State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja asserts the government’s commitment to IT infrastructure enhancement, dismissing allegations of intentional internet slowdowns due to excessive VPN usage.
State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has categorically denied accusations that the government is responsible for recent internet slowdowns or blockages.
Instead, she pointed to the rising use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as the primary cause of these disruptions, assuring that the government remains fully dedicated to enhancing the nation’s IT infrastructure.
In a recent press briefing, Minister Shaza Fatima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s digital landscape, highlighting ongoing efforts to attract substantial investments in the IT sector.
She underscored the creation of the National Digitalisation Commission as a pivotal step towards this goal, alongside plans to develop cutting-edge IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi.
The minister also shed light on collaborations with global tech leaders such as Google and Meta, aimed at providing essential certifications for young students.
In addition, she announced the launch of the Bridge Start Programme, backed by a substantial budget of Rs1 billion, designed to nurture and support innovative technological projects across the country.
Addressing widespread public concerns, Minister Shaza Fatima acknowledged the inconvenience caused by recent internet disruptions but assured the public that proactive measures are being implemented to prevent such issues in the future.
She clarified that the surge in VPN usage, particularly for bypassing regional restrictions, has placed an unexpected strain on the network, leading to the observed slowdowns.
