The internet today is an indispensable tool for education, communication, business, and innovation. From metropolitan cities to remote villages, people rely on high-speed internet and modern communication tools to connect with global markets, enhance their skills, and improve their lives.
For developing nations like Pakistan, where economic challenges are severe and unemployment is rampant, the internet offers a crucial lifeline, especially for the youth. However, current government actions to impose internet restrictions have disrupted lives, stifled freedoms, and jeopardised the country's promising IT sector.
The internet's role in Pakistan's economy
Pakistan's economy heavily depends on its fledgling information technology (IT) sector, which is brimming with talent and potential. The country currently boasts over 300,000 English-proficient IT professionals and 13 software technology parks, while it produces more than 20,000 IT graduates annually. Freelancers, small businesses, and startups have leveraged global platforms such as PayPal, Etsy, Amazon, and global e-commerce websites to connect with international markets and sustain their ventures.
With unemployment at an all-time high, the internet enables thousands of young professionals to work as independent contractors for overseas companies. This arrangement not only provides livelihoods but also boosts Pakistan's economy through foreign remittances. Unfortunately, government-imposed restrictions on internet access - either slow down or interrupted for several hours every day - and communication tools like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook, have put these opportunities at risk, robbing many of the jobs they so desperately need to sustain themselves.
Impacts of internet bans
In the past two weeks alone, internet speeds across Pakistan have dropped by 40%, and access to virtual private networks (VPNs) has been restricted. These measures have disrupted businesses, delayed IT projects, and severed connections with international clients. The impact is particularly devastating for freelancers who rely on uninterrupted access to global platforms for their income.
E-commerce platforms, essential for small-scale manufacturers and entrepreneurs, in arguably their most important month of the year with massive sales have also been grossly affected. The inability to access these platforms has resulted in a loss of revenue, compounding the financial woes of businesses already struggling due to the country's unstable economic climate.
The internet is not just an economic enabler — it is a fundamental right per the United Nations. Blocking access to information and communication tools undermines freedom of expression, curtails self-expression, and isolates communities. Pakistani expatriates, who rely on these platforms to stay connected with their families, have expressed frustration and concern over the situation.
Contradictory justifications
Government officials, including the Prime Minister and military chief, have attempted to justify these restrictions by declaring certain platforms "haram" (prohibited) under Islamic law. This claim is not only unfounded but also contradicts Islamic teachings. Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and the use of tools that benefit humanity.
As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, "Seek knowledge even if it be in China, for the seeking of knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim."
Pakistan has the workforce and talent to become a leading player in the global tech industry. However, this potential can only be realised if the government prioritises restoring internet access, lifting unnecessary restrictions, and fostering a supportive environment for businesses and professionals
Such actions by Pakistan's corrupt and incompetent ruling mafia reflect a pattern of using religion to justify authoritarian measures rather than addressing the real issues plaguing the country. This misuse of religion has further alienated the population, particularly the youth, who see technology as a pathway to progress.
Brain drain and global migration
Pakistan's growing political instability and economic hardships have triggered a mass exodus of skilled professionals. According to official statistics, over 765,000 Pakistanis, including highly educated individuals such as doctors, engineers, and IT specialists, left the country in 2022. This represents a 300% increase compared to the previous year, signalling a severe brain drain. The trend has continued unabated, with thousands more leaving in subsequent years.
This loss of talent is a significant setback for a nation with immense potential to become a global leader in technology and innovation. Instead of creating opportunities for its citizens, Pakistan's government has pursued policies that drive its brightest minds away.
Political turmoil and the role of the diaspora
The internet bans are symptomatic of a broader political crisis in Pakistan. The government's treatment of the largest opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its leader, Imran Khan, has drawn widespread criticism. Imran Khan, a popular figure, has been imprisoned since August 2023 under what many believe are fabricated charges. Protests by PTI supporters have been met with violent crackdowns, with peaceful demonstrators arrested and charged under false pretences.
This political unrest has galvanised Pakistan's diaspora, who continue to advocate for democracy and justice. Overseas Pakistanis, despite adopting new nationalities, remain deeply invested in their homeland's future. They have organised protests in democratic nations like the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, urging world leaders to pressure Pakistan's government into respecting human rights and releasing political prisoners. Many are looking toward influential figures, such as US President-elect Donald Trump, to intervene on behalf of the Pakistani people.
The path forward
The potential of Pakistan's IT sector remains immense. As the fifth-most populous country globally and Asia's fourth-most populous nation, Pakistan has the workforce and talent to become a leading player in the global tech industry. However, this potential can only be realised if the government prioritises restoring internet access, lifting unnecessary restrictions, and fostering a supportive environment for businesses and professionals.
Global rights organisations like Amnesty International have called on the Pakistani government to uphold human rights and refrain from deploying surveillance technologies that infringe on citizens' privacy. Democratic nations, such as Australia, the UK and the US, must also hold Pakistan accountable for its anti-democratic actions and support its citizens in their struggle for freedom and justice.
The internet is more than just a tool; it is a gateway to opportunity, a platform for self-expression, and a cornerstone of modern life. For Pakistan to thrive, its leaders must recognise the transformative power of connectivity and embrace it as a force for good.
The ongoing internet and communication tools ban in Pakistan will have far-reaching consequences, from stifling economic opportunities to eroding fundamental rights. The youth, the country's most valuable asset, are bearing the brunt of these actions, losing jobs and prospects in a digital world that continues to progress without them. Pakistan's leaders must take urgent steps to restore internet access, uphold democratic values, and provide the nation's youth with the tools they need to build a brighter future.