Pakistan Tightens Control Over Internet

In August, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) reported a significant nationwide slowdown of services, with internet speeds plummeting by 30 to 40 percent. This has created a chaotic situation for businesses and individuals who rely on fast, reliable connectivity to operate and thrive.

The Pakistani government has been blamed for the slowdown, with widespread speculation that it has installed a national firewall to filter and block online content. Such a move threatens the country’s digital economy and freedom of expression.

A firewall is a type of network security that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing traffic according to settings predefined by the internet controller. While the stated aim is to enhance cybersecurity and protect against propaganda, the unintended consequences of this action could be critical.

The Pakistan Software Houses Association warned that the country's economy could lose up to $300 million due to the internet disruptions, a staggering figure that underscores the importance of a robust and accessible digital infrastructure. The association demanded an immediate halt to this “digital siege” and called for the government to engage with the industry to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.

It is worth noting that Pakistan has a strong track record of economic growth in the IT sector, with IT exports reaching $3.2 billion in the last fiscal year, a 24 percent increase from the previous year. This progress is now under threat, as the government’s heavy-handed approach to online content control could tarnish Pakistan’s reputation as a hub for digital entrepreneurship.

The Pakistani government has firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing internet disruptions, which have significantly impacted online businesses and access to social media platforms.

In response to criticism, State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja categorically stated that the government neither shut down nor slowed down the internet. She asserted that reports suggesting government interference in the internet are “completely false” and that she can say so “under oath.”

Khawaja explained that the issue was limited to a few services on certain apps not downloading, which led a large segment of the population to start using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). She dismissed the notion of any intentional throttling of the internet by the government.

On August 22, the head of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority admitted that Pakistan was “upgrading” its National Firewall System, which was first installed in the 1990s. However, he again denied any link between the “upgrade” and the internet slowdown.

It is widely known that the country’s military, which has been embroiled in a conflict with former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, has been pushing for increased internet control to monitor propaganda and other activities deemed harmful to its interests.

A recent statement by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Asim Munir warning against the spread of “anarchy” through social media reflects the military’s growing concern over the rising tide of online dissent. The military is increasingly using the phrase “digital terrorism” to characterize the way its most vocal opponents, such as PTI activists, use the internet to disseminate fake information. A number of PTI leaders have been arrested and charged with “digital terrorism,” including party spokesperson Raoof Hasan and other social media activists.

Although the Pakistani Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, the military and government have made it clear that there are boundaries to this right and that they will not hesitate to take harsh measures against anyone they believe to be involved in “digital terrorism.” The warning against the “spread of anarchy” through social media platforms serves as a clear message to those who want to question the establishment's narrative.

As the government and the military tighten their grip on the flow of information, it becomes increasingly crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and exercise their democratic rights to voice their concerns in a responsible manner.

The government’s justification for banning certain internet sites is clear; it cites the need to protect against propaganda and unwanted content. However, the implementation of such measures must be done in a way that balances national security concerns with the preservation of digital rights and the fostering of a thriving online ecosystem. Indiscriminate blocking and censorship are not the answer and will only serve to stifle innovation and economic progress.

It is crucial that the Pakistani government engages in a transparent dialogue with the tech industry, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that addresses legitimate security concerns while safeguarding the country’s digital future. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s economic and social development.