Pakistan's internet is better, cheaper than many countries: Atta Tarar

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed on Tuesday that Pakistan offers 'better' and some of the 'cheapest' internet services in the region, and that the quality of these services is set to improve in the coming days.

“There were some glitches in past days, but they have been resolved," said Tarar while speaking to journalists after the inauguration ceremony of Media Cricket League 2025. 

"I believe it is being politicised without evidence,” he said, Tara also questioned "the authenticity of fact and figures" quoted in reports, asking "under which parameter they have been calculated.” 

The minister’s statement came after Top10VPN.com revealed Pakistan had to face a $1.62 billion financial loss due to connectivity issues, surpassing the losses in war-stricken nations like Sudan and Myanmar.

For Pakistan, the report also noted at least 18 deliberate internet shutdowns in 2024, including three significant disruptions during elections for “information control” and protests.

Without mentioning the names of the countries, Tarar emphasised, “Several countries have faced technical glitches, but we have better internet systems.”

Tarar stated that the internet in Pakistan has improved and will further improve in the coming days. “Pakistan has the cheapest internet system, and you won’t find cheaper internet anywhere.”

Previously, a report stated that Pakistani freelancers were struggling to secure work due to poor network connectivity.

Freelancers mentioned a 70% decline in foreign and local freelance opportunities, putting hundreds of thousands of Pakistani freelancers at risk of significantly reduced income or unemployment.