Syed Saif Ul Hassan 
Nov 11, 2025
A representational image showing a person using a mobile phone. — AFP
In the face of Pakistan's persistent internet and connectivity woes, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is poised to address these issues through a comprehensive firewall upgrade and renewal project.
The firewall upgradation is being carried out to enhance the country's cybersecurity infrastructure, protecting critical digital systems against emerging cyber threats.
The budget of the impending firewall upgrade is projected from Rs40 million to Rs120 million, and it will provide the PTA with improved visibility and control over its telecommunications networks, whose vulnerabilities have increased in the recent past.
The initiative involves the installation of next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) at PTA headquarters and regional offices, alongside the renewal of software licences and integration with data centres.
The new firewall systems will be equipped with advanced capabilities such as intrusion prevention, web filtering, malware protection, VPN security, and SSL inspection, all of which will help prevent unauthorised access and enable real-time monitoring.
These features of the firewall upgrade are believed to eventually fortify the overall security posture of Pakistan's digital landscape.
In addition to the upcoming project, the PTA is also planning to collaborate with the National CERT’s threat intelligence framework for real-time coordination on cyber incidents.
It's worth noting that the firewall upgrade's implementation will take place in phases, starting with an assessment of the existing network, followed by procurement, installation, and staff training.
To ensure continuous vendor support and security updates over the next three to five years, a post-deployment maintenance phase will be accommodated as part of efforts to set aside Pakistan's internet challenges.
