Islamabad (APP) – On Sunday, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications, made a strong commitment to revamp Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. She expressed her determination to restore optimal internet speeds and strengthen the telecom sector's foundations to ensure a more robust digital environment.
In an exclusive interview with a private news channel, the Minister highlighted her ministry’s efforts to address the challenges faced by the sector. She stated, "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure smooth continuity in the IT and telecom industry. The recent surge in cyber attacks has put us on high alert, and we are taking swift and decisive actions to tackle these challenges and enhance our digital security."
The Minister also reaffirmed the government's dedication to safeguarding the IT and telecom industry, calling it one of the top priorities. To achieve this, the government is upgrading existing systems and focusing on key areas, including strengthening mobile towers, expanding broadband internet access, and addressing critical cybersecurity issues. These measures aim to improve internet coverage, promote economic growth, and create a safer online environment for citizens.
Responding to a question, Shaza Fatima Khawaja explained that the Ministry of Interior would direct the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to investigate and resolve issues related to video sharing, ensuring that the overall internet speed remains unaffected. She mentioned that whenever challenges arise, the Interior Minister personally reaches out to the PTA for support. While acknowledging the existing difficulties, she assured the public that the government is working diligently to resolve them.
The Minister emphasized that every citizen has the right to express their opinions freely. While digital platforms offer opportunities for self-expression, she pointed out that temporary unavailability of these platforms should not be seen as a restriction on freedom of speech.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja also announced plans to upgrade the country’s web management system, focusing on improving cybersecurity to effectively prevent cyber attacks and control terrorist activities. She shared exciting news, revealing that the government plans to expand 4G and 5G internet services across Pakistan by April. According to the Minister, Pakistan's IT and export sectors have experienced significant growth in recent months, with exports seeing an impressive 40% increase.
This strategic shift is expected to enhance connectivity, foster digital innovation, and make Pakistan a more competitive player in the global tech and telecom industries.
The government’s efforts to upgrade Pakistan’s internet infrastructure reflect a broader vision for a digital future, one that is secure, accessible, and poised to drive economic growth across the nation.