ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology on Thursday took up the issue of an alleged firewall used to regulate social media platforms, but officials from the Ministry of Information Technology rejected assertions that any such system was shut down ahead of the spectrum auction for 5G.
Federal Secretary for IT and Telecom Zarrar Hashim told the MPs panel that no such system was dismantled while responding to queries raised by the committee members during the proceedings. “The PTA’s Web Management System is fully operational,” said the secretary, adding that neither a firewall nor the Web Management System caused any disruptions in internet services.
The NA panel Chairman, Syed Aminul Haque, stated that reports were circulating regarding the firewall system, while MNA Sadiq Memon stressed the need for a briefing on this system and its utility for the nation.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman stated that ‘firewall’ is the common name for the technical term ‘Web Management System’ (WMS), which has been in place in Pakistan since 2006. “It has been upgraded four times, with the most recent upgrade carried out in 2023,” he said, adding that like firewalls and anti-virus software on all other digital devices, the WMS is intended to provide digital security for the country’s entire digital connectivity. He informed the committee that the WMS is installed to eliminate grey traffic in telephony and block social media platforms and illegal websites within the country’s jurisdiction. “However, social media platforms are blocked on the directives of government or under court orders,” he added.
The PTA chairman informed the committee that social media platforms have been blocked seven times so far on government and court orders.
The committee was also briefed on preparations for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10. All three telecom operators in the country have expressed consent to participate. The PTA chairman said that over the past 12 years, a total of four auctions have been held, and the government released 69 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum. In the upcoming auction, 597 MHz of spectrum will be offered, and each participant must obtain a minimum of 100 MHz.
He added that the availability of more spectrum will not only help introduce 5G in Pakistan but also help improve and expand 4G coverage across the country.
