- IT Minister Acknowledges Cybersecurity Measures: The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed the government’s ongoing upgrade of its ‘web management system’ to enhance cybersecurity, addressing speculation about internet disruptions linked to a rumored ‘firewall.’
- Senate Committee Raises Concerns: During a Senate committee meeting, concerns were raised about the impact of these disruptions on online businesses and potential losses in IT exports, with stakeholders demanding the restoration of normal internet speeds.
- Industry Leaders Warn of Economic Impact: The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and other business bodies expressed alarm over the prolonged internet issues, estimating potential economic losses of up to $300 million and calling for immediate action to resolve the situation.
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: After months of speculation regarding internet disruptions possibly linked to the installation of a so-called ‘firewall,’ the country’s IT minister has finally confirmed that the government is upgrading its ‘web management system’ to bolster cybersecurity.
The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed on Thursday that the government is indeed working on enhancing its web management capabilities. Despite the ambiguous terminology used, this marks the first official acknowledgment of actions that have been blamed for slow browsing speeds, arbitrary blocking of social media platforms, and WhatsApp connectivity issues on mobile data.
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Until now, official stakeholders—including the IT ministry and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)—have either denied knowledge of the issues or attributed the problems to telecom and internet service providers, or even Meta. However, Khawaja’s recent statements clarify the government’s role in these disruptions.
Ongoing Internet Issues
On Thursday, users across the country continued to experience problems accessing social media platforms, including WhatsApp. Downdetector, a website that tracks internet outages, reported an unusually high number of complaints about disruptions on platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, particularly between 12 noon and 1 pm. Internet services provided by companies like PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel were also affected.
Addressing reporters after a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting, Khawaja said the government had requested a report from PTA and other institutions to investigate the internet disruptions. She emphasized that “the internet should never be slow” and reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing 5G technology in Pakistan.
Read More: P@SHA Warns of $300 Million Economic Loss Due to Internet Firewall
When questioned about the so-called ‘firewall,’ Khawaja downplayed the issue, describing it as “blown out of proportion.” She explained that the government is conducting a routine upgrade of its web management system to enhance internet security, although she did not provide details on similar systems in other countries.
“It is the right of the government to take measures to protect its interests given the cyber security attacks that Pakistan is facing,” she stated.
Senate Committee’s Concerns
During the Senate committee meeting, lawmakers voiced concerns over the internet disruptions, highlighting the negative impact on online businesses. Senator Afnanullah Khan of PML-N warned that the country’s ongoing economic crisis could worsen if the internet issues are not resolved, potentially leading to significant losses in IT sector exports.
Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, informed the committee that while there were no issues with broadband connections, mobile data users were experiencing disruptions. PTA officials assured the committee that they were assessing the issue and would provide a comprehensive overview in two weeks.
Despite official assurances, users continued to face slow internet speeds, affecting both businesses and individuals. A serving armed forces officer reported difficulties in sending or receiving files before an important meeting due to WhatsApp issues, while Dr. Amir Abbasi, a professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, noted that his students were struggling to meet project deadlines due to the disruptions.
Industry Alarm Over Economic Impact
In a press release, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that the economy could lose up to $300 million due to ongoing internet disruptions. This statement followed a warning from the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan that businesses were considering relocating operations to other countries due to a 30-40% decrease in internet speeds in recent weeks.
P@SHA criticized the government’s lack of transparency regarding the so-called firewall, stating that it had “ignited a firestorm of distrust” among internet users and global IT clients concerned about data privacy. Ali Ihsan, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, described the firewall’s imposition as a threat to the viability of the IT industry, causing prolonged disconnections and erratic VPN performance.
Read More: Widespread Internet Outages Cause Major Disruptions Across Pakistan
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) also voiced concerns, warning that frequent internet disruptions could stifle innovation and deter much-needed foreign direct investment. OICCI Secretary General and CEO M. Abdul Aleem highlighted the disproportionate impact on freelancers, who generate over $1 billion in revenue for Pakistan’s economy each year.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh added that the organization had received numerous complaints from members unable to communicate with clients due to social media platform disruptions, particularly WhatsApp. He urged the government to restore internet connectivity swiftly, emphasizing that Pakistan cannot afford such delays in the digital era.