been blocked seven times under official instructions.
However, he maintained that WMS does not cause degradation of internet speed or service disruption.
The committee was informed that regulatory safeguards remain in place to protect national cyber infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted telecom services, especially as Pakistan prepares for 5G.
Members were also briefed on the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10. The PTA chairman said that all three telecom operators have indicated their willingness to participate.
He noted that over the past 12 years, four spectrum auctions have been conducted, releasing a total of 69 megahertz (MHz). In the upcoming round, 597 MHz will be offered, with each participant having to acquire at least 100 MHz.
He said expanded spectrum availability will not only enable the rollout of 5G, but also strengthen 4G coverage nationwide.
A senior IT ministry official separately dismissed claims that WMS can target individual social media accounts. Referring to the X account of PTI founder Imran Khan, which remained active during his imprisonment, the official questioned such claims.
“If WMS could freeze individual accounts, why did the government wait so long and finally approach X management to block this account?” said the official.
