ISLAMABAD:The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that internet shutdowns across the country are carried out at the government’s direction, prompting a vigorous debate in the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology. This disclosure raised concerns about the legality and justification of digital service disruptions. The committee was informed that Pakistan ranks 97th globally in terms of internet speed.
During the session, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, members expressed deep concerns about the ongoing issue of slow internet speeds and the legal uncertainties surrounding internet shutdowns and content blocking. PTA Chairman, Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, faced intense questioning over the frequent complaints about internet slowdowns.
The PTA chairman disclosed that the authority received an average of 500 complaints per day regarding inappropriate content on social media platforms. “We request these platforms to block such content, and 80% of it is successfully removed,” he stated.
Senator Kamran Murtaza from JUI-F questioned the legal authority for internet shutdowns, asking, “What law permits this action? How can internet services be disrupted without legal grounds?” In response, Rehman stated that the PTA does not make these decisions on its own. “The government directs us to implement these shutdowns. If they are illegal, why has the government been instructing us to carry them out for the past nine years?” he questioned.
The committee members raised concerns about these shutdowns, especially those ordered by the interior ministry. Rehman clarified that while these shutdowns have been ongoing since 2016, they have only recently been deemed unlawful. The interior ministry is expected to provide final legal opinions on the matter.
The session also discussed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with Murtaza challenging its provisions. The IT ministry’s legal representative acknowledged that the act does not specifically authorize internet blackouts in certain regions. However, the PTA argued that regulations give the interior ministry the authority to issue such directives, though the laws do not clarify whether internet services in specific areas can be blocked.
Senator Murtaza criticized the impact of internet shutdowns, stating, “This is akin to pushing people into ignorance for political purposes. Education, business, and library access are all disrupted.” He called for a clear legal framework to justify the shutdowns.
The committee also addressed the issue of VPN regulations, with Rehman revealing that only two companies have applied for VPN service licenses. Despite the shutdown directives, VPN services remain mostly functional. He clarified that he had not authorized the closure of VPN services.
Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand pointed out that the rules only mention content blocking, not entire network shutdowns. Rehman responded, asking whether actions taken on orders from the Supreme Court or high courts, including app shutdowns, were also considered illegal.
As the debate continued, the PTA chairman remarked, “You’ve all been part of the government at some point. These shutdowns have been implemented based on official orders.” The committee was informed that improving internet speed would require expanding fiberization, which is the responsibility of the government.
The committee members emphasized the need for clear legal opinions from the Ministries of Law and Interior, stressing the importance of understanding the relationship between existing rules and the broader PECA framework.
