DIGITAL PAKISTAN MONITOR- November 2024
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. 5, No. 11 – November 2024 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
PTA announces complete restoration of internet services
Date: November 1, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Daily Times
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced the successful repair of SMW4 submarine cable defect, restoring internet services nationwide following a nearly four-month disruption.
PTA suspends mobile phone, internet services in parts of Balochistan
Date: November 16, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced the government’s decision to suspend internet and mobile services in many districts of Balochistan to ensure public safety, in the wake of terrorist attacks in the province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Government instructs PTA to block illegal VPNs
Date: November 16, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block nationwide the use of ‘unauthorized’ virtual private networks (VPNs), citing their misuse by terrorists and other illicit actors.
Mobile phone, data services likely to be suspended in capital, Punjab
Date: November 24, 2024 – Source: Dawn
Mobile and data services were likely to be suspended in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab based on feedback from district administrations seeking to quell demonstrations against the federal government led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders.
Internet shutdowns: Will Musk’s Starlink open on PTI’s call?
Date: November 24, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) appealed to Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), to activate Starlink satellite internet services in Pakistan, citing widespread internet disruptions ahead of the party’s planned ‘do-or-die’ protest in Islamabad.
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
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
Blackmailed trans person’s case filed under PECA law
Date: November 2, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
Following the viral spread of an inappropriate video involving transgender individual Dolphin Ayan on social media platforms, a case was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for the first time in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s history.
PTA blocks over 1.3 million URLs for offensive content amid TikTok controversy
Date: November 3, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
In a report presented to the Peshawar High Court (PHC), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that its web monitoring system (WMS) blocked 1.3 million URLs due to ‘anti-Islam, indecent, and immoral’ content.
Kaspersky, Transworld join hands to offer online child safety application
Date: November 3, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Kaspersky, a global digital privacy company, announced a strategic partnership with Transworld, Pakistan’s leading internet service provider, to offer Kaspersky Safe Kids – a cutting-edge parental control and child safety application.
Pakistan-based website sparks Halloween confusion in Dublin
Date: November 4, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
A misleading website based in Pakistan caused confusion in Dublin, where hundreds gathered on O’Connel Street, believing they were attending a Halloween parade that never took place. The situation escalated to the point where the Irish police felt compelled to issue a public statement.
Pakistani firm apologizes for Halloween parade misinformation in Dublin
Date: November 4, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
A Pakistan-based company issued an apology after a Halloween parade listing on its website mistakenly led thousands of Dubliners to gather on O’Connel Street for a parade that did not exist. While the blunder sparked laughter on social media, it also raised concerns over misinformation and AI-deepfakes.
Pakistan faces surge in WhatsApp hacks
Date: November 4, 2024 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
In a statement to the Senate, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan was observing a surge in WhatsApp hacks, with nearly 1,500 accounts on the messaging service compromised since July 2024.
‘Glitch’ blamed for VPN disruption in Pakistan
Date: November 11, 2024 – Source: Dawn
A reported ‘issue with the system’ disrupted internet users’ access to virtual private networks (VPNs) in the country. While the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not comment on the issue, multiple users reported that they were unable to connect to their preferred VPNs.
Over two dozen VPNs temporarily blocked in firewall experiment
Date: November 11, 2024 – Source: The News
The federal government conducted a six-hour trial blocking more than two dozen virtual private networks (VPNs), marking a significant step in internet regulation in Pakistan.
PTA comments on ‘technical glitch’, insists on VPN registration
Date: November 12, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed the disruption of virtual private networks (VPNs) to a technical glitch while urging commercial users to whitelist their internet protocol addresses by registering their VPNs.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf lambasts government for ‘VPN throttling’
Date: November 12, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) criticized the federal government for blocking access to virtual private networks (VPNs), calling it a ‘blatant attempt to suppress freedom of expression and access to information’.
Ministry wants PTA to block offensive content on internet
Date: November 13, 2024 – Source: Dawn
In a letter, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block blasphemous and pornographic content on social media and digital platforms.
Date: November 13, 2024 – Source: The News
The federal government is adamant to prove wrong those who believed that Pakistan’s internet woes could not possibly get worse. As if throttling access to X, sporadic blackouts and slow speeds were not enough, virtual private networks (VPNs) became the latest target to block the flow of online information.
PTA signals further curbs in VPN connections
Date: November 14, 2024 – Source: Dawn
Following a disruption that rendered virtual private networks (VPNs) dysfunctional across the country, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) suggested that VPN usage would be restricted in the future to curb access to online pornographic content.
