ISLAMABAD: State Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima, has addressed concerns regarding internet speeds in Pakistan, saying that the issue was temporary and has already been resolved.
She made these remarks during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom.
Shaza Fatima dismissed reports of persistent slow internet, assuring the committee that the issue was minor compared to other challenges the nation is facing, such as terrorism, which claims over 100 young lives monthly.
The minister emphasised that surveillance should be limited to necessary situations, highlighting the need for a balance between security and privacy.
Despite temporary internet issues, she noted that Pakistan’s IT exports had generated Rs. 1.5 billion last month, questioning how such achievements would be possible if the internet was significantly disrupted.
On the other hand, Sharmila Farooqi, a member of the committee, voiced her frustration over the government’s lack of progress in improving internet speeds.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub accused secret agencies of being responsible for internet shutdowns, claiming that these interruptions have led to significant financial losses worth millions of dollars. He also highlighted that Pakistan continues to rank among the countries with the slowest internet speeds globally.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) chief revealed that the IT sector is losing Rs. 1.3 billion daily due to inconsistent internet services. This statement was made during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
The P@SHA chief highlighted the rapid growth of Pakistan’s IT industry at an annual rate of 30%, stressing that these losses hinder its potential. He urged the government to regulate VPN usage at a local level to mitigate the financial impact.
Additionally, the World Population Review reported that Pakistan ranks 198th globally in internet speed, falling behind countries like Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, and Lebanon. The ranking highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to support the growing IT sector.
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