Pakistan’s Internet Slowdown: Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja Addresses VPN Usage and Government Measures
Islamabad, Pakistan – On August 18, Pakistan’s State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed claims about the government blocking or slowing internet services. She explained that the slowdown is due to excessive Virtual Private Networks (VPN) usage by the public.
During a press conference, Shaza Fatima acknowledged the internet issues faced by the public and mentioned that steps are being taken to resolve them. She noted that the spike in VPN usage has caused a massive load on internet services, leading to the slowdown.
Earlier, the Lahore High Court directed the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to respond to the recent internet disruptions affecting millions. Justice Shakil Ahmad instructed all parties to submit their responses by August 21.
The federal government attributed the issue to the testing of an internet firewall aimed at regulating social media. This firewall is intended to block unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.
Internet speeds in Pakistan have significantly slowed down, causing concerns for businesses and individuals who rely on fast connectivity. The slowdown is linked to increased government monitoring of internet traffic to enhance security and surveillance.
Many businesses are considering relocating to countries with more stable internet services, threatening Pakistan’s reputation as a digital entrepreneurship hub. Industry leaders warn that the current conditions are damaging the country’s ability to compete globally.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) issued a statement noting that the government’s move to boost security and surveillance has unintentionally harmed the country’s digital economy. Internet speeds have plummeted by 30 to 40 percent, creating chaos for businesses and individuals who rely on fast connectivity.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad expressed frustration, stating that many customers are leaving smaller ISPs due to poor service quality. He warned of a potential mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan if the situation continues.
The heightened surveillance and inability to use VPNs are exacerbating the problem, particularly for international businesses and freelancers who need secure and consistent internet access.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied that a government-installed firewall is responsible for the disruptions, despite user speculation. The future of Pakistan’s digital landscape remains uncertain, with both businesses and consumers suffering due to the slowdown.
Doubts Revealed
VPN -: VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It helps people use the internet more securely and privately by hiding their online activities.
Lahore High Court -: The Lahore High Court is a major court in Pakistan that makes important legal decisions. It is located in the city of Lahore.
PTA -: PTA stands for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. It is a government body that regulates internet and phone services in Pakistan.
Digital economy -: The digital economy refers to businesses and services that operate online, like e-commerce websites and call centers.
Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan -: This is a group of companies in Pakistan that provide internet and wireless services. They work together to improve internet services in the country.
Call centers -: Call centers are offices where people answer phone calls to help customers with their questions or problems. They often rely on good internet connections to work efficiently.
E-commerce -: E-commerce means buying and selling goods or services online. Websites like Amazon and Flipkart are examples of e-commerce platforms.
Remote work -: Remote work means working from a location outside of a traditional office, often from home, using the internet to do your job.
Mass business exodus -: Mass business exodus means many businesses leaving a place at the same time, often because of problems like bad internet or other issues.