Internet curbs may cost Pakistan dearly
Date: November 15, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
An international think tank, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) said that internet restrictions in Pakistan might provide short-term political power but may eventually lead to long-term economic instability due to significant costs associated with these shutdowns.
Use of VPNs to access blocked content deemed ‘un-Islamic’
Date: November 16, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Voice of America (VOA)
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) termed the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to access ‘immoral’ content un-Islamic, even as the Ministry of Interior sought a ban on the unregulated use of such software.
Council of Islamic Ideology under fire over decree against the use of VPNs
Date: November 17, 2024 – Source: Dawn
Digital rights activists, religious scholars and the civil society questioned the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) decree calling the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to access ‘immoral’ content un-Islamic.
PTA simplifies VPN registration process for companies, freelancers
Date: November 17, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) announced that the process for virtual private network (VPN) registration had been made easier for commercial organizations and freelancers.
Council of Islamic Ideology chief urges users to use VPNs in ‘responsible’ manner
Date: November 17, 2024 – Source: The News
Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Dr Raghib Naeemi urged internet users to register their virtual private networks (VPNs) to ensure traceability and promote responsible use.
Council of Islamic Ideology chief blames contentious VPN stance on ‘typo’
Date: November 21, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: The Nation
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Raghib Naeemi claimed that the CII or he himself had not issued any formal decree or decision about virtual private networks (VPNs), adding that the transcript of his speech had a ‘typo error’ that led to confusion and controversy.
PTA mandates VPN registration in Pakistan
Date: November 22, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) made it mandatory for banks, embassies, information technology firms, and freelancers to register their virtual private networks (VPNs). The decision was aimed at ensuring data security and ‘seamless’ internet access.
Pakistan’s VPN policy threatens access for ordinary internet users: officials, experts confirm
Date: November 22, 2024 – Source: The News
Internet users in Pakistan may soon find themselves without access to virtual private networks (VPNs) as the government moves to enforce a restrictive new policy. An official of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that VPN use would only be available for commercial purposes.
P@SHA calls VPN ban ‘$1 billion threat’ to Pakistan’s information technology industry
Date: November 22, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) raised alarm over the repercussions of internet disruptions and the potential blocking of virtual private networks (VPNs), warning that such measures could result in a $1 billion loss to the country’s information technology industry within the first year.
WhatsApp disruptions fuel speculation amid PTI protest
Date: November 24, 2024 – Source: The News
Internet users across Pakistan reported problems while using WhatsApp, a cross platform mobile messaging application for smartphones that allows users to send and receive messages, photos, and other information.
VPN registration sparks debate
Date: November 24, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
Information technology (IT) professionals in Pakistan expressed mixed reactions to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) mandate for virtual private network (VPN) registration. While some support the move, others are concerned about its impact on the IT industry.
Netblocks confirms WhatsApp outage in Pakistan
Date: November 25, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF)
Netblocks, a United Kingdom-based cybersecurity watchdog organization confirmed that WhatsApp users across Pakistan struggled to send and receive messages as the messaging application remained down in most parts of the country.
Internet disruptions affect routine life, causing misery to Karachiites
Date: November 26, 2024 – Source: Dawn
Like other parts of the country, internet disruptions had plagued Karachi for the past three days, affecting day-to-day activities of everyone and causing financial loss to those dependent on online services.
PTA initiates second nationwide VPN shutdown exercise
Date: November 26, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a second trial aimed at blocking unregistered virtual private networks (VPNs) used to access restricted websites. The two-day exercise was part of the telecommunication regulator’s efforts to regulate illegal VPNs.
Date: November 27, 2024 – Source: Dawn
It is chilling to witness how Pakistan – a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the technology that came with it – had descended into echoing the darkest chapters of authoritarian history. The escalating digital clampdown signals this disturbing descent.
Web controls suppress dissent, stifle potential
Date: November 28, 2024 – Source: Dawn
Besieged by political turmoil, experts believed the federal government was turning to draconian internet censorship which threatened to cut the country off from a promising digital and economic future.
Cyberattack delays Dewan board meeting in Karachi
Date: November 30, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Dewan Farooque Motors Limited (DFML) postponed its scheduled Board of Directors meeting in Karachi due to a cyberattack that caused significant information technology (IT) server crashes and data disruption.
ISPs body urges government to extend VPN registration deadline
Date: November 30, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) called on the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for the registration of virtual private networks (VPNs) to facilitate compliance.
