Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima, on Thursday briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom about ongoing efforts to negotiate with Starlink in a bid to improve internet access for citizens across Pakistan. Her update addressed the current status of internet services, monitoring practices, and the digital connectivity challenges facing the country.
Pakistan’s Internet Infrastructure and Government Response
In her briefing, Shaza Fatima acknowledged the poor state of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure and admitted that even the best services still fall short of the country’s needs. Responding to criticism about frequent internet outages, she raised a pointed question: how could billions of dollars in IT exports be achieved if the internet were entirely shut down?
She emphasized the government’s role in ensuring that monitoring takes place only where necessary and clarified that unwarranted surveillance would not be tolerated. This statement aimed to address growing concerns about internet restrictions and digital privacy.
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Debunking Financial Loss Claims
The minister also refuted claims made by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) regarding financial losses caused by internet disruptions. She dismissed their estimate of an $8 billion loss as incorrect and urged critics to avoid spreading misinformation.
Tensions and Frustrations in the Committee
The discussion became heated when committee members voiced their frustrations. One member proposed holding a joint press conference with industry representatives to align the narratives surrounding internet outages, while another member highlighted the significant struggles faced by freelancers during internet shutdowns.
Chairman Syed Aminul Haq Calls for Consistent Internet Access
Chairman of the Committee, Syed Aminul Haq, reiterated the importance of consistent internet service in the country. He called for a permanent solution to the internet access issues, stressing that the internet should never be shut down and that efforts should be made to ensure uninterrupted service across Pakistan.
