No govt policy to slow down internet: PTA chief

ISLAMABAD: Amidst rising concerns about slowing down of internet services in the country, the Chairman of PTA, Maj Gen (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman, clarified on Thursday that there was no government policy to intentionally slow down the internet. Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, PTA Chairman Rehman addressed the issue of slow internet speeds, acknowledging that while the internet may experience delays due to issues related to the proposed licensing of Private Network (PN) services, there was no intention from the government to hinder the overall internet performance. The PTA plans to introduce the licensing process for VPN services starting January 1, 2025, which officials believe will streamline network management.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting was held on Thursday under the Chairpersonship of Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan here at the Parliament House. The chairperson expressed deep concern over the persistent disruptions of the internet for a long time now.

In a statement that sought to clarify ongoing concerns about internet accessibility, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman asserted that there was no government policy to intentionally slow down internet services in the country. His remarks come amidst rising concerns from various sectors, particularly the IT industry, regarding perceived disruptions and the potential impact of a new licensing system.

The PTA chairman, along with industry leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the continuity and growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. Efforts will be made to balance national security concerns with the need for a robust, secure and fast Internet environment for businesses and consumers alike, he said.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the IT and telecom sectors, including the Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) Sajjad Syed. He expressed significant concerns over the growing impact of internet slowdowns on the country’s IT industry, which relies heavily on a stable and fast internet connection. “The internet is the lifeblood of the IT sector in Pakistan, and any disruption is a serious matter,” Syed said. He also highlighted the need for tighter regulations on VPN services to ensure data security and protect local businesses from reliance on unregulated foreign VPN providers.

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima, who also briefed the committee, reassured members that the government was actively addressing the issues surrounding IT infrastructure. She confirmed that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were under review to address concerns related to fake news and online misinformation, but clarified that these measures were not intended to restrict the internet itself. In response to concerns about internet shutdowns, Fatima emphasized that the government does not intend to take such extreme measures. “The internet in Pakistan is functioning normally and there are no plans to disrupt it unless absolutely necessary for national security,” she stated.

She further confirmed that the government will hold the long-awaited auction for the 5G spectrum in April 2025, marking a crucial step toward enhancing Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Sr Afnan Ullah Khan, Anjuha Rahman, Humayun Mohamand and Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee.