The Government of Pakistan has reportedly decided to permanently discontinue its controversial national internet firewall project ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, following what officials describe as technical and operational failures.
According to senior officials familiar with the matter, the system — introduced in 2024 to monitor and regulate social media platforms — did not function as intended and created significant disruptions across the country’s digital infrastructure. The project, which reportedly cost billions of rupees, was designed to strengthen online oversight and manage digital content. However, implementation challenges and compatibility issues with existing telecom networks prevented it from delivering the expected results.
Technical Problems and Network Disruptions
Sources within the telecommunications sector say the firewall struggled to integrate smoothly with Pakistan’s internet backbone and service providers. Inadequate technical groundwork prior to deployment is being cited as a key reason for the system’s underperformance.
Industry stakeholders claim that internet speeds declined noticeably after the firewall became operational. Businesses reliant on stable broadband connections — particularly IT firms, software houses, call centers, and e-commerce platforms — reported service interruptions and slower connectivity.
Pakistan’s rapidly growing freelance community, which earns substantial foreign exchange annually, was also affected. Freelancers complained of delays in uploading large files, attending virtual meetings, and accessing cloud-based services, resulting in missed deadlines and financial losses.
Economic Impact and 5G Concerns
Officials say concerns over the firewall’s impact intensified as the government accelerated preparations for the 5G spectrum auction. Telecom experts warned that maintaining a malfunctioning filtering system could undermine investor confidence and complicate the rollout of next-generation mobile networks.
With 5G technology requiring high-speed, low-latency connectivity, authorities reportedly concluded that retaining a system linked to network slowdowns could discourage international telecom operators and technology partners from participating in the bidding process.
As a result, the decision was taken to shut down the firewall permanently before the auction process moves forward.
Silence from the IT Ministry
Despite growing public discussion, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the shutdown. Repeated requests for clarification have reportedly gone unanswered.
Digital rights advocates and industry analysts are now calling for greater transparency regarding the project’s costs, procurement process, and technical evaluation. They argue that lessons must be learned to prevent similar large-scale technology failures in the future.
