Islamabad: Amidst political instability, Pakistan’s government is increasingly resorting to heavy-handed internet censorship, a move that experts and citizens fear could sever the country’s ties to a promising digital future. Social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), have been blocked since February, internet outages are becoming more frequent and severe, and soon, tools used to bypass state censorship, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), will be banned for personal use.
Analysts suggest that these measures are being introduced as the government faces opposition from supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a leader who has a strong following among the country’s young, tech-savvy population.
In recent protests in Islamabad, authorities took drastic steps by blocking mobile data across much of the city and cutting home internet connections in certain areas, citing security concerns. “The censorship and surveillance in Pakistan today is both unprecedented and highly sophisticated,” said digital rights activist Usama Khilji. “It is fueling frustration in society.”
While mobile internet disruptions during political protests have become common since Imran Khan’s ousting in 2022, the cutting of home internet connections is a rare and severe measure. The interior ministry justified the actions, stating that they were limited to areas with security concerns, where residents had previously shared their Wi-Fi connections with demonstrators.
Muhammad Fahim Khan, an assistant professor, shared his struggles: “I’ve been under a double lockdown—unable to go to my university or teach remotely. Ongoing projects come to a halt during these internet outages, severely affecting productivity and quality of life,” he said.
Pakistan’s economic situation remains precarious, with the country having narrowly avoided default last year, only saved by foreign bailouts. The new government sees the digital economy as a potential lifeline for recovery. However, many citizens, including student and blogger Khadija Rizvi, express their disillusionment, as persistent internet disruptions have hindered personal and professional growth. “The constant internet outages have made it impossible to move forward in any meaningful way,” said Rizvi, adding, “This shutdown feels like a waste of time and potential.”
During the protests, thousands of food delivery drivers, who depend on online platforms for their livelihoods, were left without work. Although Islamabad has a population of just one million, the rest of Pakistan’s 240 million people have been facing internet slowdowns since August. Digital analysts believe the government is testing a “firewall” system that monitors and potentially blocks content across various platforms, such as WhatsApp, to control the flow of information.
X, a popular social media platform, has remained inaccessible since election-related allegations surfaced. Yet, government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, continue to post on the platform, indicating selective censorship.
Many Pakistanis have resorted to VPNs, which hide users’ locations and allow them to bypass restrictions. These VPNs are crucial for freelancers who work remotely for international clients in fields like tech support and software development. According to the Pakistan Freelancers Association, nearly 2.4 million people rely on this model to earn a living.
However, this month, the Council of Islamic Ideology declared VPN usage as non-halal, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that starting December 1, all VPNs will have to be registered or blocked, with only commercial use permitted. Freelancers will be allowed to apply for VPN access but will need employer backing and personal data submission, which raises concerns about surveillance.
“Pakistan is attempting to strengthen its digital economy while simultaneously imposing strict controls on online content,” said Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute director at The Wilson Center. “This is a textbook example of shooting yourself in the foot. Actually, both feet.”
