Pakistan’s Social Media Firewall Project Declared a Complete Failure

Shiite News: Pakistan’s ambitious social media firewall project, installed to regulate and monitor online platforms, has been officially declared a complete failure. The government has decided to permanently shut down the firewall ahead of the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, following expert recommendations.
According to official sources, the failed project caused losses amounting to billions of rupees to the national exchequer. The firewall was installed in 2024 as part of a broader effort to control digital content and monitor social media activity.
However, due to serious technical flaws, the firewall could not be properly integrated with Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the system failed to deliver its intended results and instead caused widespread disruption.
The firewall significantly slowed down internet speeds nationwide, severely affecting millions of freelancers, IT professionals, and thousands of companies relying on digital services. As a result, experts from the IT and telecom sectors strongly advised the government to dismantle the system to restore investor confidence and promote growth in the digital economy.
The decision was taken in consultation with industry specialists, particularly in view of the 5G spectrum auction, where reliable and high-speed internet infrastructure is considered essential.
The Ministry of Information Technology declined to issue an official statement regarding the shutdown.