Users across Pakistan reported internet disruptions on Sunday, and the government responded by downplaying the outages and described concerns about the firewall situation as “blown out of proportion.”
In recent months, users have complained of sluggish speeds, issues downloading media on WhatsApp, and intermittent connectivity. Digital analysts have pointed out that the government is testing a “firewall” capable of monitoring certain platforms and blocking content, such as photos or videos from rallies shared on WhatsApp.
The issue resurfaced last week when the government restricted access to mobile services due to PTI’s final call rally. Downdetector, an internet outage tracking website, recorded several website outages early today.
Speaking to Geo News, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the firewall issue was exaggerated and that a web management system has been operational for a decade in Pakistan. “There is nothing controversial about a country enhancing its cybersecurity,” she added, noting that the world employs various cybersecurity mechanisms.
Khawaja highlighted the changing global security paradigm towards information technology, emphasizing Pakistan’s daily challenges from millions of cyber attacks. These challenges complicate the detection of terrorist activities. “Over the past month, more than 100 soldiers have embraced martyrdom,” she mentioned, indicating that the Ministry of Interior often issues directives concerning state security.
Read: Impact of Internet Disruptions on Daily Life and Business in Karachi
Regarding the closure of the X platform, which has been blocked in Pakistan since February, the minister pointed out that only about two per cent of Pakistanis used the platform. “If this were about curbing free expression, then popular platforms like Facebook and TikTok would also be shut down,” she argued. She reassured that all platforms are operating at full capacity and that the Ministry of Interior’s directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was the reason for X’s inactivity. The decision to block X was based on maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries.
The minister also committed to revamping the country’s internet infrastructure to restore optimal speeds and strengthen the telecom sector. “We are actively enhancing our digital defences in response to the recent surge in cyber attacks,” she said, underscoring the government’s priority to protect the IT and telecom industries. The focus includes enhancing tower intensity, expanding broadband access, and addressing cybersecurity concerns to ensure secure and efficient online environments for citizens.
Read: IT Minister Shaza Fatima Blames VPN Usage for Internet Slowdown in Pakistan
She acknowledged existing challenges but reassured that the government was proactively working to resolve them. Additionally, she mentioned plans to expand 4G and 5G internet services throughout Pakistan by April 2025, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure.
