The political landscape of Pakistan has witnessed a strange and recurring phenomenon, a short time ago, a series of events that seem to unfold in a strangely composed manner. The checklist reads like a dystopian script, Pakistan Tahrik e Insaaf virtual jalsa, check social media platforms down, check, PTI online fundraiser, check internet blockade in Pakistan, check PTI online power show, check disruption of the internet and X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube down. Check. This relentless cycle has persisted for the past month, and it’s becoming increasingly challenging to ignore the obvious pattern, the proverbial elephant in the room, the conspicuously coincidental happenings we are expected to accept merely as chance occurrences. In essence, the fault lies not in the technology itself but in the wielders of the system. The government must prioritize the democratic principles it claims to uphold, allowing the internet to function as a vital conduit of information, commerce, and communication. Unless the nation aspires to emulate authoritarian tactics, it is high time to let the internet breathe and flourish, ensuring that the democratic spirit prevails over arbitrary disruptions.
Compounding the matter is the rationale provided a vague reference to ‘technical faults’ and/or system upgrades. Notably, this enigmatic, yet remarkably synchronized, ‘technical fault’ is anticipated to persist “for the next two to three months,” according to official government statements. The timing couldn’t be more suspect, with elections looming just two weeks away. Instead of unequivocally refuting speculations regarding potential internet disruptions during the electoral process, we are left with ambiguous assertions about ‘technical glitches’ that may or may not plague us in the coming months. The situation prompts a fundamental question: are we veering towards a scenario where political entities are conveniently erased from the digital landscape if not present on VPN-free social media platforms?
The prevailing uncertainty surrounding internet access does not cast Pakistan in a favorable light, particularly in an era where e-commerce, online information, and digital media have become indispensable elements of daily life. The normalization of such disruptions is disconcerting, especially for those who champion democratic values. The government’s narrative that frames these disruptions as routine technical issues is increasingly difficult to swallow. As luck would have it, a ray of hope emerges from the Sindh High Court (SHC), which has intervened to safeguard citizens’ rights. In a recent order, the SHC mandated continuous internet access for all citizens until the general elections on February 8, restraining authorities from arbitrarily suspending internet services. The directive came in response to a petition filed by lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir, highlighting the frequent suspension of internet services in the country.
The fact that digital rights activists are compelled to resort to legal avenues to prevent internet shutdowns underscore the absurdity of the situation. Internet outages have far-reaching consequences, affecting students, the media, e-commerce, the IT sector, and everyday citizens. Educational pursuits are hampered when students lose access to online classes during institutional closures due to security threats. The media, reliant on digital connectivity for timely news dissemination, faces challenges in fulfilling its vital role. Meanwhile, businesses and the ordinary populace bear the economic brunt of these disruptions, with millions of rupees lost during each outage. It is imperative for the government to recognize the broader impact of internet shutdowns on society. Rather than resorting to tactics that stifle political opponents, there should be a concerted effort to counter opposing narratives through legitimate means. Shutting down the internet should not be a knee-jerk reaction but a measured response, considering the profound repercussions on various sectors of society.