Internet Troubles in Pakistan: PTA’s Unfulfilled Promises and Social Media Bans
In Pakistan, internet users are experiencing significant disruptions as the promised resolution date approaches. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Retd. Major General Hafeezur Rahman, recently backtracked on the PTA’s promise to fix the issue, denying any slowdown in internet speed. The slow internet is attributed to underwater cable issues, which were supposed to be resolved by early October. However, users continue to face unreliable services, especially on mobile phones.
Since February, slow internet speeds have been a concern, worsening in recent days, particularly in areas with political protests where internet access has been cut off. Users are also awaiting court decisions on petitions against the internet slowdown and the shutdown of social media platform X.
Digital rights advocate Haroon Baloch claims the government uses this as an excuse to avoid upgrading web management and cybersecurity, linking it to increased censorship and surveillance. Fareiha Aziz, co-founder of Bolo Bhi, noted that mobile internet is often shut down during protests, and WhatsApp disruptions persist without VPN or WiFi. She expressed doubt about lifting the ban on X, citing national security as the government’s reason.
Doubts Revealed
PTA -: PTA stands for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. It is a government body in Pakistan responsible for regulating and managing telecommunication services, including the internet.
Underwater cables -: Underwater cables are long cables laid on the sea floor that connect different countries to provide internet and communication services. If these cables are damaged, it can cause internet problems.
Digital rights advocates -: Digital rights advocates are people or groups who work to protect people’s rights and freedoms on the internet. They want everyone to have access to information and privacy online.
Censorship -: Censorship is when the government or other authorities control or limit what people can see, hear, or say, especially on the internet or in media. It can prevent people from accessing certain information.
Social media platform X -: Social media platform X refers to a specific social media site that is currently banned in Pakistan. The name ‘X’ is used as a placeholder for the actual platform, which is not mentioned in the summary.
National security -: National security refers to the safety and protection of a country and its people. Sometimes, governments restrict access to certain information or platforms to protect national security.