Summary:
- The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has ordered a two-week deadline to resolve nationwide internet and social media disruptions.
- Committee members highlighted the negative impact on e-commerce and businesses, with losses estimated at Rs500 million.
- The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) reported a 30% to 40% reduction in internet speeds, blaming increased security measures.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has demanded an urgent resolution to the ongoing internet and social media disruptions affecting Pakistan. In a meeting led by Senator Palwasha Khan of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the committee set a two-week deadline for authorities to address the issues impacting connectivity across the country.
The committee’s members voiced concerns about the severe consequences for businesses reliant on IT infrastructure, especially e-commerce firms. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reported that the slowdown has led to losses estimated at Rs500 million, with many e-commerce platforms considering relocation. Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the disruptions, warning that continued issues could lead to widespread job losses and business failures.
In response, IT Ministry Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry attributed the disruptions to a “technical issue” affecting mobile operators, with a promise that the problem would be resolved soon. She clarified that the problem was related to mobile networks rather than Wi-Fi services. However, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) denied receiving any complaints about the service issues.
The committee also sought a detailed report on the economic losses incurred due to these disruptions. A planned discussion on firewall issues was postponed due to the unavailability of PTA officials, who were expected to provide an in-camera briefing on the matter.
Earlier, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) had reported a 30% to 40% reduction in internet speeds. WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad linked this decline to increased security and surveillance measures, warning of severe economic repercussions. The disruptions are reportedly caused by the testing of an internet firewall designed to filter and block unwanted content, affecting millions of users nationwide.
