Tech Desk 
Dec 05, 2024
In the wake of Pakistan grappling with a longstanding internet crisis coupled with government-imposed social media restrictions, state minister for IT and telecom Shaza Fatima on Thursday revealed that the standing committee on IT and Telecom is actively in discussions with Starlink to bring the satellite-based internet service to the country.
Speaking at the session, Shaza Fatima said: "We are in talks with Starlink to bring them to Pakistan," while reflecting on the challenges Pakistan has been facing in ensuring reliable internet connections in the country.
Performance of IT ministry in Pakistan
Presiding the session, senator Palwasha Khan criticised the IT ministry over its performance, lamenting that the interior ministry is held accountable for every botched initiative taken by the IT ministry.
Being a key attendant of the meeting, Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) chairperson Sajjad Syed brought to light the ongoing internet disruption and its adverse impacts on the IT sector.
"The internet is the lifeline of the IT industry," he noted, adding that 99% of IT companies faced connectivity issues since the outset of these disruptions. Syed mentioned that the software association brought the internet woes to the attention of the IT ministry and commended PTA's efforts for putting significant efforts towards a solution.
VPN registration in Pakistan
The P@SHA chairperson also discussed the risks associated with unregulated VPNs, saying, that free VPNs usually put data security at stake, revealing that P@SHA earlier proposed local registration of VPN service providers to mitigate these risks.
On the bright side, Syed informed the committee that VPN licensing is set to commence on January 1, 2024, a move he believes will "resolve many issues" surrounding the deadlock on the internet and social media.
Govt policies, 5G technology to address internet issues in Pakistan
"In issues involving national security, internet services are suspended," secretary IT asserted, discarded that no government policy was in place to impede internet speeds. In contrast to the views shared by the IT secretary, senator Afnan Ullah noted that the internet slowdown could be attributed to "firewall management".
While acknowledging a lack of investment in IT during the past three years, the IT minister said internet usage has increased, but no investments were made during this time.
She assured the committee of progress, highlighting a planned 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April to enhance connectivity.
