Pakistan denies dismantling internet firewall

Pakistan’s telecommunications authorities denied on Thursday dismantling a state-run internet management system used to block online platforms.

The development emerged during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Syed Amin Ul Haque.

Responding to lawmakers' questions on digital regulation and market consolidation ahead of the 5G rollout, the committee confirmed that a major 5G spectrum auction will proceed on March 10, and that the merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan is nearing completion.

Firewall remains in place

Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunication Zarar Hashim rejected suggestions that the government had dismantled what critics describe as a “firewall” before the auction. Officials said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s web management system remains fully operational.

PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman told the committee the system has been in place since 2006 and has been upgraded four times, most recently in 2023. He said it does not cause internet slowdowns and has helped reduce gray traffic, the illegal routing of international calls to avoid official charges.

Rehman said the system enables authorities to block platforms under government or court orders, adding that X had previously been blocked through the mechanism. He described the system as necessary to protect Pakistan’s “digital borders” and said it had helped counter cyber threats during past tensions with India.

Lawmakers asked whether the system had been removed ahead of the 5G auction, but officials reiterated that no such step had been taken.

5G auction set for March 10

At the same session, the PTA confirmed that Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction will be held on March 10, with bidding documents due by Feb. 27.

All three major operators, Jazz, Ufone, and Zong, have deposited the mandatory $15 million pre-bid earnest money, officials said.

According to the PTA, six spectrum bands will be offered, including four new bands. A minimum of 300 megahertz will be auctioned, with each operator required to acquire at least 100 megahertz. Officials expect more than half of the available spectrum to be sold.

Rehman said that over the past 12 years, four auctions collectively sold 69 megahertz of spectrum, while the upcoming process will offer 597 megahertz, marking a significant expansion in capacity.

The regulator said the additional spectrum is expected to improve existing 4G services, projecting average download speeds of up to 20 Mbps after the auction.

5G services will initially be rolled out in Islamabad and provincial capitals. Authorities said measures have been taken to improve fiber-optic infrastructure and address coverage gaps.

Merger in final stage

Officials also confirmed that the merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan is in its final stages and is expected to be completed before the 5G auction.

The PTA said it is conducting a final review of the merger documentation and has imposed spectrum caps to prevent market dominance following consolidation. Committee members stressed that the merger should not lead to monopolistic practices in the telecom sector.

Haque praised the IT ministry and the PTA for preparations related to the auction, but said the benefits of 5G must extend beyond major urban centers to the broader population.