Islamabad: In a recent press conference, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT, addressed the concerns about Pakistan’s internet slowdown. She assured that there has been no government-imposed shutdown or throttling. Instead, she explained that the slowdown is largely due to high traffic and the widespread use of VPNs, which can overload the network. Fatima advised against using VPNs to help alleviate this pressure and confirmed that the situation has been managed.
Fatima also highlighted the importance of discussing Pakistan’s challenges with sensitivity, as negative perceptions can impact investment and growth. She acknowledged these challenges but reassured that the government remains dedicated to enhancing the country’s IT infrastructure.
Among the ongoing efforts, Fatima noted the introduction of four new cables to improve connectivity. Despite budget constraints, over 60 billion Rupees have been allocated to the IT sector. She emphasized that IT remains a top priority for the Prime Minister and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting both the industry and the youth, aiming for transparency and sustainable growth in the sector.