Internet Blocking in Pakistan: A Legal Grey Area, PTA Chairman Reveals

ISLAMABAD: The issue of internet shutdowns and content regulation in Pakistan remains mired in ambiguity, as revealed during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology. The chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), retired Maj-Gen Hafeezur Rehman, described internet blocking as a "legal grey area" and called for clarification from the ministries of law and interior.

Historical Context and Current Concerns

In a briefing to the committee on Wednesday, the PTA chairman admitted that internet shutdowns, a practice initiated in 2016, have only recently faced significant legal scrutiny. He stated that the ministries of law and interior must provide a definitive legal framework to justify these actions.

The practice of shutting down internet services, often implemented at the Ministry of Interior’s directive, came under fire during the meeting. Senators Kamran Murtaza and Humayun Mohmand questioned the PTA’s authority to carry out these shutdowns. Senator Murtaza pointedly asked what specific laws empower the PTA to block internet access, emphasizing the need for clear legislation.

In response, the PTA chief highlighted that existing rules allow the Interior Ministry to instruct the regulator to block certain content or services. However, he acknowledged that no specific laws address internet shutdowns in designated areas, leaving a critical gap in governance.

Calls for Legal Clarity

Senator Murtaza urged the government to present a clear legal framework to the parliamentary committee. Senator Palwasha Khan, chairing the meeting, echoed these concerns. She stressed that the lack of clarity not only undermines governance but also raises significant concerns about citizens’ digital rights.

Digital Infrastructure and Internet Speeds

Addressing the issue of slow internet speeds across Pakistan, the PTA chairman pointed out that the country’s digital infrastructure requires substantial improvement.

"The expansion of fibre optic networks is the only viable solution to improve internet speed," Mr. Rehman said, emphasizing the need for “fiberisation.”

The committee was informed that the government must take responsibility for accelerating fibre network expansion. Without this, internet speed issues will persist, hampering digital growth and user experience.

Regulation of VPN Services

The meeting also touched on the regulation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Addressing concerns about recent curbs, the PTA chairman clarified that he had not ordered a blanket closure of VPN services. Instead, the PTA has begun the process of registering VPN providers to address unregulated services.

Two companies have applied for VPN licences under the new framework, which aims to monitor VPN traffic while ensuring compliance with local laws. Licensed VPN providers will be bound by Pakistani regulations, giving authorities greater control over proxy services compared to foreign providers.

This measure is seen as a response to the anonymity provided by unregistered VPNs, which has long frustrated authorities seeking greater oversight of online activities.

Content Moderation on Social Media

The PTA receives approximately 500 daily complaints regarding harmful or illegal content on social media platforms. Mr. Rehman noted that while the regulator engages with social media companies to address these issues, enforcement remains a challenge due to significant gaps in compliance and technical capacity.

The committee called for comprehensive legal guidelines to address internet governance, content moderation, and the roles of various government agencies. This would ensure a balance between security needs and the protection of digital freedoms.

A Call for Policy Reforms

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for Pakistan to establish robust policies governing internet usage, shutdowns, and content regulation. As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly central to economic and social development, clarity in governance will be critical for ensuring equitable access and protecting citizens' rights.