Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja underscored the paramount importance of national security in response to growing concerns over frequent internet disruptions. Addressing lawmakers in the National Assembly, she assured that while security remains the top priority, efforts are being made to address the challenges related to internet speed and connectivity.
The discussion arose after PPP MNA Abdul Qadir Patel voiced frustration over sluggish internet speeds, noting that even loading photos online had become difficult. Patel emphasized the impact on businesses and education, stating that online activities had effectively come to a standstill.
“Children’s education is suffering. We need to know when the internet will function at full speed,”
He said. The PPP, Patel’s party, is a key ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
In her response, Shaza Fatima acknowledged the issues but highlighted improvements made under the current administration. She pointed out that during Muharram, the internet was not completely shut down, which marked a departure from policies under previous governments. She also cited a 28% improvement in average internet speeds compared to last year, resulting in a 24% rise in mobile internet usage.
The minister stressed the government’s commitment to balancing national security with the need for a functional digital ecosystem.
“Our priority is to protect our citizens and their data,”
She said, reaffirming that the entire cabinet supports initiatives to advance the IT sector. She clarified that decisions to restrict internet access due to security threats are made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). “We do not enjoy restricting internet access, nor do I have a button to shut it off,” she explained, noting that fixed-line services remain operational even during disruptions.
Fatima acknowledged the frustration caused by these issues and expressed regret over the inconvenience, promising continued efforts to resolve connectivity challenges. She announced plans for a 4G and 5G spectrum auction in April 2025, which aims to expand digital services and enhance internet accessibility. According to the minister, Pakistan currently operates on a 274 MHz spectrum, which is inadequate for the growing population. To address this, an additional 550 MHz has been cleared over the past six years, with the support of the prime minister and law minister. An international consultant has also been hired to facilitate the spectrum auction.
Highlighting cybersecurity threats, Fatima stressed the need for robust defenses against cyberattacks and data breaches. “We must strengthen our defenses against digital threats from adversarial nations,” she said, calling for improvements in cybersecurity infrastructure. She also revealed plans to enhance internet capacity by increasing the number of undersea internet cables from seven to eleven within the next two years, underscoring the necessity of investing in the telecom sector to improve services.
Responding to criticism from the opposition, Fatima dismissed claims of insufficient internet infrastructure, pointing to tangible improvements and ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity. She reiterated that any restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Interior and PTA are driven solely by security considerations and are designed to minimize disruption.
In other legislative developments, the National Assembly approved the National Forensic Agency Bill by a majority vote. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented the bill, which had already passed the Senate. During the session, PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri raised concerns about inconsistencies in the bill’s language, specifically noting the inconsistent use of the term “Prime Minister.” She also proposed increasing penalties for official errors from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the importance of forensic science in modern investigations and announced plans for a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory in Islamabad. He urged lawmakers to expedite the bill’s passage, with the understanding that amendments could be made later if necessary.
The session concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening national security, enhancing digital infrastructure, and improving investigative capabilities, reflecting a broader commitment to the nation’s security and technological advancement.
