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ACCORDING TO SAMAA, The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeez-Ur-Rehman, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the installation of a firewall system during a session of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Information Technology. In a carefully worded statement, he clarified that the system in question is not a new firewall but an upgraded version of the web management system that was originally introduced during the PTI government.
Clarifications on the Web Management System
During the session, committee members sought clarification on the purpose and extent of this system, leading to intense discussions. The PTA Chairman reassured the members that this upgraded web management system had been approved in 2019 under the PTI administration, and is not a new firewall as some had speculated.
Major General Hafeez-Ur-Rehman further emphasized that the system is not designed to infringe on privacy. He assured the committee that social media platforms remain end-to-end encrypted, and there is no technology in place that allows access to private information. While VPNs are not being shut down, he mentioned that their registration is required.
Concerns Over Public Awareness and Internet Disruption
Chairperson of the committee, Aminul Haque, expressed concerns about public awareness and transparency, particularly regarding the recent internet disruptions. The PTA Chairman attributed the internet slowdown to issues with the fiber optic cable and the increased use of VPNs in recent times. He assured the committee that internet speeds would return to normal by August 27.
When pressed by journalists, Major General Hafeez-Ur-Rehman denied the existence of a new firewall, insisting that the system is merely a web management tool designed to control gray traffic. His comments sparked a debate among committee members, with Opposition leader Umar Ayub questioning the system’s reach and whether secret agencies could block it without oversight. This led to a heated exchange with government member Zulfikar Bhatti, who objected to the repeated questioning of the system’s purpose.
Conclusion
The PTA Chairman’s statements have provided some clarity on the nature of the upgraded web management system, which was initially approved under the PTI government in 2019. While concerns remain about privacy and the potential impact on internet speeds, the assurance that this is not a new firewall system may ease some of the public’s anxieties.
