Pakistan’s government told the National Assembly committee that the so-called internet firewall, officially the Web Monitoring System (WMS), remains fully operational and has not been dismantled. The system, in place since 2006 with multiple upgrades, monitors illegal websites and grey telephony traffic without slowing internet speeds.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman clarified that the term “firewall” is colloquial, and any social media blocks are done per government directives or court orders. The briefing also covered the upcoming 5G spectrum auction on March 10, with 597 MHz of spectrum to be offered, supporting nationwide 4G expansion and 5G rollout.
The system ensures national cyber infrastructure protection while maintaining uninterrupted telecom services, countering claims of targeting individual social media accounts.
