Safeguarding country’s digital boundaries govt’s top priority, NA told

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly hall on Thursday echoed with queries about the installation and subsequent removal of an internet firewall, with a lawmaker seeking clarification from the government on the issue.

During the Question-Hour, Dawar Khan Kundi sought an explanation for the reported installation of a firewall and its removal, urging the treasury benches to take the House into confidence.

The minister informed the House that a National Digital Commission had been established, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being the head and the chief ministers of all four provinces and representatives of the regulatory bodies as its members. She said there was a need to digitalise television channels to protect them from digital hacking and other cyber threats. She reiterated that protecting the country’s digital borders remained a top priority and assured lawmakers that all necessary resources would be provided to strengthen cyber defence.

Referring to tensions with India in May last year, the minister said due to a robust strategy, no Pakistani website was hacked during the hostilities. She said systems were already in place for cyber defence and emphasised that cyber security was directly linked with national security. “There will be no compromise on national security,” she added.

Shaza also clarified that the reported hacking incident involved satellite channels rather than digital channels, noting that the incident fell into the jurisdiction of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. She said the matter was taken up soon after it surfaced. The minister further pointed out that two major television channels were still operating on analogue technology and stressed the need to shift them to digital systems to enhance security and resilience.

The minister said the government was operationalising the Pakistan Startup Fund through the National Technology Funds. She added that a 15-member advisory committee, comprising international venture capitalists, Pakistani diaspora and industry experts, had been formed to guide the initiative. She further informed the House that the disbursement of grants under the Pakistan Startup Fund was expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Replying to another question, Shaza said three new submarine cables had been laid to enhance internet connectivity She said measures were being taken for the fiberization of mobile towers to enhance connectivity. The minister further said the six hundred MHz spectrum auction will be held on Tuesday and the process will be broadcast live to ensure transparency. This will double the internet speed, she said. She expressed the confidence that 5G services will be available in five major cities by the end of this year.