The programme is said to have a budget of Rs. 1 billion
Pakistan is currently experiencing major internet disruptions, attributed by some to a government-imposed firewall.
In response to the growing concerns, State Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shiza Fatima Khawaja dismissed the allegations.
She denied that the government intentionally slowed down or blocked internet services.
Instead, she pointed to an increased reliance on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as the cause of the recent connectivity issues.
During a press conference, Shiza Fatima emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s IT infrastructure and attracting investment in the sector.
She announced the establishment of the National Digitalisation Commission and plans to create IT parks in major cities like Islamabad and Karachi.
These initiatives aim to bolster Pakistan’s position in the global tech landscape.
Shiza highlighted the government’s efforts to engage with major tech companies.
She also mentioned collaborations with Google and Meta to provide certifications for children, as well as the launch of the Bridge Start Programme.
The programme is said to have a budget of Rs. 1 billion to support innovative projects.
Despite these assurances, public frustration regarding internet disruptions remains high.
Acknowledging this concern, Shiza Fatima stated that measures are being taken to mitigate further issues.
She explained that the surge in VPN usage has placed additional pressure on internet services, leading to disruptions.
However, this explanation has been met with scepticism from IT experts.
Malik Mudassar, an IT specialist, refuted the minister’s claims in an interview.
He argued that while VPNs may slow down individual connections by 10 to 15%, they do not cause widespread internet issues.
He suggested that the installation of a firewall to monitor internet traffic could be the real culprit behind the nationwide disruptions.
Malik Mudassar recommended that the government adopt targeted firewalls to minimise the impact on online businesses and general internet usage.
This approach, he said, would help maintain service continuity while addressing security concerns.
Meanwhile, different announcements are circulating online, informing about a ransomware cyber-attack in Pakistan.
Warnings are being issued on social media to refrain from making online transactions for a few days.
Moreover, ATM machines will also remain closed during the next 2-3 days.
The ongoing internet disruptions in Pakistan have left many citizens frustrated and questioning when normal service will resume.
Citizens are calling for more transparency from the government regarding the root causes of the disruptions.
They demand swift actions to restore reliable internet access.
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