Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday said the government did not “deny user challenges” resulting from slow internet speeds, claiming improvements in the tech sector, as lawmakers of ally PPP criticised measures resulting in internet issues.
In recent months, users have experienced sluggish speeds, difficulty downloading media on WhatsApp, and intermittent connectivity issues.
Digital analysts say the government has been testing a “firewall” that monitors some platforms and gives the power to block content, like photos or videos of rallies shared on WhatsApp. The government has said a ‘web management system’ is being updated for increased cyber security.
Earlier this month, as users reported widespread issues accessing social media services, at least two online tools negated the government’s claims of uninterrupted internet.
Responding to a question during NA’s Question Hour today, Khawaja said, “We do not deny that there have been challenges in user experience in the last couple of months.
“But there are certain realities that we have to consider. There is a need to correct perceptions,” the IT minister asserted.
Her response came after PPP MNAs Abdul Qadir Patel and Shazia Marri expressed strong reservations about the ongoing internet situation in the country, including the ban on X and the firewall.
