By 
18-12-24
Chiara Bellini
Team Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
On Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, during the National Assembly session, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the importance of national security amid Assembly members’ concerns over the frequent internet disruptions that are affecting the country (The News International, 2024). Whilst the Ministry’s intention is to protect citizens’ data and to safeguard the privacy of internet users, the limitations to internet usage often inconvenience journalists, online business owners, human rights defenders, and students (Geo News, 2024) (UNHRC, 2024).
The Minister brought attention to the challenges posed by cyberattacks and the urgency of strengthening the defences against them (Geo News, 2024). On the other hand, she highlighted that shutting the internet down falls within the powers of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which can be directed by the Ministry of Interior. Despite claiming that this process is often carried out with minimal disruption to users, many have started to voice their concerns with regards to the limitation on the use of the Internet and of the freedom of speech online.
The UN Human Rights Committee, in its Concluding Observations on Pakistan’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted on December 2nd, 2024, shed light on recent instances of internet shutdowns, such as during the 2024 general elections, and of blockage of social media platforms (UNHRC, 2024). It called on Pakistan to ensure individuals’ exercise of their freedom of expression online and offline without any interference by reviewing or repealing vaguely justified restrictions (UNHRC, 2024).
Sources and further readings:
Concluding observations on the second periodic report of Pakistan. (2024, December 2). UN Human Rights Committee. Retrieved on December 18, 2024, from https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CCPR%2FC%2FPAK%2FCO%2F2&Lang=en
IT minister says national security top priority amid internet disruptions. (2024, December 18). The News International. Retrieved on December 18, 2024, from https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1262868-it-minister-says-national-security-top-priority-amid-internet-disruptions
Nothing ‘more important’ than national security, minister tells NA on internet disruption. (2024, December 18). Geo News. Retrieved on December 18, 2024, from https://www.geo.tv/latest/580255-nothing-more-important-than-national-security-minister-tells-na-on-internet-disruption
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