April 3, 2026 - Comments Off on Conflicting Statements in Parliament Raise Questions Over Internet Monitoring System

Conflicting Statements in Parliament Raise Questions Over Internet Monitoring System

Confusion emerged in Pakistan’s National Assembly after senior government officials presented contradictory statements regarding the control and oversight of a national web monitoring system and internet firewall. While the IT minister stated that the system is funded by private telecom operators with no involvement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a parliamentary secretary later asserted that the PTA actively monitors content and has authority to block websites. The exchange raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the role of private companies in national-level surveillance infrastructure. Lawmakers questioned how such systems operate without clear oversight, amid broader concerns about internet controls, freedom of expression, and the potential impact on digital rights in Pakistan. 

Published by: Digital Rights Foundation in Digital Rights Tracker

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