The internet in Pakistan has slowed to a crawl in recent weeks, causing frustration and anger among users. The government blames the issue on malfunctioning underwater cables that connect the country to global internet networks.
“The opacity of the Pakistani authorities regarding the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies that block content, slow down and control internet speeds is an alarming concern. Time and again, the use of such technologies, including national firewalls, has proven to be… pic.twitter.com/O3rII5cUDZ
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 26, 2024
However, digital rights activists and human rights organizations suggest that the disruptions are due to the government testing a new national firewall system.
The slowdowns have had a significant impact on businesses, students, and everyday users who rely on stable internet access.
DIGITAL CHECK-POST
"The damage that has been done to individuals and businesses is irreversible. Pakistan is being viewed as an unstable, unviable market where investment will lead to losses and there is no guarantee of service or data privacy."@dawn_com #RestoreInternetSpeed… pic.twitter.com/544uYComu3— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 25, 2024
Freelance software designer Shafi Naeem estimates that he has already lost more than half of his roughly $4,000 monthly income due to the disruptions. The Pakistan Software Houses Association warns that the country’s economy could lose up to $300 million because of the slowdowns.
The opacity of the authorities regarding the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies is an alarming concern
the use of such technologies, including national firewalls, has proven to be incompatible with human rightshttps://t.co/Gei1uVleRH
— amnistia . org (@amnistia) August 27, 2024
Internet disruptions and economic impact
The controversy has sparked a heated debate about internet freedom and state surveillance in Pakistan. Jurre Van Bergen, a technologist, commented on the situation during a hearing in the Islamabad High Court:
“The opacity of the Pakistani authorities regarding the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies that block content, slow down, and control internet speeds is an alarming concern.
Time and again, the use of such technologies, including national firewalls, has proven to undermine online freedom of expression and access to information.”
The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court has sought responses from the government and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) regarding a petition against nationwide internet shutdowns. Despite this, the Pakistani authorities continue to evade transparency about the acquisition of surveillance technologies and the cause of the reduced internet speeds. As the situation continues to unfold, the impact on daily life and business activities remains significant.
The demand for transparency and accountability from the government and telecommunication authorities is growing louder, with calls for clarity to ensure that human rights are upheld in the digital age.
