The government on Thursday defended the country’s web monitoring system in the National Assembly of Pakistan, saying the mechanism was designed to regulate unlawful online content and did not violate citizens’ privacy.
During the question hour, the parliamentary secretary for IT said the monitoring system had been operational since 2007 and had undergone several upgrades, including a major overhaul in 2019.
PTA Responsible for Monitoring Internet Traffic
She clarified that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is responsible for monitoring internet traffic and ensuring compliance with laws related to online content.
According to the official, the authority continuously monitors digital platforms and blocks unlawful or blasphemous content when necessary.
She also stated that the system focuses on monitoring data traffic rather than accessing personal information, adding that no public funds were used for its implementation.
Agreements With Global Tech Platforms
The parliamentary secretary said international digital platforms were regulated through formal agreements, including memorandums of understanding with companies such as TikTok and Meta Platforms.
She added that access to certain online services could be restricted on security grounds.
Referring to the social media platform X, she said the platform had not been blocked by the telecom regulator, but on instructions from the Interior Ministry of Pakistan due to security concerns.
Lawmakers Raise Oversight and Privacy Concerns
However, lawmakers questioned the transparency and legal framework of the monitoring system, particularly reports suggesting that parts of the infrastructure were installed by private telecom operators.
Sharmila Faruqui said the official response indicated that private operators had procured the monitoring infrastructure without government funding or direct regulatory involvement, raising concerns about accountability.
She asked who authorized private companies to conduct monitoring at the national level and who supervises their activities.
Constitutional Questions Raised
Another lawmaker, Noor Alam Khan, questioned the financial model of the system, suggesting that if private operators installed and maintained the infrastructure, the costs could eventually be passed on to consumers.
He also raised constitutional concerns, referring to Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees the privacy and dignity of individuals.
Khan argued that monitoring functions should remain under direct state control to prevent potential misuse by private entities.
He further sought clarification on the legal basis for restricting access to the platform X, asking whether such decisions were taken under a defined legal framework or through administrative directives.
Every rejection is an admission
Where is that khushnoob guy ? He or she should read this