Pakistan faces a shutdown of internet services for the third consecutive day following violent protests across the country. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) suspended mobile broadband services on May 9 after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan sparked demonstrations that turned violent. PTI supporters attacked military and government buildings in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, leading to the deaths of at least nine people.
Amid the internet shutdown, famous TikToker Hareem Shah took to Twitter to request Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz to restore internet services. “Maryam Bibi, restore the internet for God’s sake. My patience is running thin,” she wrote.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced that internet services would remain suspended until the people who burned buildings and caused damage to public property during the protests are caught. “Many of these vandals have been identified, and their arrests might take some time, till then, the internet services will remain shut,” he told Geo News.
Sanaullah added that the protests were orchestrated through social media, and the people responsible for damage and violence relied heavily on internet connectivity. “Their entire work is done on the internet, including the planning and the abuse, all of it is done on social media,” he said.
The internet shutdown has severely impacted the daily lives of Pakistanis who rely on the internet for work, education, and communication. Social media platforms have been inaccessible, and online businesses have come to a halt. Students are unable to access online classes, and professionals are unable to work from home.
The PTA has not announced when internet services will be restored, leaving people frustrated and concerned. Some have taken to social media to express their frustration and criticism of the government’s handling of the situation. Others have called for peaceful protests and urged the government to address the underlying issues that led to the violent demonstrations.
Pakistan has a history of shutting down internet services during times of political unrest. In 2019, the country experienced a week-long shutdown of internet services during protests against the government’s economic policies. The shutdown led to significant financial losses for businesses and individuals.
The United Nations has declared internet access a basic human right, and several countries have passed laws to protect citizens’ rights to access the internet. However, Pakistan has faced criticism from human rights organizations for its repeated shutdowns of internet services.
The internet shutdown also raises questions about the government’s ability to control and regulate internet access in Pakistan. Critics argue that the government’s attempts to restrict access to information and control the narrative are violations of free speech and democratic principles.
The internet is a crucial tool for communication, access to information, and economic development. Shutting down internet services during times of unrest undermines these fundamental rights and harms the economy. The government must find ways to address the underlying issues that lead to unrest without resorting to measures that restrict internet access.
Read more: Internet services to remain suspended till arrest of all instigators: Rana Sanaullah
In conclusion, the internet shutdown in Pakistan has had severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and the economy. While the government’s efforts to control the situation are understandable, the suspension of internet services is a violation of citizens’ rights and harms the country’s development. The government must find ways to address unrest without resorting to measures that restrict access to information and communication.