National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom convened on Thursday, where Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima provided a detailed briefing on the state of internet services, monitoring practices, and digital connectivity challenges in Pakistan. The minister also revealed ongoing negotiations with Starlink to enhance internet accessibility for citizens, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure.
During her address, Shaza Fatima acknowledged the shortcomings of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, admitting that even the best services in the country do not meet expectations. She emphasized the government’s efforts to address these issues but conceded that there is significant room for improvement.
Responding to criticism over frequent internet outages and their impact on Pakistan’s IT sector, the minister questioned the validity of claims suggesting the complete shutdown of services.
“If the internet were entirely non-functional, how could Pakistan achieve billions of dollars in IT exports?”
Shaza Fatima also addressed allegations of excessive government surveillance, affirming that while necessary monitoring is essential for security, unwarranted surveillance practices are unacceptable. She emphasized that the government’s role is to strike a balance between maintaining security and ensuring the privacy of citizens and businesses.
The discussion grew heated when claims made by P@SHA about financial losses caused by internet disruptions were brought up. The minister disputed P@SHA’s reported figure of $8 billion in losses, calling it inaccurate and urging industry representatives to refrain from spreading misinformation that could harm Pakistan’s digital reputation.
Tensions escalated further as committee members voiced their frustrations over recurring internet outages. A member suggested organizing a joint press conference with industry leaders to establish a unified stance on the issue. Another member highlighted the particular struggles of freelancers, who often face significant challenges during prolonged internet disruptions, a point underscored by the growing importance of freelancing in Pakistan’s economy.
Chairman of the Committee, Syed Aminul Haq, reinforced the need for uninterrupted internet services, stating that shutdowns disrupt economic activities and damage the IT sector’s global standing. He called for a permanent solution to ensure reliable connectivity across the country and emphasized that the internet should remain accessible under all circumstances.
The meeting underscored the critical role of stable internet services in driving Pakistan’s IT sector and supporting the growing digital economy. With negotiations underway with Starlink and ongoing efforts to address infrastructure challenges, the government is taking steps to bridge connectivity gaps. However, the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure sustainable progress in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
