The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a large-scale project to modernize and strengthen its national firewall system — a critical move aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s cybersecurity defenses amid rising digital threats.

The upgrade initiative, described by officials as one of the most comprehensive overhauls of PTA’s cybersecurity infrastructure in recent years, focuses on deploying next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) to protect vital digital systems, data centers, and network operations across the country.

According to initial estimates, the project’s cost will range between Rs. 40 million and Rs. 120 million, depending on factors such as the specific firewall models chosen, subscription duration, and overall deployment scale.

Enhanced protection against advanced cyberattacks
Once fully implemented, the new firewall system will offer PTA enhanced network visibility, control, and resilience against advanced and evolving cyber threats — including targeted attacks, zero-day exploits, and large-scale denial-of-service attempts.

Officials say the upgraded system will also provide real-time threat intelligence and automated response capabilities, ensuring that potential breaches are detected and neutralized swiftly.

A senior PTA official confirmed that the firewall renewal plan includes the replacement of legacy hardware, renewal of software licenses, and integration with PTA’s national monitoring units and data centers.

“The goal is to establish a unified, adaptive cybersecurity framework that meets international standards and strengthens the security posture of Pakistan’s telecom ecosystem,” the official noted.

Nationwide scope and digital security vision
The project will cover the PTA’s headquarters in Islamabad and regional offices across Pakistan, ensuring consistent cybersecurity coverage for all internal and external communication channels.

The initiative is part of a broader digital security push under the government’s vision to secure Pakistan’s digital transformation and promote data sovereignty. With the exponential growth of 5G trials, cloud adoption, and fintech services, experts say the timing of this upgrade is critical.

Cybersecurity analysts have welcomed the development, describing it as “a much-needed step” to protect national communication systems. “Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure faces a growing threat landscape — from ransomware to state-backed attacks — and a next-generation firewall framework will help mitigate these risks,” said one Islamabad-based cybersecurity consultant.

Building a safer digital Pakistan
The PTA’s firewall modernization aligns with global best practices as regulators and telecom operators worldwide invest heavily in advanced cyber defense systems.

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed multiple attempts to breach public and private networks, underscoring the urgency of strengthening digital resilience.

The upgraded infrastructure, once operational, is expected to provide secure digital gateways for critical telecom operations and play a vital role in protecting Pakistan’s online ecosystem from internal and external cyber intrusions.