Islamabad, December 2 (IANS). Public anger is increasing over the extremely slow internet speed and frequent interruptions in Pakistan. A major reason for public anger are the firewalls that the Shehbaz Sharif-led government has allegedly installed to monitor anti-state content on social media.
The government took this step last week amid an anti-government campaign and protests led by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The persistently slow speed of internet and DADA connectivity has made it almost impossible for users to send and receive messages, photos, videos or voice notes on social media applications.
However, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima claimed that the situation is under control and that the issue is being blown out of proportion. He said his ministry is “leaving no stone unturned” to ensure uninterrupted internet across the country.
Fatima said, “The government is committed to the security of the IT and telecom industry. To achieve this goal, we are updating existing systems and focusing on key areas, including increasing tower intensity, broadband internet “Including broadening access.”
“The government is also addressing cyber security concerns to ensure a safe online environment for citizens,” the minister said.
Fatima said, “Pakistan faces millions of cyber attacks every day, making it increasingly difficult to detect terrorist activities. There is nothing controversial in a country being concerned about its cyber security. The whole world is different- Uses different cyber security mechanisms.”
Fatima appealed to all business users, freelancers and others to register their IP to get uninterrupted access to Virtual Private Network (VPN).
The government claimed that it wanted to curb fake news, misinformation and propaganda against Islamabad and the military establishment being spread through various social media platforms.
Former PM Imran Khan’s party PTI has been using various social media platforms to express its anger against the government and the military establishment.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister announced the formation of a 10-member task force to deal with campaigns on social media platforms against security forces, state and military establishment.
The goal of the task force is to identify organizations and individuals creating false and fake news, track them domestically and internationally, and hold them accountable as per the law of the land.
However, internet users in the country do not agree with the government’s claims.
Khurram Ali, an IT professional in Karachi, said, “I don’t know what the government is thinking and why it is completely ignorant of the fact that imposing firewalls and internet security measures is causing huge harm to people from all walks of life.”
Khurram Ali said, “From IT companies working with international clients to road delivery people, everyone is facing difficulties in managing work and communication. Due to internet disruptions, companies are facing difficulties in communicating with their customers. Are getting lost.”
IT experts believe that irregularities in internet connections are harming the country’s economy, which is directly impacting sectors like IT and telecom.
–IANS
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