Islamabad:News Reporter, A heated debate erupted in Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology today concerning frequent internet shutdowns and slowdowns plaguing the country. Opposition Leader Umar Ayub Khan accused intelligence agencies of interfering with and shutting down internet services, causing millions of dollars in losses. He demanded that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other officials be held accountable for alleged false statements about the situation.
Committee member Romina Khurshid Alam defended the government’s actions, arguing that monitoring internet activity is necessary for national security and is a common practice worldwide.
PTA Chairman, after taking an oath, stated that internet shutdowns are only implemented under orders from the courts, federal government, or Ministry of Interior. He defended the PTA’s performance, highlighting revenue generated and infrastructure improvements.
Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja downplayed the issue, claiming that any internet problems were temporary and have been resolved. She emphasized that the government is prioritizing projects to improve connectivity.
However, these assurances were met with skepticism and anger from other committee members. Sharmilla Farooqi accused the government of dishonesty and questioned the impact of internet disruptions on businesses, particularly e-commerce. She criticized the government for imposing shutdowns under the pretext of security concerns, especially during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The committee chairman, Syed Amin Ul Haque, stressed the importance of legal and transparent regulations for VPNs and opposed any bans. He summoned the PTA Chairman to the next meeting to provide a detailed report on the financial losses caused by internet slowdowns.
The committee also decided to summon officials from the Ministry of Interior to address concerns about internet shutdowns. Members demanded a transparent investigation into the role of the Ministry in disrupting internet services.
This contentious meeting highlights the growing frustration in Pakistan over internet accessibility and government control over digital spaces. The debate is set to continue in the next committee session, where further scrutiny of the government’s policies and the PTA’s performance is expected.
