A trial of a new firewall in Pakistan has caused significant slowdowns in social media platforms, sparking concerns among online businesses. Government officials have acknowledged that this testing phase of the firewall is responsible for the reduced internet speeds. They assure the public that once the trial concludes, normal internet traffic will resume.
The government has allocated over Rs30 billion from the development budget for the acquisition and installation of this filtering system. Despite being under the Ministry of Information Technology’s purview, the system’s primary oversight lies with another authority. This setup has raised apprehensions about the future of internet-dependent enterprises in Pakistan. Business owners fear potential disruptions that could impact their operations and profits if such measures persist.
Efforts are underway to strike a balance between enhancing online security and ensuring smooth internet services. As the trial progresses, all eyes are on its implications for Pakistan’s digital landscape. The expectation is that upon completion of testing, any disruptions will be addressed, restoring efficient internet functionality. Meanwhile, businesses and individuals are preparing for potential adjustments to their online activities until stability is restored.