The Pakistani government has reportedly dismantled the controversial social media monitoring firewall. Installed in 2024, reports suggest that the system failed entirely to deliver its intended results. Ultimately, officials scrapped the botched project to salvage the country’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
A Technical & Economic Disaster
When authorities first deployed the firewall, industry experts were highly skeptical. They warned the government about the severe economic risks. According to a 2024 Reuters report, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) explicitly stated that the impending internet disruptions could cost the fragile economy up to $300 million. Unfortunately, the government ignored these warnings, and the consequences proved disastrous.
Authorities deployed the firewall without proper technical preparation. Consequently, the system allegedly failed to synchronize with Pakistan’s existing telecom infrastructure. This glaring incompatibility directly caused widespread internet slowdowns and service disruptions across the country.
Furthermore, the persistent connectivity issues severely crippled the IT sector. Millions of freelancers and thousands of digital service companies rely on a stable internet to survive. The firewall drastically disrupted their daily operations and cost the national exchequer billions in lost revenue.
Social Media Firewall Scrapped to Save the 5G Auction
According to official sources, the government has now scrapped the system entirely. Officials made this decisive move primarily to salvage the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is all set to hold the long-awaited Pakistan 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026.
Industry experts had strongly advised the government to shut down the firewall. They correctly argued that a stable digital environment is an absolute prerequisite for launching 5G services. Removing the technical bottlenecks serves as a strategic catalyst to restore investor confidence in the struggling telecom sector.
Despite government sources confirming the permanent shutdown, the Ministry of IT has completely refused to issue an official statement on the matter.
Public & Political Reaction
The permanent closure has sparked immediate backlash regarding the wasted funds. Politicians and the public are reacting sharply to the financial damage.
Responding to the development today, politician Fawad Chaudhry called the situation a massive blow to the public. He highlighted that the government had allocated Rs 40 billion in the budget for this “useless censorship program”.
اگر سچ ہے تو غریب عوام کو چالیس ارب کا ایک اور ٹیکا ہے! اس بیکار سنسر شپ پروگرام کیلئے بجٹ میں چالیس ارب رکھے گئے تھے! pic.twitter.com/lZDShZlLnk
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 21, 2026
Translation:
If this is true, then the poor public has been given another injection (loss) of 40 billion!
Forty billion were allocated in the budget for this useless censorship program!
Ultimately, the public views the failed experiment as a colossal and unforgivable waste of the national exchequer. Some people are even rightfully demanding refunds.
This is exploitation. Billions already lost due to firewall restrictions, internet quality is poor, yet unauthorized deductions continue. Stop silent subscriptions and refund customers immediately. Regulatory authorities must take strict notice. #firewall
— Anwar Hussain (@advocateanwar81) February 21, 2026
