Shiza Fatima, the minister of state for information technology, blamed the nation’s slowing internet speeds on Tuesday’s increase in users and available capacity.

The minister stated that Pakistan provides some of the most affordable internet services in the world, but that there is a mismatch between the country’s user base and its infrastructure during a briefing with beat reporters in Islamabad.

Fatima clarified, “Internet speed naturally slows down with a growing population and limited bandwidth,” underscoring the necessity for upgraded infrastructure to keep up with the rising demand.

Fatima discussed a number of initiatives, such as the adoption of digital payments and Safe City programs, aimed at improving Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. “Digitalisation is something we are moving towards. Pakistan is catching up, she said, even though smaller nations have previously adopted it.

She also criticised the public’s propensity to avoid paying taxes, pointing out that a large number of people purchase real estate yet neglect to pay their share of the national exchequer.

“FBR is also being digitised, and this step will contribute significantly to leading Pakistan towards a digital economy,” she said.

The minister mentioned structural issues while tackling the problem of sluggish internet speeds. She disclosed, “Legal challenges have delayed expansion, and Pakistan’s entire internet infrastructure is operating on just 274 MHz.”

With respect to the government’s “smartphone for all” initiative, she expressed apprehensions over noncompliant clients and possible limitations on phone utilisation in the event that payment terms are not fulfilled. She explained that although talks about PayPal are still in progress, there are still issues because individual businesses are still in the process of making their own business decisions.

The minister also disclosed that two PTCL-operated underwater cables had sustained damage, which further hampered internet access. “One cable has been repaired, and efforts are underway to bring four new cables to Pakistan to enhance internet capacity,” she added.