Recent revelations have provided insight into the timeline of Pakistan’s decision to install a national firewall system. Documents from that period indicate that the decision was made during the PTI regime in 2020, specifically in response to concerns about enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure against cyber threats.
On October 22, 2020, a significant meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan formally ordered the installation of the firewall system. This decision marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity measures.
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Following these orders, on November 4, 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office sent a letter to the IT Secretary, instructing the Ministry of IT to proceed with the implementation of the firewall system as per the Prime Minister’s directives. The letter underscored the importance of the project’s development and implementation, with specific instructions that the process be carried out under the Prime Minister’s close supervision.
The letter was also circulated to the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and various intelligence agencies, outlining detailed requirements for the firewall. These included the development of a comprehensive plan, clear timelines, and progress reports to ensure the project’s successful execution. The Ministry of IT was further tasked with seeking formal approval from the competent authority and gathering recommendations from all relevant parties on the firewall’s development and options for implementation.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed concerns regarding recent internet issues in Pakistan. During a press conference in Islamabad, she dismissed claims of government-imposed internet shutdowns or throttling, attributing the problems to high traffic and the use of VPNs. She assured the public that the situation had been resolved and advised against using VPNs to avoid adding pressure on the internet infrastructure. Fatima also highlighted the importance of addressing Pakistan’s challenges responsibly, acknowledging the impact of negative perceptions on the country.
