National Security Dominates NA Session Amid Internet Disruptions Debate
"Nothing more important than national security," IT Minister tells NA
In a session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology, underscored the government’s commitment to national security amid ongoing internet disruptions.
“There is nothing more important than national security,” she stated, addressing concerns raised by lawmakers regarding slow internet speeds and their impact on businesses and education.
Khawaja emphasized that the government prioritizes protecting citizens and their data, acknowledging the challenges posed by security threats that necessitate internet regulation and monitoring.
Her response came after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Abdul Qadir Patel raised questions about the internet speed, saying that he could not even load photos online.
“Online businesses have come to a standstill. Children’s education is also suffering. We should be informed when will the internet work at its full speed,” Patel said.
The discussion was sparked by criticism from opposition members, particularly regarding the sluggish internet connectivity that has been attributed to various factors including congestion and security measures.
Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi noted that the government is working to resolve these issues, with plans for a 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April 2025. He claimed that only 15% of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure utilizes fibre optic technology, compared to 40% in neighbouring India, and assured that improvements are on the horizon.
Opposition leaders expressed frustration over the government’s handling of internet services, suggesting that intelligence agencies’ interference has contributed to the connectivity issues. They criticized the government’s approach to regulating VPNs and social media access, arguing that such measures stifle free expression and hinder economic activity.
Khawaja responded to these concerns by highlighting recent improvements in internet speed, which reportedly increased by 28% compared to the previous year. She acknowledged the inconvenience caused by disruptions but reassured lawmakers that her ministry is actively working on enhancing user experience and cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats.
