As PPP legislators blasted internet concerns, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Wednesday that the government did not “deny user challenges” from poor internet connections, citing tech sector advancements.
In recent months, WhatsApp users have faced slow connections, media download difficulties, and sporadic connectivity.
According to digital analysts, the government has been testing a “firewall” that monitors select sites and may restrict WhatsApp material like rally images and videos. To improve cyber security, the government is updating a ‘web management system’.
As social media users reported significant disruptions this month, at least two online tools contradicted the government’s assertions of uninterrupted internet.
Khawaja told NA’s Question Hour today, “We do not deny that there have been challenges in user experience in the last couple of months.
“But we must consider certain realities. Perceptions must be corrected, the IT minister said.
Her statement came after PPP MNAs Abdul Qadir Patel and Shazia Marri voiced concerns over the internet situation, especially the X ban and firewall.
According to the 2023-24 Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) annual report, Khawaja observed a 28% increase in average internet speed.
She stated that November IT exports rose 25% and mobile data use rose 24%.
Khawaja claimed “various reasons” created obstacles, including internet congestion, spectrum availability, and less than 2pc “fiberisation” (usage of optical fibre connections) in the nation.
The minister of state claimed fixed lines were not blocked during internet disruptions owing to security concerns.
According to Radio Pakistan, Khawaja stated Pakistan’s internet operates at 274 megahertz, which limits accessibility, and the government is attempting to increase spectrum density to the region’s top 10 countries.
In two years, four additional undersea cables will be deployed to boost internet connectivity and speed, she said.
Khawaja remembered that during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Islamabad in October, when security was at the “highest alert,” the chairman of software organisation P@sha contacted to discuss commercial issues and open their offices.
While saying the government will not compromise on “unlocking opportunities,” Khawaja said, “There is nothing above national security.”
Radio Pakistan stated that she urged Pakistan to tighten its cyber security to prevent cyberattacks, data leaking, and “digital strikes from hostile elements and states”.
PPP challenges government on internet concerns
After Khawaja explained the X prohibition, Patel said, “We thought she would know better why the internet has been completely ruined in this country.
Voice notes and photos don’t load here—take X, Y, or Z. What firewall are you using that was inactive till now?In response to significant company losses and student academic losses, the PPP legislator remarked, “Whatever you want to do, get it done already.”
He remarked, “You should admit that you are responsible for it.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was blamed for the internet debacle, but he would not hold him accountable.
“When will the internet reach full speed? Please respond.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Sajid Mehdi again cited “security issues” and said the ban on X will be lifted when the interior ministry ordered it.
