In Pakistan, citizens are grappling with slow internet speeds that adversely affect freelancers and digital agencies nationwide.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, led by Palusha Khan, recently convened to discuss these internet disruptions and has requested a comprehensive report within two weeks.
During the session, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted the substantial economic impact of these disruptions, noting a loss of $500 million by freelancers and digital agencies. He criticized the practice of shutting down internet services for security purposes, advocating instead for consistent, uninterrupted access.
The Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, acknowledged the widespread complaints regarding slow internet. She emphasized the critical role of dependable internet for the digital economy and government operations and mentioned ongoing initiatives to auction 5G services. Shaza Fatima also called for data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to evaluate recent internet traffic and speed, addressing concerns about WhatsApp outages and increasing international cybersecurity threats.
Additionally, she referenced the global use of firewalls and the government’s implementation of a web management system to bolster national cybersecurity.
Secretary of IT Aisha Humera recognized that these disruptions stemmed from mobile operator service issues. She assured the committee that relevant data would be gathered from these operators and delivered within the stipulated timeframe. Despite these challenges, she committed to resolving the internet issues promptly.
The Senate Standing Committee plans to reconvene upon receipt of the detailed report to review the findings and determine the necessary actions.