How Pakistan’s VPN ban undermines rights
Date: November 30, 2024 – Source: The News
Virtual private networks (VPNs) help guarantee the right to online privacy, free expression and access to information – all of which are even more vital in repressive online environments like Pakistan.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
Artificial intelligence for the future
Date: November 1, 2024 – Source: The News
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a knowledge-driven, artificial intelligence-focused economy at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, while also highlighting Pakistan’s aim to be a global player in artificial intelligence (AI), education, and healthcare.
Saudi Arabia to headhunt Pakistan’s information technology talent
Date: November 5, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif informed his cabinet that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman had requested millions of skilled workers from Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector to support the kingdom’s expanding technological infrastructure.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan agree to expand PTA scope, sign MoU on e-commerce cooperation
Date: November 5, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to expand the range of goods eligible for trade under their Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) from 17 to over 100 items. Both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on increasing e-commerce cooperation.
Building a technological future
Date: November 11, 2024 – Source: Dawn
In recent years, Pakistan’s information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector demonstrated remarkable potential to drive economic growth, facilitate innovation, and uplift equality of life through digital transformation.
A merger to shape Pakistan’s telecommunication sector
Date: November 11, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), currently finalizing the PTCL and Telenor merger, which is possibly one of the most complicated cases of the country’s corporate sector history; the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s telecommunication landscape.
Pakistan targets quick wins in information technology boom
Date: November 11, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that vast opportunities existed in sectors like financial technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-commerce in Pakistan, which could transform the country’s economic landscape.
IMF seeks update on revenue system’s digital overhaul
Date: November 13, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sought a detailed, output-based update on Pakistan’s digitization plans for its revenue collection system, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to expand the tax base and increase collections.
Federal Bureau of Revenue introduces ePayment 2.0 upgrade
Date: November 14, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) introduced a new payment creation solution, ePayment 2.0, as part of its reforms to enhance revenue collection through advanced digital solutions.
SUPARCO joins China’s mission for lunar exploration
Date: November 14, 2024 – Source: Dawn
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced its collaboration on a lunar exploration mission in partnership with China’s Chang’e 8 mission, set to launch in 2028.
CJP consults academics on justice sector’s digital reforms
Date: November 15, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
As part of a commitment to strengthening service delivery, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi convened a meeting with academics and professionals to stress the importance of building information technology (IT) capacity and conducting a business analysis of the judicial system.
Three new members added to FBR panel on tax digitization
Date: November 17, 2024 – Source: The News
The Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) added three more officers to its steering committee on digitization of Pakistan’s tax collection system and expanding taxpayer base.
Can Pakistan’s IT ambitions reach the $25 billion mark?
Date: November 18, 2024 – Source: The News
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently set a target of achieving $25 billion in information technology (IT) exports over the next five years. While Pakistan’s IT sector has shown notable growth, realizing such a high target, if at all achievable, will require overcoming significant challenges.
Election Commission of Pakistan wants video-link of Imran Khan in contempt case
Date: November 22, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered for ensuring Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s presence through video-link in a contempt of the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) case.
Pakistan Air Force aims AI-based air mastery in future
Date: November 22, 2024 – Source: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced it was working on a project to indigenously develop unmanned aircraft based on artificial intelligence (AI) to team up with manned fighter jets in different scenarios.
Prime Minister eyes $25 billion information technology exports in five years
Date: November 23, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the country’s information technology (IT) exports could surpass $25 billion within five years, calling for clear objectives to boost the sector through workforce training and collaboration among state institutions.
HEC, Coursera launch 3rd phase of digital learning, skills enrichment initiative
Date: November 23, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: The Nation
Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with Coursera, launched the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI) 3.0 under which 100,000 students and faculty across universities in Pakistan will be provided access to digital learning opportunities.
Date: November 24, 2024 – Source: The News
Pakistan, with its burgeoning technology industry, is uniquely positioned to harness the crypto technology boom. Pakistan must embrace block chain technology – and revolutionize finance, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The future of finance is crypto.
SECP cracks down on financial fraud, adopts technology-driven measures
Date: November 26, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) ramped up its oversight of capital markets and regulated businesses, cracking down on illegal financial activities while bolstering investor confidence through technology-driven supervisory measures.
Schools in Islamabad go online amid road closures, security concerns
Date: November 26, 2024 – Source: The News
Government educational institutions in Islamabad were closed, while private schools and colleges switched to online classes due to roadblocks and safety concerns following Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) announcement of a protest in the city.
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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.
