In a disturbing turn of events, Pakistan appears to be rapidly adopting China’s playbook for digital repression, raising serious concerns about the future of civil liberties and economic prosperity in the country. Recent developments suggest that Pakistan’s deep state, dominated by military and intelligence agencies, is tightening its stranglehold on digital freedoms and privacy rights, echoing the authoritarian tactics long employed by its northern neighbor. Since July, Pakistan has been experiencing a significant slowdown in internet speeds, with networks reportedly operating up to 40% slower than normal.This disruption extends to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, used by tens of millions of Pakistanis daily. Digital rights experts, including Usama Khilji, attribute this slowdown to the installation of a national firewall and content filtering system.
The government’s response to these allegations has been tellingly evasive. For weeks, officials refused to comment on the slowdown, with the telecommunications authority, run by a retired general, maintaining a conspicuous silence. It was only when Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif finally broke the silence that the true intentions became clear. “We are undergoing a transition after which all these facilities will be available to you,” Asif told media, adding ominously, “But there will be some controls to prevent threatening and defamatory content against the state and individuals.” In a move that has sent shockwaves through civil society, Pakistan has formally authorized the military-run Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to intercept citizens’ phone calls and messages under the guise of national security. This authorization comes in direct contravention of previous Supreme Court rulings that declared such surveillance illegal and unconstitutional, violating the dignity of man as enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The government’s issuance of a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) notification, permitting the ISI to monitor citizens under Section 54/1 of the Pakistan Telecommunication Act 1996, effectively grants legal cover to mass surveillance. This decision has sparked outrage among opposition leaders, citizens, and digital rights activists who argue that it flagrantly violates constitutional rights under Article 4. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has been unequivocal in its condemnation, stating that the notification “flagrantly violates citizens’ constitutionally protected rights.” Legal experts like Reema Omar, South Asia legal advisor at the International Commission of Jurists, have highlighted the bad faith nature of this notification, pointing out its conflict with existing laws and constitutional protections.
Pakistan’s move towards digital authoritarianism is not without precedent. Since its independence in 1947, the country has utilized various legislations to monitor its citizens, from the Telegraph Act of 1885 to more recent laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. However, the current push represents a significant escalation, bypassing even the minimal protections afforded by laws like the Investigation for Fair Trial Act of 2013. The introduction of the Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS) has raised particular alarm. This system allows intelligence agencies access to the phone calls, messages, and web browsing data of approximately 4 million users, representing 2% of telecom subscribers. The lack of transparency and legal oversight for LIMS has drawn comparisons to China’s comprehensive surveillance apparatus, raising fears of a similar system taking root in Pakistan.
The timing and nature of these measures suggest a concerted effort to silence political opposition, particularly the party of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan. The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been banned in Pakistan since the recent election, when it was used to air allegations of poll rigging against Khan’s party. This ban, coupled with targeted arrests and detentions of the party’s social media team, indicates a systematic approach to crushing dissent that mirrors China’s tight control over its internet ecosystem. Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader in Parliament, has labeled the surveillance notification a “black law,” believing the spy agency will target lawmakers. This fear is not unfounded, given Pakistan’s history of audio leak cases involving high-ranking officials and politicians. The recent series of audio and video leaks involving various politicians, military officials, and judges has only heightened concerns about the potential for abuse of these surveillance powers.
Pakistan’s pursuit of digital authoritarianism comes at a significant economic cost, threatening to derail the country’s already fragile economic recovery. The Pakistan Software Houses Association warns that the ambiguity and opacity surrounding the new firewall could cost the IT sector up to $300 million. The irony of Punjab province advertising itself as an “IT city” in New York’s Times Square while throttling internet access at home underscores the disconnect between Pakistan’s economic aspirations and its regressive digital policies. The implementation of these surveillance and censorship measures represents a significant threat to democracy and human rights in Pakistan. The right to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information are fundamental pillars of a democratic society. By eroding these rights, Pakistan’s deep state is undermining the very foundations of democratic governance.
In response to these alarming developments, civil society and legal professionals are pushing back. Six members of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) have challenged the government’s decision to legalize mass surveillance in the Islamabad High Court, requesting that the court declare it null and void. A separate petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court, arguing that call-tapping constitutes a serious invasion of privacy.
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Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its digital journey. The path it has chosen, emulating China’s model of digital authoritarianism, poses grave risks to its democratic future and economic prospects. The deep state’s tightening grip on digital spaces not only stifles political dissent but also creates an environment of fear and self-censorship among the populace. As the world watches, it becomes increasingly clear that Pakistan’s leadership must reconsider this dangerous course. The protection of digital rights, privacy, and freedom of expression should be paramount in any modern democracy. Without a significant change in direction, Pakistan risks isolating itself on the global stage and condemning its citizens to a future of restricted freedoms and economic stagnation. The international community, digital rights advocates, and Pakistani citizens must stand united in opposing these draconian measures. Only through sustained pressure and a commitment to democratic values can Pakistan hope to reverse its descent into digital authoritarianism and chart a course towards a more open, prosperous, and free society. The future of Pakistan’s democracy and its place in the global digital economy hang in the balance.