No compromise on national security: IT Minister Shaza Fatima

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT, has clarified that voices against state will not be allowed and there will be no compromise on national security, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Expressing her views during National Assembly session, Minister of State said enemies of the country remain alert to launch cyberattack on the country.  She said less than 2 percent people in the country use X. Shaza said government was not denying difference in internet speed for users. She admitted that regulatory authority steps in over security concerns. Shaza said she has no power button which causes internet shutdown. 

State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja Wednesday claimed that the decision to restrict social media platform X (Twitter) was made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under the directives of the Ministry of Interior. “PTA is an autonomous body responsible for regulations,” said Shaza Fatima while responding to queries about slow internet and restrictions on X in the National Assembly. 

The minister rejected the impression of relating X restrictions to freedom of expression, adding that only 2% of Pakistan’s population uses X, making the impact minimal. Shaza Fatima Khawaja said according to PTA report, internet speed has improved by 28% since last year, and mobile internet users have grown by 24%. November saw a 25% growth in IT exports, with fibre optic infrastructure being the primary focus for future expansion. 

The minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent high-security environment during the SCO summit but assured that immediate steps were taken to minimize disruptions. “Our response was swift, with teams working overnight to address connectivity issues,” she stated.