Pakistan internet slowdown raises concerns as businesses and rights defenders criticize increased censorship, risking economic set...
Pakistan's government is throttling the internet and social media while it tests new controls to crush dissent, activists and business leaders say, putting the country's economic recovery at risk.
"The Internet slowdown is due to the installation of a national firewall and content filtering system by the state aimed at increasing surveillance and at censoring political dissent, especially the criticism of the security establishment for its interference in politics," digital rights expert and activist Usama Khilji told AFP.
It was the defence minister who finally acknowledged what millions of Pakistanis nationwide had already guessed. Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has launched a legal challenge against the government over"the apparent installation of a firewall" at Islamabad High Court, which is due to hear the case on Monday.
But analysts say the main target of the digital disruption is the party of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan, still wildly popular and boosted by a young, tech-savvy voter base.After years of political instability, Pakistan's economy is locked in a cycle of IMF bailouts and loan rollovers from neighbours.
Shahzad Arshad, head of the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan, warned that if"this continues, we will see a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan".WhatsApp's texting function has been working slowly in Pakistan, but voice calls and other services have been disrupted. AFP has contacted WhatsApp parent Meta for comment.
Digital Rights Internet Censorship Business Impact IT Sector Internet Controls
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
PTA Addresses Timeline for Resolving Pakistan’s Internet ProblemsThe Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) addressed increasing complaints about sluggish internet services nationwide.
Baca lebih lajut »
Pakistan's internet firewall could cost economy 300 million dollars, association saysPakistan's economy could lose up to 300 million dollars due to internet disruptions
Baca lebih lajut »
Internet services to remain dirupted till this date; details insideInternet service across Pakistan has been significantly disrupted, causing widespread inconvenience to users for several
Baca lebih lajut »
LHC reserves verdict on plea challenging internet disruption in countryPetitioner says cutting off internet access is violation of fundamental rights
Baca lebih lajut »
LHC asks govt counsel to come prepared on plea challenging internet disruptionPetitioner says cutting off internet access is violation of fundamental rights
Baca lebih lajut »
Govt to deal hate-mongers with an iron fist, warn federal ministersIqbal recounts decrees by religious scholars in which they decry terrorism, sectarianism
Baca lebih lajut »