Telecom operators decry social media blackout

Point out such actions adversely impact Pakistan’s global image

ISLAMABAD:

The Telecom Operators Association has expressed grave concerns over what it calls the recent internet throttling and blockage of social media platforms that affected the populace of Pakistan.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman received a strongly worded letter on January 7, 2024 from the Telecom Operators Association, which vehemently opposed the social media blackout.

In the letter, association Secretary General Kamal Ahmed decried the recurring instances of social media platform blockage while citing the events on December 17, 2023 and the latest disruption on January 7, 2024.

The association pointed to the adverse impact of such disruptions on Pakistan’s global image at a time when the government aspires to position the nation as a prominent ICT hub. Ahmed highlighted the considerable inconvenience experienced by citizens due to the abrupt blockage of social media platforms. He pointed out that the flood of inquiries inundating the helplines of telecom operators left them unable to provide satisfactory answers, resulting in escalation in consumer outcry and dissatisfaction.

According to media reports, internet users faced a complete blackout of popular social media sites on Sunday as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf planned to launch its manifesto ahead of the elections and raise funds for poll campaign through a telethon.

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In the letter, the association underscored the vital role of digital connectivity in people’s lives, business continuity, national productivity and the overall perception of the country on the global stage. Expressing concerns about the detrimental effects of such actions, the association urged the PTA to conduct a thorough investigation and issue a detailed statement clarifying the incidents and ensuring that measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.

While reaffirming their commitment to supporting the government’s initiatives to transform Pakistan into an ICT powerhouse, the telecom operators cautioned against resorting to censorship measures that impede the country’s technological progress.

“As of now, the PTA has yet to respond to the association’s concerns, leaving many apprehensive about the future stability and accessibility of internet services in Pakistan,” they said in the letter.

“Amidst the aftermath of these internet disruptions, stakeholders eagerly await a response from the regulatory body to address the concerns raised by the Telecom Operators Association.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2024.

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