State Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Sunday refuted claims that the government was responsible for the recent internet slowdown across the country. Instead, she attributed the issue to the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by internet users, which she said was causing their devices to slow down.
“I can swear that the government of Pakistan did not block or slow down the internet,” Khawaja asserted during a press conference in Islamabad, acknowledging the public’s frustration with the ongoing intermittent internet issues.
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The minister explained that the government had consulted with experts and worked tirelessly to understand the situation. She noted that some applications were not downloading correctly, prompting people to use VPNs, which she said can slow down phones.
Khawaja’s remarks come amid widespread complaints about limited internet connectivity, particularly in some regions where mobile data services have been heavily impacted. Several experts, including the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), have attributed the slowdown to heightened security and surveillance measures, particularly the installation of a firewall intended to control the spread of unwanted content.
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Earlier in the week, Khawaja defended the government’s decision to implement an internet firewall, calling it a necessary cyber security measure that “every country in the world” takes. “Given the rise in cybersecurity threats, states need enhanced capabilities to respond effectively,” she said on Thursday.
Khawaja also mentioned that she is in continuous communication with IT authorities regarding the internet issues and announced that a meeting on the matter is scheduled for next week.
In addressing the government’s efforts to improve connectivity, she revealed that four additional internet cables are being laid in Pakistan to boost connectivity. Additionally, the minister announced plans to introduce 5G spectrum in the country by 2025, which she said would provide the fastest internet speeds.
Khawaja also highlighted the government’s progress in establishing IT Parks in Islamabad and Karachi, expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and substantial revenue, with the support of South Korea. Moreover, she mentioned that at least 250 e-employment centers are being planned in collaboration with provincial governments.
She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to the IT sector, noting that despite challenging conditions, over Rs60 billion has been allocated for IT in the national budget. The minister also lauded the sector’s exports, which have reached Rs3 billion, and emphasized that the IT sector is a priority for both the Prime Minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). She concluded by announcing the formation of a digitization commission, to be chaired by the Prime Minister himself.