IT Minister Responds to Social Media Shutdown Concerns, Emphasizes Privacy and Security

Islamabad: During a National Assembly session on Wednesday, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja addressed concerns raised by lawmakers about the ongoing internet disruptions and the suspension of social media platform X . She emphasized that if the government aimed to restrict freedom of expression, it could have easily prohibited platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.

Khawaja stated, “No other country has the freedom of expression more than Pakistan,” underscoring the nation’s commitment to free speech. However, she highlighted that the safeguarding of national security is paramount, underscoring the critical need to shield the nation from digital dangers.

“We must strengthen our defenses against cyberattacks, data leaks, and digital attacks from adversarial nations,” she added, stressing the need to address cyber threats that could compromise national security.

In response to questions about the internet shutdown, particularly from PPP MNA Abdul Qadir Patel, the IT minister clarified, “We have no desire for the internet to be shut down. I do not have a button to shut down the internet.” She also noted that Pakistan’s internet speed has improved by 28% compared to the previous year, contributing to a 24% increase in mobile internet usage.

Khawaja acknowledged that security issues can occasionally cause interruptions, yet he emphasized that the government is dedicated to protecting citizens’ privacy and maintaining the security of their information.

She also revealed intentions for a forthcoming auction of 4G and 5G spectrum in April and noted that the Ministry of IT is developing a policy aimed at enhancing smartphone accessibility for the public. Furthermore, she clarified that the current operational spectrum in Pakistan is 274 MHz, which falls short of the nation’s extensive population.

The IT minister elaborated that the Ministry of Interior had directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to restrict specific services in response to security concerns, emphasizing that these measures would be implemented with the least disruption to users.