Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addressed the ongoing concerns about internet connectivity in Pakistan, dismissing claims made in a recent report that the country had suffered massive financial losses due to internet outages in 2024. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Media Cricket League 2025, Tarar pointed out that Pakistan’s internet services were not only improving but were also more affordable than those in several other countries.
In response to a report from Top10VPN.com, which claimed Pakistan faced a cumulative loss of $1.62 billion due to internet and social media disruptions last year, Tarar questioned the accuracy of the findings, asserting,
“This was calculated by a VPN forum, but I believe the internet has gotten better and in the coming days, it will improve further.”
The report highlighted that users in Pakistan experienced frequent internet slowdowns, difficulty downloading media on platforms like WhatsApp, and intermittent connectivity issues, particularly in the latter half of 2024. Some digital analysts suggested these disruptions were linked to the government’s testing of a “firewall” to monitor certain platforms and block content. However, the government denied any intentional throttling of the internet, stating that the disruptions were related to ongoing updates of the country’s web management systems aimed at bolstering cybersecurity. Tarar defended the government’s actions, stating,
“There were a few glitches in the past but now I feel this is more of a political discussion without evidence.”
The government’s stance on internet quality was further supported by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who noted that Pakistan had experienced a 33% growth in exports over a five-month period. She argued that such growth would not have been possible if internet disruptions were a recurring issue, emphasizing that the expansion of internet access in the country was indicative of the government’s success in improving digital infrastructure. According to Khawaja, the comparative growth of internet users from 2023 to 2024 was up by 25%, a statistic she attributed to the IT ministry’s focused efforts on enhancing internet connectivity.
“This is a reflection of the tedious and committed efforts put together by the IT ministry regarding internet connectivity.”
Despite the government’s positive outlook on the state of internet connectivity in Pakistan, critics remain wary. The persistent issues faced by users, including slow speeds and inconsistent connectivity, have raised questions about the government’s ability to fully address the challenges of providing reliable and high-quality internet services. While the government continues to focus on cybersecurity and infrastructure improvements, the impact of these efforts on everyday users remains uncertain.
The debate over internet services in Pakistan is likely to continue, with stakeholders from both sides monitoring developments closely in the months ahead. As the country navigates its digital transformation, it will need to balance the need for enhanced security with the demand for better and more accessible internet services.
