KARACHI — The Pakistani government on Sunday denied any role in the ongoing internet disruptions that have severely impacted online businesses, particularly the country's 2.37 million freelancers.

State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja dismissed claims of government interference as "completely false" during a press conference in Islamabad.

Khawaja refuted allegations that the government was throttling internet speeds or installing a "firewall" to monitor traffic. She explained that the disruptions were due to a large number of users relying on VPNs, which put additional pressure on servers.

The disruptions have sparked criticism from the business community and freelancers, who report significant financial losses.

Pakistan, ranked as the fourth-largest country for freelancers, has seen substantial economic setbacks due to the connectivity issues, with warnings that the country could lose up to $300 million as a result.

The Pakistan Business Council has also raised concerns, warning that multinational companies are considering relocating their back offices from Pakistan due to the disruptions. — Agencies