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After months of speculation, Pakistan’s IT Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed on Thursday that the government is upgrading its ‘web management system’ to counter cyber security threats. This marks the first official acknowledgment of actions that have been blamed for recent internet disruptions, including slow browsing speeds, social media blockages, and WhatsApp connectivity issues.
Government’s Response to Internet Disruptions
For months, official bodies like the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) either denied knowledge of these disruptions or blamed telecom providers. However, Ms. Khawaja now attributes the issues to an ongoing upgrade to the government’s web management system, aimed at bolstering national cyber security.
Despite the minister’s assurances, users across the country, particularly those on mobile data, continued to experience disruptions on platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Downdetector, a real-time outage tracking website, reported a spike in complaints between noon and 1 pm on Thursday, affecting major ISPs like PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel.
Senate Committee and IT Ministry Statements
During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunications, lawmakers highlighted the severe impact of these disruptions on online businesses. Senator Afnanullah Khan of PML-N emphasized that ongoing internet issues could significantly harm IT sector exports amid the country’s economic crisis.
Aisha Humera Chaudhry, the IT Ministry’s Secretary, acknowledged mobile data disruptions but claimed broadband services were unaffected. PTA officials stated that the issue was still under assessment, with a full report expected in two weeks.
Despite these reassurances, the PTA spokesperson remained unaware of Thursday’s specific connectivity issues when contacted by media outlets.
Impact on Businesses and Education
The ongoing disruptions have caused significant distress in both professional and educational settings. A military officer reported being unable to send essential files before an important meeting, and Dr. Amir Abbasi, a professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, noted that his students have struggled to meet deadlines due to the poor internet connectivity.
Abbasi stressed the urgent need for the government to recognize the disruptions’ severe impact, particularly on students, and called for abandoning outdated practices like installing firewalls.
Industry Concerns Over Firewall and Economic Impact
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that continued internet disruptions could cost the economy up to $300 million. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan echoed this concern, stating that businesses are considering relocating due to the 30-40% drop in internet speeds in recent weeks.
P@SHA criticized the lack of transparency around the firewall, raising concerns among global IT clients about data security and privacy. The association demanded an immediate halt to these disruptions and called for the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) also warned that these disruptions could stifle innovation and deter foreign investment, which is crucial for economic recovery. OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem highlighted the disproportionate impact on freelancers, who contribute over a billion dollars in revenue annually.
Similarly, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) reported numerous complaints from members who have faced communication issues with clients due to the ongoing disruptions, particularly on WhatsApp.
