IT Minister Attributes Internet Slowdown to Increased VPN Usage
Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima has attributed Pakistan’s widespread internet slowdown to the excessive use of virtual private networks (VPNs). At a press conference on Sunday, Fatima clarified that the federal government has not intentionally disrupted or slowed internet services and placed the blame on VPNs. She explained that VPNs can slow internet speeds by routing data through distant servers.
The minister did not address any recent developments regarding the new national firewall intended to regulate social media. Instead, she highlighted advancements in Pakistan’s IT sector under her leadership, including record-high IT exports, which she credited to the country’s youth.
Fatima also outlined several upcoming initiatives: the establishment of two new IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi, the creation of 250 e-employment centers across Pakistan, and the launch of coding programs in five languages from the primary school level. Additionally, she announced plans to roll out 5G technology nationwide, expand internet infrastructure with four new cables, and develop a virtual production studio.
