Pakistan Plans Nationwide Firewall Amid Internet Issues
As Pakistan continues to face severe internet issues, including slow speeds, the government is planning to implement a nationwide firewall. This move has sparked significant concern from the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PSHA) and prominent journalist Hamid Mir.
Concerns from the IT Sector
Khurram Rahat, Vice Chairman of PSHA, revealed that recent internet disruptions have caused an estimated USD 300 million loss to the country’s IT sector. Rahat voiced concerns that the firewall’s design and objectives may compromise client data security and stressed that the installation should not involve an internet shutdown, highlighting the detrimental effects that internet slowdowns have had on the industry.
Legal Action by Hamid Mir
Hamid Mir, a prominent journalist, has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court. Represented by his lawyer, Imaan Mazari, Mir argued that the firewall will lead to a significant reduction in internet speed, adversely affecting the youth who are crucial to Pakistan’s digital economy. Additionally, he contended that the installation could infringe upon the fundamental rights of Pakistani citizens.
The petition identifies several key respondents: The Cabinet Secretary, IT Secretary, Interior Secretary, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Ministry of Human Rights. It demands a comprehensive report from these officials on the firewall’s implications and installation process.
Economic Impact
Senator Afnanullah Khan highlighted that due to internet disruptions, many freelancers and digital agencies have already lost USD 500 million, severely impacting the Pakistani economy. Earlier on Thursday, users reported ongoing difficulties accessing social media platforms, including WhatsApp. Downdetector noted a surge in complaints about disruptions to WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram between noon and 1 p.m. Additionally, internet service providers such as PTCL, Zong, and Nayatel experienced service interruptions on Thursday.
Senator Afnanullah Khan cautioned that unresolved internet issues could further damage the already struggling economy, potentially leading to a significant decline in IT sector exports.
Doubts Revealed
Nationwide Firewall -: A nationwide firewall is a system that controls what information can come in and go out of a country’s internet. It can block certain websites and monitor online activities.
Pakistan Software Houses Association (PSHA) -: PSHA is a group of companies in Pakistan that work in the software and IT industry. They help promote and support the growth of the IT sector in the country.
Hamid Mir -: Hamid Mir is a well-known journalist in Pakistan. He reports on important news and issues affecting the country.
Khurram Rahat -: Khurram Rahat is the Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association. He helps lead the organization and represents the interests of the IT sector.
Islamabad High Court -: The Islamabad High Court is a major court in Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. It handles important legal cases and decisions.
Senator Afnanullah Khan -: Senator Afnanullah Khan is a member of Pakistan’s Senate, which is part of the government. He helps make laws and represents the people.
Freelancers -: Freelancers are people who work for themselves and take on different jobs or projects, often through the internet. They are not employed by a single company.
Digital Agencies -: Digital agencies are companies that help other businesses with online marketing, website design, and other internet-related services.
