Amnesty International Urges Pakistan to Address Internet Slowdown and Surveillance Concerns
Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to provide greater transparency regarding recent internet disruptions and the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies. Internet speeds in Pakistan have slowed down, causing issues for users trying to send or download media and voice notes on WhatsApp, even when using broadband.
In a statement, Amnesty International expressed concern over the lack of transparency from Pakistani authorities about the technologies used to block content and control internet speeds. The rights group emphasized that such technologies undermine online freedom of expression and access to information, which are essential for citizen self-expression, e-commerce, and the digital economy.
Last week, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed the internet slowdown to a faulty submarine cable, expected to be repaired by August 28. PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman clarified that no firewalls were being installed and that the government’s web management system was being upgraded.
The Islamabad High Court has directed the government and the PTA to respond to a petition against the nationwide internet slowdown by senior journalist Hamid Mir. The business community and internet service providers have alleged that government monitoring efforts have caused the slowdown, leading to economic losses.
Social media users and freelancers in Pakistan have faced significant difficulties due to the internet disruptions. Many youth, who depend on the internet for their livelihood, have been particularly affected. For example, a school student named Ezhaan in Karachi has struggled to maintain his online work due to the slow internet speed, impacting his ability to complete a large project with 60 orders.
The slow internet has also affected Pakistan’s reputation in the international market and caused issues for taxpayers trying to file their income tax returns online.
Doubts Revealed
Amnesty International -: Amnesty International is a group that works to protect people’s rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly. They speak out when they see something wrong happening in the world.
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has many people and cities, and its capital is Islamabad.
Internet Slowdown -: Internet slowdown means that the internet is working very slowly. This can make it hard to watch videos, play games, or do work online.
Surveillance -: Surveillance means watching or monitoring people. Sometimes, governments use special tools to watch what people are doing on the internet.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority -: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is a group in Pakistan that makes rules about how the internet and phones should work in the country.
Submarine Cable -: A submarine cable is a long wire under the sea that helps connect the internet between different countries. If it breaks, the internet can become slow.
Freelancers -: Freelancers are people who work for themselves and not for a company. They often use the internet to find jobs and do their work.