Abdul Rehman Niazi
The 21st century stands as a beacon of digital progress, with countries around the globe enjoying unprecedented advancements in technology. From artificial intelligence to autonomous vehicles, the digital landscape is reshaping every facet of life. The internet, in particular, has become the foundation for modern economies, social interaction, and political discourse. However, in Pakistan, the country’s digital evolution seems to be moving backward. Despite the global wave of progress, Pakistan is grappling with a number of systemic challenges that hinder its digital transformation. These challenges include slow internet speeds, frequent service disruptions, and, perhaps most concerning of all, a growing authoritarian crackdown on digital freedoms. As the state continues to tighten its grip on the internet, the future of digital rights in Pakistan appears increasingly bleak.
The government’s restrictive digital policies, which include the banning of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the imposition of national firewalls, and the blocking or throttling of unregistered VPNs, present a worrying picture of the country’s digital future. These measures, while often justified in the name of national security, have a far more insidious effect—stifling freedom of expression, limiting access to information, and suffocating the country’s already fragile digital economy. The most recent blow to digital freedom came in the form of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) decision to mandate that VPN providers obtain a Class License for Data Services. The PTA claims that the move is necessary to monitor VPN traffic and address security concerns. However, in reality, this policy represents a dangerous step toward mass surveillance and an even tighter control of the online sphere.
While the government maintains that these measures are intended to protect the nation from cyber threats, the impact on Pakistani citizens has been overwhelmingly negative. The clampdown on VPNs, which many use to circumvent censorship and access blocked content, signals a move toward unprecedented surveillance. The reality is that the government’s supposed security agenda is less about safeguarding the public and more about silencing dissent and controlling access to information. The internet, which should serve as a tool for empowerment, has instead become a source of division and restriction in Pakistan.
The government’s contradictory stance becomes even more apparent with the announcement of a new undersea internet cable aimed at improving connectivity. While such infrastructure projects often promise faster internet speeds and more reliable service, it is difficult to see how these benefits will materialize when the underlying problems of censorship and disruption remain unresolved. This year, Pakistan has experienced more internet disruptions than ever before, and it is hard to believe that a new cable will solve the fundamental issues of access and freedom that plague the digital environment. The installation of this cable may improve the technical aspects of connectivity, but without addressing the broader issues of control and restriction, it remains a hollow promise.
The government’s approach to digital infrastructure and internet access speaks volumes about its authoritarian tendencies. In a world where social media platforms play a crucial role in fostering democratic discourse, connecting individuals, and promoting the free exchange of ideas, Pakistanis are increasingly finding themselves unable to access these platforms without resorting to the use of VPNs. What was once a basic right has become a luxury subject to arbitrary restrictions and government censorship. The fundamental freedom to access information and communicate freely has been severely curtailed in Pakistan, leaving citizens in a digital dystopia where access is determined by the state’s whims.
Pakistan’s political landscape, too, reflects this disturbing trend. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition partner in the government, has been outspoken in its criticism of the government’s digital policies. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party’s chairman, recently called on students to demand a “digital bill of rights” in an effort to protect citizens’ access to the internet. His comments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of internet freedom, not just for personal expression but as a democratic right. However, a bill of rights, while crucial, may not be sufficient if it is not backed by strong political will and the collective action of all political parties. The government’s current trajectory, as it continues to experiment with the internet in ways that undermine its basic principles, is damaging not only to Pakistan’s economy but to its democratic fabric as well.
The consequences of Pakistan’s digital authoritarianism extend beyond the realm of political freedoms. Freelancers, small businesses, e-commerce platforms, and online entrepreneurs are among the hardest hit by unreliable internet access and the constant threat of digital shutdowns. Online education, an essential lifeline for many students, has also become increasingly difficult to access. The education system, which already struggles with infrastructure and resources, faces a significant challenge in ensuring that students can continue their studies in a digital world. Media outlets, too, have been impacted by the government’s efforts to control digital content. The suppression of free speech online has resulted in a climate of fear where journalists and citizens alike must tread carefully when expressing opinions or sharing information.
The consequences of these digital restrictions are far-reaching. Not only do they damage Pakistan’s economy by limiting the growth of digital industries, but they also damage the country’s international standing. In an era when information flows freely across borders, countries that restrict access to the internet and impose heavy surveillance risks isolating themselves from the global community. Pakistan’s digital authoritarianism threatens its ability to compete in the global economy, which increasingly relies on technology, digital literacy, and the free flow of information. If the government does not reverse course, Pakistan risks becoming a digital backwater, unable to keep up with the rest of the world.
The government’s approach to controlling the digital landscape also reflects a broader misunderstanding of the role of information in modern societies. In an age where communication is instantaneous and information is easily disseminated, attempts to control or block access to content are futile. People will always find ways to bypass restrictions, whether through VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, or other methods. The government’s strategy to suppress free speech by silencing online platforms will ultimately fail, and in doing so, it will only increase the frustration and resentment of the populace.
Pakistan is already facing significant challenges on the economic front, and further undermining its digital infrastructure will only exacerbate these difficulties. The government must recognize that a free and open internet is not just a luxury; it is a critical component of a thriving economy, a healthy democracy, and a connected society. If Pakistan is to avoid being left behind in the digital revolution, it must embrace a more open and inclusive approach to internet governance—one that prioritizes citizens’ rights to access information, communicate freely, and innovate without fear of repression.
In conclusion, the state of digital rights in Pakistan is precarious at best. The government’s increasing authoritarian control over the internet not only threatens the freedoms of its citizens but also endangers the country’s economic future. A genuine commitment to digital progress requires a shift in mindset—a move away from censorship and surveillance toward a more open and inclusive digital ecosystem. If Pakistan continues on its current path, it risks losing its place in the global digital economy and its democratic principles, leaving its citizens to face a future that is increasingly disconnected, surveilled, and censored.
