ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the unexplained disruption of internet connectivity in Pakistan affecting internet speeds. The lack of a clear explanation for the disruption in internet services amid reports that the government is testing a firewall highlights the lack of clarity, accountability and transparency in the management and regulation of digital media and the internet.
Access to the internet is necessary to give citizens their constitutional right to access information. Pakistan has been experiencing internet access disruptions for the past week, including the inability to download WhatsApp media via mobile data and slow internet speeds. Despite this, no explanation has been offered by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), leaving citizens and businesses confused.
A statement from the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) said the internet connectivity issues were due to “the government’s decision to step up security and surveillance.” WISAP said internet speeds have fallen by 30-40 percent, and shared concerns that the impact of the internet slowdowns will be “disruptive for businesses and individuals who rely heavily on fast and reliable connections.”
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Communications, told media on August 15 that internet speeds must not slow down and that 5G options are being discussed that could actually make them even faster, adding that the digital economy relies on quality internet service providers (ISPs).
Replying to a question about firewalls, Khwaja said, “Firewalls are a cybersecurity measure taken by all governments around the world.” She said she was not blaming the media and that the problem was being created among ordinary people.
“Initially the government ran the web management system but now it is being upgraded. It is the government’s right,” she said, adding that the cybersecurity attacks taking place in Pakistan are noteworthy.
“As cybersecurity threats evolve, countries need to have better capabilities to respond to them.”
Geo said a second round of firewall testing had been completed. In July, firewall testing was also blamed for social media slowdowns at the time.
The Pakistan@Software Houses Association (P@SHA) condemned the “grave consequences of the hastily implemented national firewall.”
“The burgeoning IT industry is on the brink of catastrophe as it faces unprecedented operational disruptions that threaten the very backbone of Pakistan’s burgeoning technology sector. The deployment of firewalls has triggered a cascade of issues, including prolonged internet connectivity and unstable VPN performance, bringing business operations to the brink of complete collapse. These disruptions are more than just an inconvenience – they are a direct and aggressive attack on the industry’s survival, resulting in devastating economic losses estimated to reach $300 million, with the potential to grow exponentially further,” they said.
Several petitions have been filed in the relevant courts. Responding to a petition regarding internet disruptions, the Lahore High Court summoned representatives of the federal government, the Ministry of Information and the PTA on August 17. Separately, anchorman Hamid Mir filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the installation of the firewall.