Bytes for All, an advocacy organisation, recently released a report revealing Pakistan’s dismal performance in internet access and digital governance. Pakistan ranks among the world’s worst performers in these areas, with slow internet speeds and a lack of consistency in services. It’s no surprise that these statistics reflect a lack of investment in the sector, despite the comprehensive framework set up for a ‘digital Pakistan’. What’s missing is a major prerequisite for success: competent internet services.
The report titled Pakistan’s Internet Landscape 2022 provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between human rights, information, and communication technologies in Pakistan. Although there has been a drastic improvement in connectivity and internet penetration, 15 percent of the population still lacks access to the internet or the necessary technologies to use it. Even those who enjoy daily internet use experience inconsistent and slow service. What’s worse is that Pakistan has the worst performance in internet and connectivity not only in Asia but also in the world.
In the modern world, the internet has become a crucial element for self-reliance and proactive incorporation into all realms of life. Unfortunately, Pakistan has barely paid attention to this sector, while the rest of the world has progressed. It’s high time to prioritize internet access and governance, and invest in competent services to keep up with the digital world.
This negligence is particularly egregious in the face of the ongoing pandemic, which has forced a majority of people to conduct their work and education online. The lack of reliable internet services has resulted in numerous difficulties, including an interruption in the education of millions of students who cannot access online classes.
If Pakistan aims to compete globally and maintain economic growth, investment in the internet sector must be a priority. The world is evolving and digital literacy is becoming a crucial skill set for people to succeed in life. A lack of attention to this sector will have long-lasting negative consequences.
To make matters worse, the current state of digital governance in Pakistan is also worrisome. The report highlights issues related to the absence of a data protection law, state surveillance, and censorship. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and freedom of expression. A transparent and democratic digital governance system can enhance the country’s image and enable Pakistan to be at par with other countries in the digital world.
It’s time for Pakistan to wake up to the realities of the digital age and take action. The government needs to invest in competent internet services, prioritize internet access and governance, and address issues related to digital governance. The private sector can also play a significant role in this by investing in infrastructure and innovation.
The 2022 deluge was just one of the factors behind this distressing digital tale. Swathes of land were left submerged in water, and crucial infrastructure was wrecked. This resulted in thousands of people being cut off from the rest of the country, with no means of communication. However, the root cause of the problem is a longstanding neglect of internet provision. Our single peering point in Pakistan is a bottleneck, constraining the exchange of routing information and traffic between internet networks. The reason for this is a lack of infrastructure to expand it. Substandard cables, limited access to submarine internet cable systems, and the absence of routing to remote areas of the country all contribute to the problem of inadequate and unreliable services.
The Bytes for All report highlights a worrying trend in Pakistan’s approach to internet access. As the world has moved forward to embrace the digital age, Pakistan has lagged behind in terms of both investment and development. With a comprehensive framework in place for a ‘digital Pakistan’, the country cannot afford to overlook one of the crucial prerequisites for its success; namely, competent internet services.
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Pakistan’s Internet Landscape 2022 report explores the intricate relationship between human rights, information, and communication technologies. The report is a stark reminder of the country’s digital divide, with 15 percent of the population still lacking access to the internet or the technology required to use it. Even those with internet access struggle with slow and unreliable services, which is a major hindrance to progress and development.
The consequences of the country’s poor internet infrastructure are significant. Businesses that rely on the internet for operations or e-commerce face significant challenges, leading to missed opportunities and reduced economic growth. Meanwhile, students and educators struggle to access online learning resources, putting them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital world. The lack of access to information and communication technologies also hampers democratic processes and government transparency.
Pakistan’s government and private sector must prioritize the development of internet infrastructure and services. The establishment of more peering points, expansion of submarine internet cable systems, and the routing of cables to remote areas are all necessary steps. In addition, public-private partnerships and investment in the sector can bring about much-needed change.
Moreover, the provision of internet services is not just about economic growth or development. It is a basic human right, essential for social and cultural interactions and the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information. In a rapidly digitalizing world, Pakistan cannot afford to continue to lag behind its peers in terms of internet access and connectivity.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s poor internet infrastructure is a significant impediment to progress and development in the country. The government and private sector must prioritize investment and development in this sector to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens have access to this essential service. It is time for Pakistan to catch up with the rest of the world and embrace the digital age fully.
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