The Senate Committee on Information Technology has directed authorities to implement solutions for the ongoing internet and social media issues within two weeks., demanding a report on the financial losses incurred due to these issues.
The directives were issued following concerns raised by committee members about the widespread impact on internet and social media applications across Pakistan.
The meeting, led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Palwasha Khan, included officials from the IT Ministry and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA).
Committee members expressed alarm over the significant losses faced by IT-dependent businesses, particularly in the e-commerce sector.
“Internet slowdown has resulted in at least Rs 500 million in losses… Many e-commerce platforms are relocating,” stated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, highlighting problems with uploading and downloading on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand echoed these concerns, stating that the slowdown in internet and social media apps is severely impacting businesses. “You are destroying jobs. Without proper investment, this approach will devastate the entire industry,” he warned.
In response, IT Ministry Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry acknowledged the disruption in mobile operator services, attributing it to a likely “technical issue” that she assured would be “resolved soon.” She clarified that the problem is with networks and not Wi-Fi.
However, a PTA official denied receiving any complaints regarding internet service issues.
The committee’s planned discussion on the firewall issue was postponed due to the absence of PTA officials, who were scheduled to provide an in-camera briefing on the matter.
Earlier in the day, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) attributed the internet slowdown to increased security and surveillance measures, warning of severe economic repercussions.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad reported that internet speeds had decreased by 30% to 40%, causing significant disruption to businesses and individuals relying on stable internet connectivity.
The ongoing internet issues have left millions across the country struggling to access services, particularly mobile data users in certain regions. The slowdown is believed to be linked to the testing of an internet firewall designed to restrict social media content.
