ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja revealed that slow internet service in Pakistan is due to excessive use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Addressing news conference here, she clarified that internet was neither blocked nor intentionally slowed down, but increased usage of VPNs has affected internet speed. She explained that when certain apps' services were blocked, people started using VPNs, which bypassed local internet services and slow down internet. She added that using VPNs also slows down mobile internet speeds. However she assured that government is working to resolve issue and improve internet services in Pakistan. Furthermore, She said that digitisation commission is being established for digitisation of economy. She said that IT exports have witnessed an increasing trend due to measures taken by Special Investment Facilitation Council. She rejected reports regarding closing or slowing down of internet by government. She said slowdown of internet occurred due to over burden on internet traffic. According to report by Top10VPN, demand for VPNs increased by 131 percent on February 19, two days after X was blocked. Surfshark, VPN provide, also reported 300-400 percent increase in new user acquisition rates in Pakistan following ban.