DIGITAL PAKISTAN MONITOR – February 2025
A monthly report on trends relating to digital rights, policies, practices & media
Tracking: Internet and digital policies and regulations
Digitalization in governance and socio-economic domains
Digital rights violations and protections
Digital rights advocacy and defense
Digital media and online free speech
Vol. 6, No. 2 – February 2025 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Internet and digital policies and regulations
- Federal and provincial governments (ministries and departments)
- Internet regulators
- Media regulators
- Telecom regulators
- Internet access / connectivity
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s mobile operators are struggling with limited spectrum, unable to keep pace with skyrocketing data demand. The result: frequent call drops and sluggish, unreliable internet. With the government failing to allocate more spectrum, the country’s digital infrastructure is quickly falling behind.
PTA faces scrutiny over ‘delay’ in issuing licenses to two internet firms
Date: February 5, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was informed that two companies had applied to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan, and the relevant space regulator was examining their request.
National Assembly gets update on 5G rollout and digital progress
Date: February 13, 2024 – Source 1: Radio Pakistan (RP), Source 2: The News
The National Assembly (NA) was informed that the federal government was set to introduce four new infrastructure cables and 5G services to provide fast and reliable internet to users across Pakistan in 2025.
Cartel watchdog urged to review proposed merger of PTCL, Telenor
Date: February 15, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The Nation
The federal government requested the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to review the proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) ahead of the upcoming spectrum auction.
PTCL to link new internet cable to national grid
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced the launch of the Africa-1 submarine cable, set to be operational by 2026. The $59.5 million project, approved in 2020, will connect to PTCL’s Karachi Seaview landing station.
Pakistan strengthens global connectivity with Africa-1 submarine cable
Date: February 25, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Capacity Media
According to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), the country took a significant step in enhancing its digital infrastructure with the landing of the Africa-1 submarine cable in Karachi.
PTA assures Senate panel of speedy solution to 5G auction woes
Date: February 28, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), while briefing a Senate panel on preparedness for the 5G auction, told its members that lacunas concerning the auction would be “sorted out soon”.
SECTION 2: Digital rights advocacy and defense
- Pakistan-based citizens and civil society organizations
- Independent international digital rights organizations
- UN and global multilateral organizations
- Governmental and other sources
No progress without her: Women’s role in Pakistan’s IT revolution stressed
Date: February 16, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
At the Women Tech Quest 2025 event in Karachi, women entrepreneurs emphasized that empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship was essential, asserting that innovation in any field, especially information technology (IT), was incomplete without their involvement.
Malaysian delegation visits Pakistan to explore digital advancement
Date: February 20, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) commended Pakistan’s Universal Service Fund (USF) for its efforts in expanding digital access and reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
‘Digitally empowered women can address gender divide’
Date: February 27, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Experts at a conference titled Digital Futures 2025 in Islamabad agreed on an urgent need to digitally empower women to address the gender divide and strengthen women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
SECTION 3: Digital rights violations and protections
- Citizens and netizens – including case studies
- Media, journalists and other information practitioners
- Online free speech
- Online access to information
- Privacy violations
- Data protection
- Surveillance
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
- Cybercrime
US-Dutch action targets ‘Pakistani’ cybercrime outfit
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Dawn
In a major international crackdown, United States’ and Dutch authorities claimed to have dismantled a Pakistan-based cybercrime network accused of selling hacking tools and fraud-enabling services to criminals worldwide.
How new cybercrime law puts digital rights at stake
Date: February 3, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Although it’s mainly journalists protesting against the amended PECA law for now, it would be foolish to think the threat is only posed to one community or profession. Vague language and harsh punishments mean anyone can face prosecution for what they say or do online.
Pakistan’s crypto dilemma: lack of regulation leading to rising fraud, criminal cases
Date: February 3, 2025 – Source: The News
As lack of regulation has been causing a rise in fraud and criminal cases involving cryptocurrencies, the government started reviewing proposals to introduce regulations for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, and there is a possibility that a law would be introduces soon in this regard.
Google Chrome users urged to ‘update’ following PTA’s cybersecurity warning
Date: February 3, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) urged users to update their Google Chrome internet browser “immediately” after two critical security flaws were discovered. These vulnerabilities, affecting all Chrome versions prior to the latest patch, could allow remote hackers to hijack systems.
Challenges to PECA land in Supreme Court, SHC
Date: February 5, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Days after their promulgation, the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) faced separate challenges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) and the Sindh High Court (SHC) for posing a threat to press freedom and fundamental rights.
Pakistan’s IT experts warn against risks associated with smart devices
Date: February 5, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Information technology (IT) experts on an official board declared smart watches, fitness trackers and other wearable smart devices as a cybersecurity threat and recommended to the federal government to ban such items at ‘sensitive’ places.
