A wise person learns from the mistakes of others, while a fool repeats those same mistakes, as the saying goes in Urdu.
However, some seem perpetually incapable of learning, much like those in charge of Pakistan, who seem intent on endlessly repeating their self-destructive habits without ever understanding the consequences.
The subject in question is Pakistan’s repeated missteps with internet management. Even a decade into this obsession, those in power are as determined as ever to repeat their blunders, now on a grander scale. Whether it’s due to willful ignorance, bold arrogance, or plain incompetence remains unclear.
What is clear is that authorities have been restricting internet connectivity for over a year now, particularly around a certain significant date that remains unmentioned. This has affected everyone, whether at home, at work, or while traveling, regardless of whether they use fixed or mobile broadband.
Previously, a long list of websites was blocked by the authorities, but recently, they’ve extended their censorship to social media platforms. The first to be targeted was X, which was an easy choice given its users’ tendency to express and share their opinions—a prospect too alarming for the authorities.
Currently, WhatsApp is facing issues where users are unable to send or receive media files, such as voice notes or pictures, through mobile data.
If we set aside concerns about “digital rights”—which are often sidelined anyway—let’s look at the hard numbers. Pakistan has made strides in expanding internet access, with broadband penetration reaching 57.05% in FY24 compared to 32.55% in FY19. However, of the 138.3 million connections, over 97% are mobile.
This majority, particularly those reliant on mobile connectivity for communication, is heavily impacted. Consider the Bykea rider who uses WhatsApp for voice notes or a laborer who depends on it for communication.
On a positive note, the issue has caught the attention of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, which recently held a hearing to address the problem. The committee sought explanations from the telecom authority and the technology ministry. The slowdown is allegedly due to a government-imposed firewall or an upgrade to the “web management system,” which is supposedly aimed at safeguarding cybersecurity.
Even if this explanation is accepted at face value, the fact that we are more than a year into this situation suggests a need for better execution from their technology partners.
The broader consequences of these actions are significant. The telecom sector, already struggling, has seen one multinational exit the market and others grappling with low revenue per user. Data services, crucial for financial growth, are heavily impacted. In FY23, data constituted nearly two-thirds of cellular mobile revenues, amounting to a daily average loss of Rs1.51 billion whenever the internet is disrupted.
According to Cloudflare, Pakistan’s average download speed is 22.3 Mbps, lagging behind countries like Nigeria (26 Mbps), Indonesia (31.5 Mbps), and the Philippines (97.4 Mbps). Telcos need to invest in upgrading technology and infrastructure, but government-imposed taxes and internet throttling leave little room for such investments.
Creating a positive image for “Brand Pakistan” is already challenging. Industry bodies, from the Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce and Industry to the software house association, have warned about the severe consequences of these actions. While some may exaggerate, the erosion of confidence is evident and troubling.
For years, relying on the government for basic services like electricity, water, education, and healthcare has been problematic. People have turned to alternatives, paying extra for services they cannot depend on from the state. Now, even that reliability seems to be slipping away with the internet, leaving people to wonder if any amount of money can secure consistent and dependable connectivity.
