Imran Khan's PTI behind Pakistan's internet woes?

IT minister assures efforts are underway to significantly improve overall internet experience in Pakistan
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja speaks in the National Assembly in Islamabad on Friday, January 17, 2024. — X/@NAofPakistan
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja speaks in the National Assembly in Islamabad on Friday, January 17, 2024. — X/@NAofPakistan 

Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday addressed concerns about internet connectivity and dismissed claims of a nationwide ban on virtual private networks (VPNs). 

During a National Assembly session, she attributed the connectivity issues to the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s lack of investment in the IT sector.

Khawaja further claimed that currently social media platforms were fully operational.

Responding to a query from the member of NA, Shazia Marri, during the question hour, Khawaja affirmed that VPNs, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms remained accessible. 

She assured the assembly that significant efforts were underway to improve the overall internet experience in Pakistan.

The minister identified multiple factors contributing to poor internet connectivity, primarily the failure of the PTI government to invest in necessary system upgrades. “Now we are connected to China through fibre,” she added.