Abdullah Kamran
On December 16, the Pakistani government’s acknowledgment in parliament of partial responsibility for sluggish internet speeds, social media restrictions, and the curtailment of internet freedoms, though overdue, at least provides a glimmer of reassurance to citizens that the authorities may not be entirely dishonest. The admission, made by Sajid Mehdi, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Secretariat, acknowledges that national security threats have been a major factor in the government’s decision to impose curbs on social media and restrict VPN access. While this statement provides some transparency, it also exposes the underlying contradictions within the government’s narrative on internet freedoms.
While it is commendable that the government has at least partially admitted to its role in limiting internet access, the response remains selective at best. Mehdi’s assertion that internet speeds are “not as slow” as reported is a stark contradiction to the country’s performance in global internet speed rankings. Pakistan continues to lag behind in global assessments of internet connectivity, a fact that cannot be ignored despite the government’s claims to the contrary. This discrepancy between government statements and the reality of Pakistan’s digital landscape underlines the selective transparency with which the authorities approach the matter of internet freedoms and the true reasons behind the government’s actions.
Furthermore, the question of how these restrictions on internet freedoms contribute to national security remains largely unanswered. Pakistan has seen a consistent rise in terror attacks in recent years, casting doubt on the effectiveness of internet censorship and social media monitoring as tools for improving national security. The government’s narrative, which connects these restrictions to a broader effort to combat security threats, does not seem to align with the increasing incidents of violence and unrest in the country. The disconnect between the official justifications for these actions and their real-world consequences raises serious concerns about the efficacy of such measures in addressing Pakistan’s security challenges.
This dissonance between official narratives and the lived realities of citizens was also evident at the National Broadband Network Forum held on the same day. There, industry stakeholders and government representatives presented contrasting views of Pakistan’s IT sector and digital infrastructure. While IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khwaja emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusivity, one must question the sincerity of these promises in a context where the state consistently acts to restrict access to new technologies and digital innovations.
On one hand, the government is announcing ambitious plans to auction the 5G spectrum next year, a move that is essential to advancing Pakistan’s digital future. On the other hand, as industry stakeholders pointed out at the forum, internet shutdowns and throttling of apps are likely to dampen investor interest in 5G technology. Pakistan’s inconsistent approach to digital freedoms raises doubts about the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for technological growth.
Moreover, Pakistan’s digital infrastructure is plagued by longstanding issues, such as its severe spectrum shortage. The country is one of the most spectrum-starved nations in the world, with a paltry 1.1 MHz of spectrum per million people. This lack of spectrum severely hampers the country’s ability to support modern communication technologies, including 5G. Additionally, the high cost of 5G equipment and devices presents another formidable barrier to the government’s goals of increasing digital inclusivity. Rather than addressing these critical deficiencies, the government’s approach has been to impose restrictions that undermine progress in the digital realm.
At the same time, the government introduced the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill in the National Assembly, a proposal aimed at creating a digital society and economy. The bill’s primary objective is to establish digital identities for citizens and centralize data across social, economic, and governance sectors to improve access to government services. However, the bill’s introduction raises significant concerns about its feasibility and potential for abuse.
To establish a truly inclusive digital society, the government must first address the basic technological infrastructure needs, such as ensuring reliable and affordable internet connectivity. Without this foundation, the bill’s objectives of creating a digital economy and society are likely to remain hollow promises. Moreover, the bill fails to provide a clear framework for protecting citizens’ privacy and ensuring data security—issues that are paramount in a digital age where cyber threats and surveillance are growing concerns. There is also a lack of consultation with technology experts and relevant stakeholders, which further undermines the credibility of the bill and its potential for success.
The government’s decision to push this bill through parliament without encouraging public debate or consulting with experts is troubling, particularly given its broad implications for citizens’ privacy and digital rights. The bill’s vague provisions, coupled with the government’s history of surveillance and monitoring, raise the specter of potential misuse. In a climate where citizens’ online activities are already subject to restrictions and surveillance, the bill’s implementation could provide the state with unchecked power to monitor and control citizens’ digital lives, further eroding civil liberties.
In this context, the introduction of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill seems more like a move toward centralized control rather than a genuine effort to promote digital inclusivity or innovation. Without the necessary safeguards in place, the bill could become a tool for increasing state surveillance, limiting internet freedoms, and stifling the digital rights of citizens.
The government’s actions suggest that while it recognizes the importance of digital innovation and connectivity, it remains deeply conflicted about how to balance these objectives with concerns about security and control. The introduction of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, combined with the government’s ongoing restrictions on internet freedoms and the inconsistent application of policies, reveals a fundamental dissonance between the state’s ambitions for a digital future and its current approach to internet governance.
In conclusion, the Pakistani government’s recent admissions regarding internet restrictions and slow speeds, while offering a glimpse of transparency, ultimately highlight the contradictions and shortcomings of its digital policy. The government’s selective approach to transparency, coupled with its failure to address the core challenges facing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, creates a landscape where progress in digital inclusivity is hindered by political expediency and a reluctance to truly empower citizens in the digital age. The introduction of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, while ostensibly aimed at improving access to government services, risks becoming another tool for state overreach rather than a genuine step toward a more inclusive and secure digital future.
