Pakistan’s internet infrastructure has faced notable slowdowns since July, with many attributing these disruptions to the government’s new measures for controlling dissent and increasing surveillance.
Significant Internet Slowdowns and Communication Disruptions
Reports indicate that internet speeds in Pakistan have slowed by up to 40% in recent weeks, causing interruptions in the transmission of documents, images, and voice messages on WhatsApp. This widespread disruption affects millions of users across the country.
Government’s New Firewall and Censorship Efforts
Digital rights advocates suggest that the slowdown is linked to the implementation of a national firewall and content filtering system. This system is designed to monitor and potentially control online content, aiming to suppress political dissent and criticism of the military’s influence in political matters.
Usama Khilji, a digital rights expert, stated, “The current internet slowdown appears to be connected to the government’s effort to enforce a national firewall, which is intended to enhance surveillance and control political discourse.”
Economic Impact on Businesses and IT Sector
The Pakistan Software Houses Association estimates that the internet disruptions could lead to financial losses up to $300 million for the IT sector. Shahzad Arshad, head of the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan, warned that if the situation persists, it could result in a mass exodus of businesses from the country.
Despite these challenges, Punjab province has continued efforts to promote itself as an “IT city,” including recent advertisements in New York’s Times Square.
Ehsan Malik, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, criticized the government’s approach, emphasizing that alternative solutions could have mitigated the negative impact on the IT sector and business reputation.
Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns
Prominent journalist Hamid Mir has challenged the government’s installation of the firewall in court. The case is scheduled for review by the Islamabad High Court, addressing concerns over the transparency and legality of the new measures.
Human rights activists have long been critical of the government’s restrictions on internet freedom and media censorship. The social media platform X remains banned in Pakistan following allegations of election rigging against Imran Khan’s party. Shahzad Ahmad of Bytes for All warned, “The firewall may erode trust among IT investors and infringe on fundamental rights.”
