Tech Desk 
Jul 25, 2024
Are you facing internet connection problems in Pakistan? If so, you are not alone. The trial run of a new firewall has resulted in a slowdown of social media, including WhatsApp.
A report published in The News revealed that internet traffic will return to normal speed after the trial run is completed. The report, citing officials, further mentioned that work on the firewall—which includes the purchase of the system, its installation, and commissioning—has been in progress since January 2024. The final phase, commissioning, will take a few weeks.
It should be noted that the federal government allocated more than Rs. 1 billion under the development budget for the acquisition and installation of the firewall. While the Ministry of Information Technology was allocated this amount, the execution is being carried out by another power centre, limiting the role of the IT ministry.
Also read: WhatsApp disruptions across Pakistan — Users unable to send images, voice messages
The current slowdown has raised concerns among people who run internet-based businesses. However, the report, citing officials, claimed that these businesses are not the target of this action. Instead, the government aims to curb the spread of fake news by targeting social media influencers.
The objective of installing the firewall is to reduce the reach of social media influencers spreading fake news by blocking their content or making it less visible. Influencers are already being taken to task through the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, with courts being set up to try those accused under this law.
While the firewall is now at the trial stage, an advertisement two weeks ago from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) suggested that the paperwork to document this purchase is yet to be started.
