Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima has refuted reports of government's involvement in slowing down internet across the country. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad today, she further clarified that issues with certain apps were causing difficulties in downloading, leading to an increase in VPN usage which contributed to slowdown the speed of internet. She said, however, these issues have been resolved due to the government's efforts. Shaza Fatima said government remains committed to support information technology sector. Highlighting government's achievements, Shaza Fatima said remittances from Information and Communication Technologies surged to 3.223 billion dollars during last financial year as compared to 2.596 billion dollars in previous year. She credited this increase to steps taken by government to boost IT exports. Shaza Fatima said efforts are underway to make the working of federal government paperless. She said government is planning to build IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi and in this connection Islamabad IT Park would be completed by March next year. She also highlighted expansion of e-employment centers across the country, with setting up of over two hundred centers to boost digital employment opportunities. Source: Radio Pakistan