The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, has been in the spotlight recently due to internet disruptions that have been causing inconvenience to users across the country. After months of speculation, Pakistan’s IT minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed on Thursday that the government was upgrading its ‚web management system‘ to address cybersecurity threats. This official admission comes after various issues, including slow browsing speeds and arbitrary social media and WhatsApp connectivity disruptions, were blamed on the government’s actions.
Users in Pakistan continued to face issues accessing social media platforms, including WhatsApp, on Thursday. Downdetector, a site that tracks real-time internet outages, reported a high volume of complaints about disruptions affecting WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Internet service providers such as PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel also experienced service interruptions throughout the day.
During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Minister Fatima mentioned that the government had requested a report from the PTA and other institutions regarding the internet disruptions. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the internet should never be slow, especially as conversations about bringing 5G technology to Pakistan are underway.
When asked about the term ‚firewall‘ that the public has used to describe internet issues, Minister Fatima clarified that the government has been operating a web-management system that is now being upgraded. She described this upgrade as a routine exercise globally to improve internet security, citing cyber security attacks that Pakistan is facing as the reason for the government’s actions.
Lawmakers in the Senate committee meeting pointed out that internet disruptions were significantly affecting online businesses in the country. Senator Afnanullah Khan of PML-N highlighted the potential impact on the IT sector exports, especially during a severe economic crisis. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications secretary, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, informed the meeting that while broadband connections were functioning normally, users of mobile data were experiencing disruptions.
PTA officials mentioned that the telecom regulator was assessing the issue and that the ministry would have a clearer picture in two weeks once the assessment was complete. However, a spokesperson from PTA claimed to be unaware of the connectivity problems users were facing on Thursday.
In conclusion, the internet disruptions in Pakistan have raised concerns among users, businesses, and lawmakers. The government’s decision to upgrade its web management system to address cybersecurity threats is seen as a necessary step to protect the country’s interests in the face of cyber security attacks. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth and secure internet experience for all users in Pakistan.