The IT minister has confirmed that the government is in the process of upgrading its ‘web management system’ to bolster cyber security, a move that has been linked to recent internet disruptions across the country.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, acknowledged the upgrade during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology and Telecommunication. This is the first official confirmation regarding the widespread issues, which have been affecting everything from slow browsing speeds to the blocking of social media platforms and disruptions in WhatsApp connectivity on mobile data.
Previously, the Ministry of IT and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had either denied responsibility or deflected blame to telecom service providers or even Meta.
On Thursday, users continued to face issues accessing social media platforms like WhatsApp, with Downdetector reporting a spike in complaints about disruptions on WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram between noon and 1pm. Major ISPs such as PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel were also affected.
READ MORE: COAS Asim Munir Awards DHA Plot to Arshad Nadeem
Khawaja, speaking to reporters, addressed the issue after the Senate committee meeting. She confirmed that the government had requested a report from the PTA and other relevant institutions regarding the disruptions. Khawaja described the upgrade as a routine measure to improve internet security and downplayed concerns, stating that the disruptions were being exaggerated.
“The internet should never be slow,” Khawaja said, adding that discussions about introducing 5G technology were ongoing. She emphasized that the government had the right to take measures to safeguard its cyber security interests.
During the Senate committee meeting, lawmakers voiced concerns about the impact of internet disruptions on online businesses. Senator Afnanullah Khan of PML-N warned that unresolved internet issues could severely affect IT sector exports amid the country’s economic crisis.
The Ministry of IT’s secretary, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, stated that there were no problems with broadband connections but acknowledged disruptions for mobile data users. PTA officials mentioned that the regulator was assessing the situation and would provide an overview in about two weeks.
Despite these assurances, many users continued to experience slow internet speeds and business losses. An armed forces officer reported difficulties in sending files before an important meeting, and Dr. Amir Abbasi, a professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, noted that students were struggling to meet project deadlines due to the disruptions.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that internet disruptions could cost the economy up to $300 million. They criticized the government’s lack of transparency and called for an immediate halt to the measures causing the disruptions. P@SHA urged the government to collaborate with the industry to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) also expressed concerns, stating that frequent internet disruptions could hinder innovation and foreign direct investment. OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem highlighted the negative impact on freelancers, who contribute over one billion dollars annually to Pakistan’s economy.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) reported numerous complaints from members about difficulties in communicating with clients, particularly due to issues with WhatsApp. KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the need for prompt restoration of internet connectivity in the digital age.
