Islamabad: (RightNow) IT Minister Shaza Fatima states that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decides on mobile internet shutdowns based on the Interior Ministry’s directives. So far, the Interior Ministry has not formally notified PTA about this.

Shaza Fatima further mentioned that the Interior Ministry has not yet sent any request to PTA. There has been no national-level internet shutdown for one and a half to two years. The responsibility for law and order lies with the Interior Ministry.

She added that if the need arises to shut down the internet during the PTI long march, it will be limited. She expressed hope that the situation will remain under control.

The issue of internet shutdown is significant in the context of national security and law and order. It has a noticeable impact on public life, requiring the government to be cautious.

It is noteworthy that in the past, internet services were also suspended during political protests, causing difficulties for the public.