Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja Confirms Internet Disruptions Due to Cybersecurity Upgrades
Islamabad [Pakistan], August 16: After months of speculation, Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that the government is upgrading its web management system to address cybersecurity threats. This upgrade has caused internet disruptions, including slow browsing speeds and issues with social media and WhatsApp connectivity.
On Thursday, users continued to face problems accessing platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Internet service providers such as PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel also experienced interruptions. Downdetector reported a high volume of complaints about these disruptions.
Speaking after a Senate Standing Committee meeting, Fatima mentioned that the government had requested a report from the PTA and other institutions regarding the internet disruptions. She emphasized that the internet should never be slow and that discussions about bringing 5G technology to Pakistan are ongoing.
When asked about the term ‘firewall,’ Fatima said the situation had been blown out of proportion and described the upgrade as a routine exercise to improve internet security. She did not provide details on which other countries have implemented similar systems but stated that it is the government’s right to protect its interests given the cybersecurity threats Pakistan is facing.
During the Senate committee meeting, lawmakers noted that internet disruptions were significantly affecting online businesses. Senator Afnanullah Khan highlighted that unresolved internet issues could lead to a decline in IT sector exports amid the country’s economic crisis. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications secretary, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, informed that while broadband connections were functioning normally, mobile data users were experiencing disruptions.
PTA officials are assessing the issue, and a clearer picture is expected in two weeks. However, a PTA spokesperson claimed to be unaware of the connectivity problems users faced on Thursday.
Doubts Revealed
IT Minister -: An IT Minister is a government official responsible for technology and internet-related matters in a country.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja -: Shaza Fatima Khawaja is a person who works as the IT Minister in Pakistan, helping to manage technology and internet issues.
Cybersecurity -: Cybersecurity means protecting computers and the internet from bad people who try to steal information or cause harm.
Web management system -: A web management system is a tool that helps control and organize websites and internet services.
Social media -: Social media are websites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter where people share pictures, videos, and messages.
WhatsApp -: WhatsApp is an app that lets people send messages, make calls, and share photos and videos with friends and family.
PTCL -: PTCL stands for Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, a company that provides internet and phone services in Pakistan.
Zong -: Zong is a company in Pakistan that offers mobile phone and internet services.
Nayatel -: Nayatel is another company in Pakistan that provides internet services to homes and businesses.
Telecom regulator -: A telecom regulator is a government agency that makes sure phone and internet companies follow the rules and provide good services.
