Islamabad: Pakistan is struggling with severe internet slowdowns, prompting fears that the government might be creating a China-style firewall to control online content and curb dissent. Activists claim this firewall would allow the state to monitor and restrict online communication.
Officials, however, dispute these claims. Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima attributes the slow speeds to the high volume of VPN (virtual private network) use, which she says is overloading the network. Fatima asserts that her team is working with internet providers to address the problem and dismisses the firewall allegations as “completely false.”
The issue has become particularly noticeable since the blocking of the social media platform X, which is popular among supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Business leaders are concerned that the slow internet could severely impact Pakistan’s IT sector, potentially costing up to $300 million and prompting a possible exodus of tech companies.
Activists are now calling on the Islamabad High Court to recognize internet access as a fundamental right, stressing that reliable connectivity is crucial for both free expression and economic health.
