Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday confirmed the government is “upgrading” its web management system to boost cybersecurity, as complaints mount over slowdown in internet services in past week.
This marks the first time any government official has admitted to actions that could hamper internet connectivity, as both the I.T. Ministry and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have repeatedly claimed ignorance over persistent issues pertaining to normal functioning of the internet in Pakistan. Speaking with media after a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Khawaja said the government had sought a report from the PTA and other relevant institutions over the internet disruption.
“The internet should never be slow. We have even been talking about bringing 5G technology to Pakistan. There is no doubt about that, and conversations about higher internet speed are underway,” she said, claiming concerns over a national firewall were overblown. “The government has been operating a web-management system. The system is now being upgraded,” she said, claiming this was a “routine” matter and in line with the government’s intent to protect national interests.
Earlier, the Senate body directed authorities to resolve all issues pertaining to slowed internet speed within two weeks and sought a report on the financial losses incurred due to the throttling over the past week. During the proceedings, the committee members slammed the losses incurred by businesses reliant on I.T. infrastructure. “Internet slowdown has cost at least Rs. 500 million,” alleged Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Senator Afnanullah Khan, warning this was encouraging e-commerce firms to exit Pakistan.
He noted the recent throttling had hampered WhatsApp communications as well as various social media platforms. PTI Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand similarly censured the government for “destroying” people’s sources of livelihood.
I.T. Ministry Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry, meanwhile, claimed the issue pertained to mobile networks and broadband connections remained unaffected. The PTA, however, claimed it had received no complaints regarding disruptions to internet services.
The issues pertaining to internet services have drawn significant criticism from various bodies in Pakistan. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) warned if the situation remained unresolved, it could trigger significant economic consequences. In a statement, the organization said internet speeds had declined 30-40% nationwide, adding this was encouraging firms to consider relocating out of Pakistan to retain their international clients.
Similarly, Pakistan Software Houses Association said the economy could lose up to $300 million if such internet disruptions continued. The organization warned that the government’s lack of transparency around its “firewall” had fostered distrust among Internet users and risked a “complete meltdown of business operations.