Shaza Fatima denies internet slowdown in Pakistan, says VPNs putting pressure

Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja insisted that there has been no government-imposed shutdown or throttling of the internet in Pakistan.

During a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, the minister for state dismissed claims that the government had taken measures to silence people, attributing recent internet issues to high traffic and the use of VPNs. She emphasized that the situation has been resolved and advised against using VPNs to avoid pressure on the internet.

Fatima stressed the importance of discussing Pakistan’s issues responsibly and acknowledged the challenges posed by negative perceptions of the country.

She highlighted that such perceptions can impact investment opportunities and stated that the government is committed to supporting the industry and improving the country's image.

The Minister also outlined ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan’s IT infrastructure, including the introduction of four new cables following authorization.

She reassured that the government remains dedicated to promoting the IT sector and supporting the youth. Despite budgetary challenges, a substantial budget of over 60 billion has been allocated to IT.

Fatima reiterated that IT is a top priority for the Prime Minister, and efforts are underway to ensure greater transparency and continued growth in the sector.