As users continue to face intermittent disruptions to internet connectivity, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday denied the government’s involvement in the recent lockdowns and slowdowns across the country.
She acknowledged public outcry over the lingering issue and said, “I can categorically say that the Pakistani government has not shut down or slowed down the internet.”
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad today, Khawaja blamed the problem on internet users’ use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
She added that some people use VPNs because some applications don’t download: “When you turn on the VPN, it slows down your phone.”
The minister said the government was in discussion with experts and working day and night to assess the situation.
The minister’s statement came as millions of people across the country continued to face problems accessing internet services due to limited connectivity, especially when using mobile data in some areas.
Several experts, including the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), have attributed the phenomenon to increased security and surveillance resulting from the installation of a firewall in the country to control unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.
Khawaja had defended the decision earlier this week, calling the implementation of the internet firewall a cybersecurity measure “that every country in the world has in place.”
“Look at the cybersecurity attacks being perpetrated against our nations and the world. As cybersecurity threats evolve, countries must increase their capabilities to credibly thwart them. [well] I responded,” she said Thursday.
The minister asserted that he is in touch with IT authorities regarding internet issues. “A meeting on internet issues will also be held next week.”
Revealing the government’s efforts to address the issue, Khawaja said four more internet cables are being laid in Pakistan to increase internet connectivity.
Before addressing the issue of slow internet speeds at a press conference, the minister told reporters that the government plans to roll out 5G spectrum in the country in 2025.
“5G will provide the fastest internet,” she said.
She added that Islamabad has also completed the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Islamabad and Karachi IT Parks, which are expected to create over 10,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue.
“The IT park is being built with assistance from South Korea,” Khawaja said.
The IT Minister said that at least 250 e-employment centres will be set up in collaboration with ministries across the country.
Khawaja further added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has allocated over Rs 60 billion in the IT budget despite the difficult situation and praised the IT sector for exports worth Rs 3 billion.
“The IT sector is one of the priorities of the prime minister and the Special Investment Promotion Council (SIFC),” she said, adding that a digitalisation committee has been established and will be headed by the prime minister himself.
