Pakistan’s Internet Woes & Social Media Bans May Cause Trouble for the Govt

The government faces mounting challenges as slow internet and social media bans spark frustration not only among citizens but also among its key coalition partners. In a recent National Assembly session, members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition ally, strongly criticized the administration’s mismanagement of digital infrastructure and its restrictive policies. The frustration over sluggish internet speeds and app restrictions was also echoed by IT experts recently at the National Broadband Network Forum 2024.

During the session, PPP MNA Shazia Marri led the charge, expressing her frustration over the state of internet services. “The internet speed has been destroyed, and the ministry is in complete disarray. What kind of firewall is this, and who is accountable?” she asked. In addition, mocking the introduction of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, Marri stated, “It’s laughable that the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill is being introduced when there’s barely any functioning internet.”

Reflecting her concerns, PPP’s Abdul Qadir Patel highlighted the economic fallout of these issues. “IT-related businesses have suffered significant financial losses due to the deteriorating internet services,” he said. Patel’s remarks highlighted the ripple effects of poor digital policies on Pakistan’s struggling economy.

In response, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division tried to placate the assembly, stating that restrictions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) would be lifted once the Ministry of Interior confirmed stability.

Our Opinion

The PPP’s public criticism indicates a rift in the government’s coalition, exposing growing dissatisfaction within its ranks. This comes at a time when the administration is already under fire for failing to address pressing digital infrastructure challenges. The government’s inability to meet the demands of its coalition partners and stakeholders highlights a deeper governance issue. Without immediate reforms to improve internet services and ensure digital freedom, this dissatisfaction could escalate, jeopardizing the government’s stability and its broader digital ambitions. Therefore, collaborative action is urgently required to resolve these issues before they deepen the divide within the government coalition.