PECA amendments challenged in Islamabad High Court
Date: February 7, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A faction of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA), 2025.
Minister calls for ethical AI governance, data security
Date: February 11, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The State Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stressed the need for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) governance, data security, and digital inclusivity at the Digital Cooperation Organization Ministerial panel discussion at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh.
FIA cracks down on misuse of foreign SIMs in Pakistan
Date: February 15, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched an operation against criminals exploiting foreign mobile SIM cards, arresting 44 suspects nationwide. These individuals had reportedly been using pre-activated British mobile connections to carry out cybercrimes.
Misuse of foreign SIMs in Pakistan
Date: February 17, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The increasing reliance on foreign SIM cards presents a growing challenge for law enforcement and society at large. Recent reports have drawn attention to the use of United Kingdom-registered mobile connections in Pakistan, linking them to illicit activities such as child pornography and online fraud.
PKCERT warns citizens against online phishing scams
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan (PKCERT) issued an advisory warning citizens against a new wave of phishing attacks, urging them to remain vigilant against online fraud.
Punjab police file three cases under PECA for deepfake content
Date: February 21, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Police in Lahore registered three cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for allegedly uploading on social media AI-generated deepfake immoral videos and images of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and spreading malicious propaganda against state institutions.
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
It was a year ago when, in the tumultuous aftermath of the 2024 elections, the state banned access to X. Today, it remains banned – for seemingly everyone except government officials, who continue to use the platforms via virtual private networks (VPNs). The ban represents not just a violation of constitutional rights, it is also an example of the phrase ‘rule of thee, not for me’ in action.
Pakistani networks warns of cybersecurity threats
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistani networks face threats from cybersecurity and virtual private networks (VPNs), with vulnerabilities in Palo Alto and SonicWall systems. The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has alerted government bodies about rising cyber risks.
PTA approves two VPN licenses to regulate secure data services
Date: February 25, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) approved the applications of two private virtual private network (VPNS) service providers as part of its ongoing initiative to regulate VPN services to ensure data security, privacy, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Pakistan records 18pc surge in phishing attempts in 2024
Date: February 27, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder
Pakistan witnessed an 18 per cent surge in phishing attempts in 2024 compared to 2023, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reported, as cybercriminals continued to capitalize on well-known brands to steal credentials or install malware.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
CDA offered assistance for digital mapping of federal capital
Date: February 2, 2025 – Source: The News
The Surveyor General of Pakistan (SGP) offered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) technical assistance for developing digital maps and real-time imagery of Islamabad.
Software technology parks equipped with digital tools
Date: February 2, 2025 – Source: The News
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training delivered 200 convertible digital books to five software technology parks across Pakistan, aiming to provide entrepreneurs and students with the necessary tools to develop and launch digital ventures.
Trade mismatch: Rs5.5 trillion loss attributed to exploitation of digital gaps and under-invoicing
Date: February 5, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
A five-year review of Pakistan’s trade with China uncovered discrepancies worth Rs5.5 trillion, primarily due to weaknesses in the country’s digital integration and under-invoicing at trade ports. These loopholes have reportedly facilitated the manipulation of cargo records, tax assessments, and declarations, leading to financial losses.
Tapping into Middle East’s technology markets
Date: February 6, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s technology experts called for raising local information technology (IT) landscape development with a view to leveraging the technology revolution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Pakistan, Turkiye agree to strengthen ties in digital sector
Date: February 6, 2025 – Source: Radio Pakistan (RP)
Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to enhance collaboration in digital transformation, e-governance, and smart technologies. During a meeting in Islamabad, delegations of both countries discussed joint efforts in information technology, 5G technology, and artificial intelligence.
AJK seeks digital census report for delimitation exercise
Date: February 7, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly unanimously urged the federal government to provide the 2023 digital census report to AJK to facilitate new constituency delimitations and sectoral planning ahead of next year’s general elections.
ICT enforces biometric verification for stamp papers
Date: February 7, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration made a major stride in combating counterfeit stamp papers by requiring biometric verification for their issuance. The measure was introduced to safeguard transactions and curb fraud.
PTA wans mobile buyers to verify FBR tax compliance before purchase
Date: February 8, 2025 – Source: The News
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) advised consumers to verify the tax payment status of mobile devices before making a purchase, warning that buyers must ensure compliance with the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) tax regulations to avoid service disruptions.
Local mobile phone manufacturing rises 28pc MoM in December
Date: February 8, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector witnessed growth in December 2024, with a 28 per cent month-on-month (MoM) increase, according to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Local companies produced 2.95 million mobile phone units during the month.
Pakistan to double IT exports to Saudi Arabia
Date: February 9, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan is set to enhance its information technology (IT) exports to Saudi Arabia during 2025, increasing from $50 million to $100 million with the consistent penetration of major IT companies and their expanding footprint.
