ISLAMABAD: Members of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) have strongly criticized the performance of the IT Ministry regarding internet services in Pakistan, particularly the ongoing issue of VPN registration.
Senator Balwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, chairman of the committee, along with Senators Kamran Murtaza and Afnanullah Khan, raised several concerns about the role of the Home Ministry in the matter.
During the meeting, the committee heard a briefing from the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on the current status of internet services and the use of VPNs in the country. Balwash Khan pointed out that companies were affected by internet problems, but the Minister of State for Information Technology failed to attend the meetings. Why does the minister avoid answering questions? She added: “This means that the ministry’s performance is not good.”
The PTA president acknowledged that the IT industry relies on virtual private networks (VPNs), especially for freelancers and businesses. He stressed that registered VPNs will ensure continuous access to the Internet. “If a VPN is registered, the Internet will never stop,” he said.
Senator Kamran Murtaza raised concerns about blocking VPNs, stating that it violates basic human rights. He also criticized the installation of the firewall using public funds. Senator Afnanullah Khan questioned the Home Ministry’s involvement in VPN matters, since it falls under the purview of the IT Ministry. Other members expressed confusion as to why VPNs, which are merely tools for accessing the Internet, are being questioned in terms of whether they are “halal or haram.”
The PTA chief explained that the VPN registration policy, which was revived by the current government, is aimed at simplifying the use of VPN. “We have already registered 25,000 VPNs,” he said. He assured the committee that registering VPNs would prevent internet outages.
Senator Afnanullah Khan pointed out that the Home Office has no authority over VPNs, which are not social media apps. The PTA chief added that while the ministry can intervene in regulating social media, VPNs act as access tools for various online platforms.
However, the committee raised concerns about the legality of VPN blocks, noting that about 1 million freelancers in the country, who bring in about $400 million into the economy, are at risk due to the proposed VPN block starting on November 30.
Senator Murtaza asked about the internet shutdown, specifically in Balochistan. The head of the PTA explained that the closures were related to security operations in the region. The committee also discussed general internet outages in Pakistan, and questioned the failure of the Ministry of Information Technology to address the problem effectively.
The committee decided to send a letter to the Prime Minister, to highlight the minister’s inability to defend the decisions taken by the Ministry of Information Technology. The committee also expressed concerns about the appointment of the IT Secretary, and questioned selection criteria that favored only a candidate with a graduate degree over more qualified individuals.
Regarding the pending cases related to LDI and FLL, officials revealed that 24 cases are ongoing, with total claims amounting to Rs 78 billion. Despite numerous stop orders, PTA officials expected an early resolution of the issues.