On Wednesday, the Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, spoke before the National Assembly, reaffirming that safeguarding national security remains the government’s highest priority.
Addressing the suspension of internet services, Shaza justified the decision to block X (formerly Twitter), explaining that fewer than two percent of Pakistan’s population actively uses the platform.
She stressed the constant threat of cyber-attacks from adversaries, asserting, “It is our duty to defend against such threats.” She further emphasized the role of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in monitoring and regulating sensitive content, particularly that which pertains to religious and social issues, as such material can incite division and hatred within society. “Our priority is to protect the safety of our citizens,” she added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to national security, Shaza stated, “Nothing is more important than ensuring the nation’s protection. The regulatory measures we take are driven by security concerns. I do not have a simple switch to shut down the internet, and these decisions are not made for enjoyment or personal gain.”
