Closure of X (Twitter) echoes in the National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) session on Wednesday witnessed a heated debate over the closure of X formerly Twitter and slow Internet connectivity across the country.

PML-N MNA Zahra Wadood Fatemi expressed concern over Twitter’s closure, stating it had disrupted public communication and questioned when the platform would be reopened.

Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi clarified that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) neither imposed nor could lift the ban. He said the Ministry of Interior had blocked Twitter due to security reasons and would decide on reopening it.

IT Minister Shaza Fatima added that the decision was based on a summary by the Interior Ministry. She emphasized that the ban was not an attempt to stifle freedom of expression.

“If we intended to curtail freedom of expression, platforms like TikTok and Facebook would also be banned,” she remarked.

MNA Abdul Qadir Patel criticized the slow internet speeds, stating they disrupted users’ daily activities. “People cannot even load images or videos,” he said.

Shaza Fatima acknowledged connectivity issues but pointed out that the PTA reported a 28 per cent improvement in internet speeds. She assured the House that efforts were underway to address slow speeds in high-usage areas.

The IT minister highlighted security concerns, noting over 150 attacks on security agencies in recent months.

“We cannot compromise on national security,” she stated, adding that targeted internet shutdowns during Muharram were necessary.

She said the government was committed to minimising public inconvenience and ensuring cybersecurity.

The IT Minister announced that the government would launch 4G and 5G spectrum auctions by April. She blamed the lack of investment in recent years for the current internet issues and stressed the need for enhanced infrastructure.

The minister also revealed plans to introduce affordable mobile phones and pointed out that the PML-N had already distributed over 1.1 million laptops to students.

“The entire cabinet supports the IT Ministry’s initiatives,” she concluded.

NATIONAL FORENSIC BILL TABLED IN NA

National Forensic Bill was tabled in the National Assembly by the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Shazia Marri speaking on the floor of the House said that the National Forensic Bill has been passed by the Senate, In the Bill the word “ Prime Minister” has been used once, while in other places the word “Prime Minister” has not been used. If it’s an official mistake than the penalty would be Rs 100,000.

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