(Web Desk Monitoring) — The Pakistani government has completed a trial run of a social media firewall, as per reported by sources of the private TV channel.

According to the local media reports, the firewall successfully blocked the downloading of images, voice recordings, and videos on platforms such as WhatsApp. During the trial, it also caused a slowdown in mobile signals and internet service, specifically targeting mobile data.

Following the Ministry of Interior’s instructions, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed all mobile companies via email about the firewall’s implementation.

The firewall is intended to filter ‘undesirable’ content from the Pakistani internet. Reports indicate that Facebook experienced downtime across multiple ISPs in Pakistan during the trial. Amnesty International has requested a government clarification regarding the blockade of X (formerly known as Twitter).

WhatsApp and Facebook have reportedly returned to normal functionality following the trial. The government, satisfied with the results, plans to purchase the firewall and has already issued a tender for its procurement.