IT Minister Confirms Ongoing Cybersecurity Upgrades Amid Internet Disruptions
After months of speculation, Pakistan’s IT Minister has confirmed that the government is upgrading its ‘web management system’ to address cybersecurity threats. This confirmation comes amidst widespread concerns about internet disruptions, which have affected everything from browsing speeds to the accessibility of social media platforms and messaging services like WhatsApp.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, acknowledged the ongoing upgrades during a conversation with reporters. Despite the vague terminology, this is the first time an official has admitted to the government’s role in the disruptions, which have previously been attributed to telecom providers and internet services.
Internet users across the country continued to experience difficulties accessing social media platforms on Thursday. Downdetector, a website that tracks online service outages, reported an unusually high number of complaints regarding WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram between 12 noon and 1 pm. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel were also affected.
Web Management System Upgrade
Following a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology and Telecommunications, Minister Khawaja spoke about the ongoing issues. She stated that the government had requested reports from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other institutions to address the internet disruption concerns.
While the minister downplayed the term “firewall,” which has been commonly used by the public to describe the cause of the disruptions, she emphasized that the government is merely upgrading its web management system. She described this as a “routine exercise” necessary to enhance internet security, though she did not provide specific details on which other countries have implemented similar systems.
“The government has the right to take measures to protect its interests, especially given the cyber security threats facing Pakistan,” Khawaja said.
Senate Committee Expresses Concern
During the Senate committee meeting, lawmakers expressed concern over the internet disruptions, highlighting their impact on online businesses and IT sector exports. Senator Afnanullah Khan of the PML-N warned that the country’s economic crisis could worsen if these issues are not resolved.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications’ Secretary, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, assured the committee that broadband connections remain unaffected, though users relying on mobile data are facing disruptions. Officials from the PTA indicated that they are assessing the situation and will provide a more comprehensive overview in the coming weeks.
However, PTA officials seemed unaware of the connectivity issues when approached by Dawn, further frustrating users who continue to experience slow internet and business disruptions.
Industry Bodies Demand Action
In a press release on Thursday, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that the economy could lose up to $300 million due to internet disruptions. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan also expressed concerns, noting that internet speeds have decreased by 30 to 40 percent in recent weeks, causing some businesses to consider relocating operations abroad.
P@SHA’s Senior Vice Chairman, Ali Ihsan, stated that the firewall’s imposition has already led to prolonged internet outages and erratic VPN performance, threatening business operations. He called for an “immediate and unconditional halt to this digital siege” and urged the government to collaborate with the industry on developing a cybersecurity framework.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that frequent internet disruptions could stifle innovation and deter much-needed foreign investment. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) also reported numerous complaints from members struggling to communicate with clients due to disruptions, particularly on WhatsApp.
In the current digital age, industry leaders stressed the urgency of restoring internet connectivity to support Pakistan’s economic recovery and ensure the continuity of online business operations.
