The Ministry of IT and Telecom has clarified its stance on recent internet restrictions, emphasizing that such measures are implemented for security reasons and not to disrupt internet access.
Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, stated that decisions to restrict internet access are made after careful consideration by the Ministry of Interior. She assured that the government is committed to minimizing disruptions to the IT industry while prioritizing national security.
The recent directive from the Ministry of Interior to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) was issued to prevent their misuse by terrorist groups. The government aims to curb the use of VPNs for accessing prohibited content and facilitating illicit activities.
However, the PTA has clarified that recent internet slowdowns were not caused by VPN restrictions but rather by damage to submarine cables. The authority has assured that the issue has been resolved, and internet services are returning to normal.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has expressed concerns regarding the impact of VPN restrictions and internet slowdowns on the IT industry. The association has warned that these measures could negatively affect Pakistan’s reputation as a tech hub and hinder the growth of the IT sector.
The government is working to balance national security concerns with the needs of the IT industry. By implementing targeted measures and engaging with stakeholders, the government aims to strike a balance that ensures both security and economic growth.
