Says priority is to protect citizens, their data; Working to resolve internet issues; Affordable mobile phones policy coming soon
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday emphasised that nothing is more paramount than national security, as lawmakers raised concerns over the persistent internet disruptions.
Addressing the National Assembly, the minister told her fellow MNAs that national security was more important than Internet and is a priority for her.
The minister, at the same time, acknowledged that there were speed issues and that they were being addressed.
Her response came after Pakistan People’s Party 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, whose party is a crucial ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
In response, Fatima said that her ministry was working for the betterment of user experience, noting that the internet was not shut down completely during Muharram, which was the case during previous governments.
“Pakistan’s average speed has also increased as 28% compared to the previous year, which led to a 24% surge in mobile internet usage,” the minister noted.
She acknowledged that some issues arise due to security concerns, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring the country’s digital security.
“Our priority is to protect our citizens and their data,” Fatima said. “We are responsible for safeguarding the privacy and safety of users’ information.” She added that the entire cabinet stands firmly behind the IT ministry, with the singular agenda of supporting and advancing the IT sector.
While addressing concerns about internet shutdowns, the minister clarified: “We do not enjoy restricting internet access, nor do I have any button to shut it off. In cases of security threats, decisions are made directly by the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority).
However, even during internet disruptions, fixed-line services remain operational.” She acknowledged the inconvenience caused to users in certain areas and apologised, assuring that efforts are underway to resolve these issues. Fatima announced that the 4G and 5G spectrum auction would take place in April. She mentioned that the Ministry of IT is finalising a policy to ensure smartphones are accessible to everyone. The federal minister also explained that Pakistan’s internet currently operates on a 274 MHz spectrum, which is insufficient for the country’s population.
“In the past six years, we have cleared an additional 550 MHz with the support of the prime minister and the law minister,” she said, adding that an international consultant for the spectrum auction is now on board, aiming for the auction to be held in April.
The IT minister highlighted the challenges posed by cyber threats, stating, “We must strengthen our defences against cyberattacks, data leaks, and digital attacks from adversarial nations.” She also noted the importance of improving cybersecurity to protect the country from such threats. Fatima shared plans to enhance internet infrastructure, revealing that seven undersea internet cables currently land in Pakistan, with efforts underway to add four more in the next two years. “Without significant investment in the telecom sector, we cannot improve internet services,” she stressed.
Addressing criticism from the opposition, the IT minister dismissed their remarks about the internet being insufficient for the population as baseless, pointing instead to serious efforts to improve connectivity. The minister explained that the Ministry of Interior had directed PTA to block certain services due to security threats, ensuring that such actions are taken with minimal disruption to users.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the PML-N-led governments have distributed over 1.1 million free laptops across the country and is now introducing a policy for affordable mobile phones. The National Assembly also passed the National Forensic Agency Bill with a majority vote during the session. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented the bill.
When the bill was presneted, PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri said that the legislation had already been passed by the Senate. However, she pointed out inconsistencies in the text, noting: “The term ‘Prime Minister’ is used only once in the bill, while it is omitted elsewhere, which could lead to complications later.”
Marri also raised concerns about the penalties outlined in the bill, saying: “If an official commits an error, the fine is set at just Rs100,000. This should be increased to at least Rs500,000.”