IBCC digitizes process for attestation of degrees
Date: February 10, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) announced it had digitized the process for verification of academic degrees issued by boards of intermediate and secondary education.
Digitizing payments: The potential in SME B2B transactions
Date: February 10, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Digitizing payments, especially business-to-business (B2B) transactions for small players, could generate over $121 billion worth of digital activity in Pakistan. The potential, therefore, for increasing the use of online and card payments is “huge”, according to payment gateway Visa.
Pakistani IT firms secure investment deals at LEAP 2025
Date: February 11, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan’s information technology (IT) companies secured multiple investment and business deals with international firms at LEAP 2025, a global conference held in Riyadh, according to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA).
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to boost digital, AI collaboration
Date: February 11, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: The Nation, Source 3: Arab News
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen digital investment and technology partnerships, aiming to facilitate Pakistani startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing the Saudi market.
Punjab adopts digital monitoring to improve transparency
Date: February 12, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
To enhance transparency and accountability, the Punjab government decided to implement Third-Party Validation (TPV) and digital monitoring for the Chief Minister’s District Sustainable Development Goals Program (CMD-SDGs).
PTCL sustains Rs14 billion losses in 2024
Date: February 13, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) continued to face losses that amounted to Rs14.4 billion on a consolidated basis for the year ended December 31, 2024. In comparison, the company had incurred a loss of Rs16.7 billion in 2023.
PSEB expands IT infrastructure with 43 technology parks
Date: February 13, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), established 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country in 2024.
PTBA raises concerns over FBR’s electronic invoicing, integration system
Date: February 15, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) raised concerns over the Federal Bureau of Revenue’s (FBR) new electronic sales tax system, recommending business-friendly adjustments. While acknowledging improvement in supply chain documentation, the PTBA highlighted issues from FBR’s “failed” point-of-sales (POS) scheme.
Visa targets expansion in Pakistan’s digital payments landscape
Date: February 16, 2025 – Source: The News
Global payments gateway Visa announced plans to increase the number of businesses in Pakistan that accept digital payments “tenfold”, as the rise in adoption of these payments will significantly impact the country’s economic growth.
Government distances itself from Ufone’s losses
Date: February 18, 2025 – Source: Dawn
While acknowledging that the federal government holds the ownership of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) with majority shares, IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Khawaja admitted that subsidiary Ufone was not sharing its loss-making balance sheet with the government.
NAVTTC launches ‘Tvetometer’ – A step in digital vocational training
Date: February 18, 2025 – Source: The News
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) unveiled ‘Tvetometer’, an initiative designed to advance and elevate technical and vocational education through digital mediums in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s IT exports surpass $2 billion in first seven months of FY25
Date: February 19, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports reached $2.18 billion in the first seven months of fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 27 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY) compared to the same period in the previous year, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Virtual police station backlog in Punjab raises concerns
Date: February 19, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Punjab government established Virtual Women’s Police Stations at the provincial level in 2024 to address crimes against women, including harassment, domestic violence, and disputes, but hundreds of complaints from Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, and Gujranwala, remain pending.
Authentication complaints: NADRA claims biometric system ‘fully functional’
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Responding to public concerns over biometric verification failures faced by citizens at banks and telecommunication operators, the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) clarified that its biometric system was “fully functional” and any issues encountered were not due to its database.
Government working towards regulating digital currencies in Pakistan
Date: February 20, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Presiding over an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the federal government was in consultation with stakeholders regarding regulating digital currencies.
E-commerce: a catalyst for SME growth
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: The News
The advent of e-commerce presents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are integral to Pakistan’s economy, comprising over 90 per cent of all enterprises and contributing approximately 40 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
China, Pakistan develop AI-powered agricultural application
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The China-Pakistan Cooperation Project (CPCP) introduced Kisan360, an innovative digital application that leverages computer vision technology to enable high-efficiency crop monitoring for climate-smart agriculture, bringing a touch of cutting-edge science and technology to the farmlands of Punjab.
Experts advocate data-driven crisis response
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Experts stressed the need to enhance crisis response and resilience, scale down climate risks and economic challenges, and promote sustainable agriculture during the two-day international conference on Data-Driven Social Change 2025 in Karachi.
Pakistan set to host its inaugural digital FDI summit
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: The Daily CPEC
Pakistan is gearing up to host its inaugural Digital FDI Summit this April, with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by promoting a digitally inclusive business environment and enhancing engagement with investors.
The balancing act: Tech evolution and climate change
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Digital Pakistan (DP)
Imagine a world where every carbon footprint is precisely tracked and analyzed – thanks to artificial intelligence, drones, Earth observation satellites, and advanced computing systems. One such example is the implementation of smart grids that ensure the efficient use of renewable resources.
