The increased ‘surveillance’ has been blamed for internet slowdown in Pakistan.
As internet users continue to suffer in Pakistan due to speed issues, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has accused the increased security and surveillance whose adverse repercussions might lead to severe economic repercussions.
“It’s a very discouraging situation for our customers […] Many are leaving the smaller ISPs because they cannot sustain the poor service quality anymore. If this continues, we will see a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan,” said WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad on Thursday.
Addressing the issue, the WISPAP official maintained that internet speeds witnessed around 30% to 40% reduction which has had a terrible effect on businesses and individuals who depend on reliable internet connectivity.
Also read: Pakistan to face internet suspension for an indefinite period: PTA
His revelations come as the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government and the country’s top cyber regulator the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have remained silent as millions across the country continue to face problem accessing internet services due to limited connectivity, particularly while using mobile data in some regions.
The internet disruption is not only affecting citizens’ rights but also causing financial losses to the national exchequer, as several online businesses, including e-commerce and ride-hailing services, are bearing the brunt of the restricted connectivity.
Moreover, users of the widely used messaging application WhatsApp in Pakistan have also reported frustratingly long delays and failures when uploading and downloading content of all types.
The issue has been being attributed to the alleged testing of an internet firewall to rein in social media and is equipped with filters that will block unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.
‘Something is cooking’
Speaking on the issue during Geo News programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Farieha Aziz — co-founder of Bolo Bhi, an organisation working for digital rights — called out the government for keeping mum about the issue and highlighted the economic impact of internet slowdown.
Commenting on the matter, she recalled how the government initially had denied suspension of X and had termed it as a technical glitch only to admit later that it had knowingly restricted the platform.
“Finally there is some acknowledgement about internet firewall,” Aziz said.
“Maybe we’ll get to know something […] but something is cooking for sure,” she added, referring to an in-camera meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom that is due today.
