By Web Desk 
During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, concerns were raised about the deteriorating internet services in Pakistan. Members of the committee, including Senators Afnanullah Khan and Humayun Mohmand, voiced their frustration over the significant impact poor internet connectivity has had on businesses, particularly e-commerce platforms, which are reportedly leaving the country due to unreliable internet speeds.
Senator Afnanullah Khan highlighted that users have been facing difficulties even with basic online communication tools, such as uploading or downloading media files on WhatsApp. This situation has not only affected everyday communication but has also hampered business operations across the nation. Senator Humayun Mohmand expressed strong criticism towards the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of IT, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities, which has led to a substantial decline in business activities.
In response to the concerns, the Secretary of IT clarified that the issue primarily affects cellular networks and not Wi-Fi services. However, a PTA official claimed that no formal complaints had been received regarding slow internet speeds in the country, which raised further questions among the committee members about the responsiveness and accountability of the regulatory bodies.
The meeting was initially set to discuss the installation of firewalls across Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Pakistan, an agenda item that was postponed due to the unavailability of PTA officials. This installation is part of the government’s broader strategy to control social media and regulate internet traffic, especially following the enactment of the Punjab Defamation Law 2024.
The proposed firewall system would include deep packet inspection (DPI) technology, which allows for monitoring internet data across multiple layers, offering the government more control over digital communications. This development has sparked debate among various stakeholders about the balance between security and freedom of expression.
As the committee awaits further details on the firewall initiative, the ongoing issues with internet connectivity remain a significant concern for businesses and individuals alike. The inability to address these technical challenges could have long-term implications for Pakistan’s digital economy and its position in the global market.