Balochistan cabinet approves computerization of land records
Date: February 21, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: The Nation
The Balochistan cabinet approved digital land settlement in the province, under which all land records will be computerized to ensure transparency and easy access for residents.
New digital system to track cases that hinder government business
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
In a bid to settle the government’s gripe over pending cases that hamper its workings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Case Assignments and Management System (CAMS) initiative, which will help officials keep track of pending matters and ensure their timely settlement.
Pakistan turns to satellites for advanced seismic warnings
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan is now moving to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which acts as an early warning method for earthquakes. The GNSS tracks energy gathering along and among tectonic plates and points out hot spots beforehand.
Egyptian fintech eyes $100 million investment, 100 microfinance branches in Pakistan
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Digital Pakistan (DP)
MNT-Halan, an Egyptian fintech company, is set to inject $100 million into Pakistan and is set to establish 100 new microfinance bank branches by the end of 2025.
Pakistan’s cloud industry grows with telecom expansion
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The cloud industry in Pakistan is rapidly evolving as major telecommunication providers and technology firms expand their presence in the sector, aiming to attract regional businesses. Cloud services help businesses improve scalability, security, and efficiency without the need to invest in their own data centers.
Supreme Court seeks replies from ECP, NADRA over e-voting for expats
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: The News
The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) sought replies from Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and National Database and registration Authority (NADRA) within two weeks in a matter relating the right of vote to overseas Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s first computerized observatory set up at NED
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s first computerized observatory for advanced astronomical research was set up at NED University’s Department of Computer Information Systems (CIS). The observatory is poised to revolutionize the study of galaxies, planets, and stars.
Pakistan’s financial revolution stalls as digital banks face hurdles
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
In 2023, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) approved five digital retail banks, sparking hopes of a financial revolution aimed at boosting inclusion and credit access in rural areas. Yet, after a year, progress has been slow, with most digital banks still struggling to fully launch.
Minister gives innovative idea to promote data-driven learning among youth
Date: February 23, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Social Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal underlined the need for the establishment of data parks – an innovative initiative featuring interactive screens and galleries that present data.
Lack of Shariah compliant fintech in Pakistan
Date: February 24, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s progress on digital banking has been woefully slow; it is even more distressing in the Islamic financial technology (fintech) space despite the growing demand for Shariah-compliant digital banking solutions.
Finance minister pushes for crypto readiness at banking summit
Date: February 25, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder
At the inaugural Pakistan Banking Summit 2025, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the importance of enhancing Pakistan’s banking system through digitization and urged authorities, particularly the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to approach cryptocurrencies with an “open-minded”.
Digital transformation must for institutions, says deputy SBP chief
Date: February 25, 2025 – Source: The News
The deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) identified three challenges for central banks and financial institutions: the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the global digital divide, and the increasing influence of fintech and financial interconnectedness.
Plans for ‘National Crypto Council’ on the anvil
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Dawn
With the Trump administration in the United States showing a soft corner for digital assets, authorities in Pakistan appear to be moving quickly to legalize cryptocurrencies – hitherto a ‘no-go-area’ – in the country.
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Though Pakistan’s official position on cryptocurrencies has evolved over the years, there still seems to be more talk than action on embracing digital assets. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb urged authorities to approach modern technologies with an “open mind”.
Digitalization help Pakistan’s pharma firms to cut costs
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan Single Window (PSW) CEO Syed Aftab Haider said that digitalization of regulatory processes will simplify compliance requirement and help pharmaceutical firms to reduce the time and cost of doing business and become more competitive in the global supply chain.
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s leap towards a digitized economy is indispensable. The use of artificial intelligence-driven systems such as Bitcoins and crypto encryption is getting universal, and Pakistan as a developing economy cannot afford to lag behind.
Pakistan’s IT exports eye expansion in Qatar
Date: February 27, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
In collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exporters plan to increase the export of IT and IT-enabled services to Qatar to $25 million in the next few years.
Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet approves establishment of IT board
Date: February 28, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet approved the creation of an Information Technology Board, selecting four members from both the public and private sectors. The move is set to drive digital transformation and technological progress in the region.
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OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Track developments revolving around the framework of digitalization in Pakistan including policy and advocacy on digital rights, policy enforcements and digital rights violations, covering viewpoints of government, civil society, human rights community including digital rights campaigners, media, citizen journalists and other information practitioners, and regulators of electronic media, internet and telecom sectors, and netizens.
- Monitor the interface between digital rights and Pakistan’s overall legal framework and how developments around them impact freedom of expression and access to information online as well as diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s digital landscape, cyberspace and internet domains.
- Follow developments around the themes of digital rights, freedom of expression, access to information, privacy, surveillance, data protection, access to internet services, telecom policies, etc.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media:Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Research groups: Gallup Pakistan, IPSOS Pakistan, etc.
