Internet blockade
In an era where the internet has become an integral part of not just our lives but also the country’s economy, the sudden disruption of internet services for more than 72 hours in Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest sent shockwaves across the nation. The incident raised numerous concerns about the impact on communication, commerce and the overall functioning of a digitally interconnected society.
To put it bluntly, the directives from the Interior Ministry to force an internet blockade in an attempt to curb protests was deeply problematic, not just because it shows authoritarian tendencies but also because it resulted in wide-ranging and significant consequences. During the three-day period, the nation experienced severe paralysis, leading to substantial economic losses. Businesses suffered losses amounting to approximately Rs30 billion, while the IT sector alone incurred daily losses ranging from $3-4 million. The Asia Internet Coalition warned of reputational damage to the investment situation in Pakistan. The move also drew widespread criticism from organisations like GSMA and Amnesty International, which asserted that it violated people’s fundamental rights, including access to information. The decision clearly should have involved a collective decision-making process, instead of hastily choosing the easy option and harming the economy in the process.
This episode of disruption should serve as a wake-up call for the government and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national strategy for managing and responding to digital disruptions effectively. Robust contingency plans and communication protocols must be established to ensure the continuity of essential services during internet outages. But more importantly, it must be ensured that such a decision, which puts the economy and livelihoods at stake, is never again taken at the whims of a few in power. Aggressive legislation must outline the parameters and consequences of such an action to act as a form of deterrence for future governments.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2023.
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