Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has stated that less than two percent of Pakistanis use the platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that national security takes precedence. She confirmed that X was shut down on the directives of the Ministry of Interior.
In her remarks to the National Assembly, she highlighted the ongoing threat of cyber attacks, asserting the need to protect citizens from such risks. She noted that issues related to religious and social content often arise, which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocks to ensure safety.
Khawaja explained that in collaboration with provincial interior ministers, internet access has been restricted in specific areas without impacting the entire country, marking a significant first for such measures. She added that if the government intended to limit free expression, platforms like TikTok and Facebook would also be affected.
The IT Minister pointed out the alarming statistic that over 150 personnel from security forces have been martyred in just two months, underscoring the urgency of balancing technology with national security, data protection, privacy, and economic stability. She stated that as the economy becomes increasingly digitalized, enhancing digital safety and defenses against attacks will be crucial.
Khawaja emphasized, “I do not have a button to turn off the internet. We derive no joy or benefit from this. Our aim is to minimize user inconvenience, and I apologize for any difficulties experienced during this time.”
Looking ahead, she announced plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April, noting that the current 2.74 MHz spectrum is insufficient for the large population. The Prime Minister has cleared an additional 5.5 MHz, for which she expressed gratitude. The PTA is engaging with companies for international spectrum auctions, aiming to position Pakistan among the top 10 countries in the region for spectrum allocation.
Khawaja acknowledged that the country was on the brink of default over the past two years, hindering the import of essential technology equipment. She highlighted that while financial reserves are now improving, advancements in technology are closely linked to the nation’s economic health—a matter she deemed a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
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Finally, she addressed concerns regarding children’s access to technology, stating that while many are given smartphones, internet access remains a challenge. However, she noted that the PML-N government has provided laptops to 1.1 million children and is introducing a “Smartphone for All” policy to enhance accessibility.
