Tech Desk
Aug 15, 2024
Internet disruptions in Pakistan are expected to be resolved soon following widespread outages attributed to a new firewall. The disruptions, which began last week, have slowed internet speeds nationwide and affected access to social media platforms — including Meta-owned WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook — and other online services.
While the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denies that a firewall is causing the issues, internet service providers claim the government's increased monitoring efforts are the root cause.
ProPakistani, citing sources, reported that mobile signals and internet services in Pakistan have been affected due to the installation of a firewall.
The firewall is reportedly being installed to monitor controversial content and curb the spread of fake news on social media.
The sources confirmed to the publication that internet services, mobile signals, and social media apps will return to normalcy within two to three days as the concerned authorities have successfully conducted the second firewall trial.
State minister confirms firewall installation
Speaking to Geo TV, State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said reports have been sought from internet service providers (ISPs) regarding the downtime issues they're encountering.
Stressing that governments across the globe install firewalls as a safety measure against cyber attacks, she said that a similar system called Web Management System was in place before, but the government is updating it with the installation of a firewall.
The government will soon bring to light the number of cyber attacks carried by nefarious elements so far, she added.
Earlier, the only issue highlighted in user complaints was WhatsApp.
Amid the recent internet slowdown, PTA has also been approached to reflect on the factors at play, said Khawaja.
The report will highlight "whether the problem stemmed from excessive use of data or some other reason," said the IT minister.
