ISLAMABAD: The chairman of a key coalition partner of the government, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, this week criticized the center’s “excuses” for imposing Internet restrictions in Pakistan that freelancers and rights activists say are aimed at cracking down on dissent in the country.
The PPP chairman’s criticism comes in response to the government’s recent measures which have been interpreted by activists and opposition parties as a digital clampdown on Internet freedom in the country. Pakistani officials admitted in June that the government was installing a national firewall, ostensibly designed to curb “anti-state propaganda” and “blasphemous content,” which slowed Internet speeds across the country.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also intensified its crackdown on virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing their legal use only after users register with the government— posing challenges for freelancers and businesses relying on online access.
Activists say the curbs are meant to counter criticism from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who have a powerful presence on social media platforms. The government denies these allegations.
“There is a lot of room for criticism on this digital issue,” Bhutto-Zardari told reporters in the southern Larkana city on Saturday.
“Every day there is a new excuse— sometimes they admit that we are shutting it [Internet] off and sometimes they say that we have done nothing of the sort. Then sometimes they say that our wires have been cut, then they say that there is a [firewall] testing going on,” he added.
Earlier this week, the PPP chairman called for a “digital bill of rights” to ensure Internet freedoms for people across the country.
In December, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja defended Internet restrictions, citing security concerns.
“No one is interested in shutting down the Internet,” she told parliament. “Law and order is paramount for us, but we will make every effort to ensure no disruption to the industry.”
Slow Internet speeds across the country have troubled Pakistani freelancers, who have reported disruptions in completing assignments and tasks.
According to data from the central bank, Pakistani freelancers earned $397.3 million in foreign remittances during the fiscal year 2021-22.
The amount is likely underreported, as much of the freelance income is received as home remittances.
