The Information Minister claimed Pakistan’s internet is superior and more cost-effective than in several countries

Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, on Tuesday dismissed recent claims regarding significant financial losses caused by internet outages in the country, asserting that the internet in Pakistan is “much better and cheaper” compared to many other countries. His comments came in response to a report that suggested the country experienced substantial economic damage due to internet disruptions in 2024.

During the second half of 2024, many users in Pakistan reported slow internet speeds, difficulty downloading media on WhatsApp, and intermittent connectivity issues. Digital analysts speculated that the government had been testing a “firewall” to monitor certain platforms and block specific content. While the government denied any deliberate throttling of the internet, it acknowledged that updates were being made to the national web management system to bolster cybersecurity.

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A report from Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer, claimed that Pakistan topped the global list for financial losses attributed to internet and social media shutdowns last year, with a cumulative financial impact of $1.62 billion.

In response, Minister Tarar dismissed the findings of the report, stating, "This calculation was made by a VPN forum, but I believe the internet has improved, and it will continue to get better in the coming days." Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Media Cricket League 2025, he emphasized, "You won’t find cheaper internet than we have here. Just look at the advertisements promoting unlimited data plans, whether for telecom or Local Area Network (LAN) services."

Tarar also acknowledged past internet disruptions but insisted that the narrative of ongoing issues was largely political. "There were a few glitches in the past, but now I feel this is more of a political discussion without solid evidence," he added.

IT Minister Highlights Growth Amid Internet Challenges

Meanwhile, Information Technology (IT) Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja weighed in with a statement emphasizing the resilience of Pakistan’s digital sector. She noted that Pakistan’s export sector had seen a 33% growth over the past five months, despite the reported internet disruptions. "Such growth would have been inconceivable had internet interruptions been a recurring norm," Khawaja remarked.

She also pointed to a 25% increase in the number of internet users from 2023 to 2024, which she attributed to the ongoing efforts of the IT Ministry to improve connectivity. "This growth reflects the dedicated and tireless work put in by the IT Ministry to ensure better internet access across the country," she said.

As debates continue over the state of internet infrastructure in Pakistan, the government remains optimistic about improvements in both speed and accessibility, while critics highlight the potential economic impact of frequent service disruptions.