Dark Digital Realm

A Digital Divide: Pakistan's Struggle in the Age of High-Speed Internet

In recent days, a headline caught my attention that read: 'Japan shatters the world record for internet speed: 1.02 petabits per second.' This isn’t a mistake. It means 1.02 petabits, or 1,020 terabits per second. To give you an idea, this speed is fast enough to download Netflix’s entire library in just seconds. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, it can take up to a minute to load a two-page PDF. This disparity isn't just a technical issue; it's a crisis.

While the rest of the world moves rapidly towards a digital future, Pakistan seems to be moving backward. Despite claims of becoming a 'Digital Pakistan,' the reality shows regression rather than progress. The country has failed to invest in critical areas like education, digital infrastructure, and human capital. These failures have led to a worsening internet landscape over the past year, with slow speeds, repeated outages, and deliberate throttling of services.

Apps such as X (formerly Twitter) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been blocked or disrupted without public debate or consultation. A national firewall has been quietly implemented, raising concerns about a potential digital iron curtain. When citizens raised concerns about these issues, the official response was denial. For instance, in July 2024, users across the country reported widespread disruption of WhatsApp. The federal IT minister claimed it was a global outage, but Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, quickly denied this, confirming the problem was limited to Pakistan. This exposed the misleading narrative and highlighted the lack of transparency around digital policies.

The disruptions attracted significant global attention, leading the international KeepItOn coalition to issue a statement in December 2024, urging Pakistani authorities to stop suppressing digital rights. Public and civil society backlash followed, with the IT industry through the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) warning of a mass exodus of IT companies and condemning the consequences of the hastily implemented firewall. According to PASHA, the firewall slowed down internet speeds by 40% and could cost the economy $300 million.

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce also warned that ongoing internet disruptions could derail Pakistan's already struggling economy. In August 2024, the Pakistan Business Council reported that several multinational companies were considering exiting the country due to these disruptions. Similarly, the Chainstore Association of Pakistan expressed grave concerns about the economic impact and urged authorities to reconsider their approach.

Despite these warnings, the state continues to double down on its policies. While the world races ahead into the age of artificial intelligence and 5G, Pakistan is focusing on surveillance and control. Under the guise of 'security,' internet freedoms are being dismantled. Apps are restricted, VPNs are blocked, and an invisible wall filters what citizens can see or say online. This tightening grip reflects a fear not of technology, but of people empowered by it.

The installation of the firewall allows the state to interfere with specific functionalities of applications like WhatsApp media. The blocking of VPNs not only curbs access to information but also compromises user privacy and security. It particularly hinders access to platforms like X, which many rely on for communication, advocacy, and business.

Overall, the state of the internet has deteriorated significantly. These developments have caused millions of dollars in losses and severely impacted the potential growth of the IT sector, one of Pakistan's few promising industries. The government had announced that 5G would be auctioned in April 2025, but as of now, there are no updates or visible preparations.

In underserved and remote areas, people still don't have access to even a single SIM signal, let alone broadband or 5G. Yet, instead of improving infrastructure, the focus seems to be on surveillance and control. The irony is that while the government speaks of Digital Pakistan, its policies are doing the exact opposite. If it is serious about building a truly digital economy, the firewall must be disbanded, and internet speeds must be restored to normal. Otherwise, these failed and short-sighted policies will continue to push Pakistan down global rankings, discourage investment, and further isolate the country in the digital world.

At a time when foreign investments are discussed, it is important to understand that these investments come from the public perception and business reality of a region. And when it comes to internet access and freedom, the people of Pakistan are clearly not happy.

As we begin a new year in four months, the state must realize that the youth of Pakistan deserve better. The internet is not just a tool; it is a lifeline for education, entrepreneurship, and engagement with the world. Unless the government listens to its people and responds accordingly, Pakistan will continue to top lists for all the wrong reasons and will fail to realize the enormous potential that the IT sector holds for the country's younger generations.