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Amnesty urges Pakistani authorities to be transparent about surveillance tech, Internet disruptions

Amnesty urges Pakistani authorities to be transparent about surveillance tech, Internet disruptions
A view shows the technical support room where team members provide solutions to clients, at Connect Communication, provider of high bandwidth and data connectivity solutions to customers, in Karachi, Pakistan on August 22, 2024. (REUTERS)
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Updated 26 August 2024
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Amnesty urges Pakistani authorities to be transparent about surveillance tech, Internet disruptions

Amnesty urges Pakistani authorities to be transparent about surveillance tech, Internet disruptions
  • It is widely believed the installation of a national firewall is behind Internet slowdown in recent weeks
  • Government officials have attributed problem to widespread use of VPNs, faulty undersea Internet cable
Updated 26 August 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan
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ISLAMABAD: Amnesty International on Monday urged Pakistani authorities to be transparent about Internet disruptions over the past few weeks amid allegations that the installation of a national firewall was behind the slowdown.

The problem has affected millions of Pakistani users, disrupting businesses and drawing nationwide complaints, while authorities have said a faulty undersea Internet cable had caused slower Internet connections.

Nearly half of the country’s population has faced problems in using and accessing social media platforms, including the popular WhatsApp. Pakistan has 110 million Internet users, and up to 40 percent slower Internet speeds have affected nearly half the country’s 241 million population.

“Amnesty International urges the Pakistani authorities to be transparent about the cause of these Internet disruptions and ensure that they do not deploy monitoring and surveillance systems that are unnecessary, disproportionate, and in violation of international human rights law,” Amnesty International Technologist Jurre Van Bergen said on Monday. 

He said the “opacity” of Pakistani authorities regarding the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies that could block content, slow down and control Internet speeds was an “alarming concern.”

“Time and again, the use of such technologies, including national firewalls, has proven to be incompatible with human rights,” Bergen added. 

“These pervasive tools undermine online freedom of expression and access to information. The Internet is critical for the enjoyment of the public’s right to be informed, citizen’s self-expression, e-commerce and the digital economy.”

Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has repeatedly rejected reports that the government was responsible for slowing or shutting down the Internet, attributing it instead to the widespread use of virtual private networks (VPNs) amid a ban on social media platform X since February. Pakistan Telecommunications Authority Chairman Hafeezur Rehman has attributed the Internet slowdown to a damaged submarine cable that would be repaired by tomorrow, Tuesday. 

A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court against the nationwide Internet shutdowns, which has sought responses from the government and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority by today, Monday. 

Topics: Amnesty international Pakistan

Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly

Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly
Updated 13 sec ago
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Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly

Federal government tables Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in National Assembly
  • The bill comes amid what activists and critics describe as a widespread digital crackdown in Pakistan
  • IT minister says government to set up National Digital Commission to transform Pakistan into ‘digital nation’
Updated 13 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tabled the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 in the lower house of parliament today, Monday, with the aim to create a digital identity for citizens and centralize social, economic, and governance data.

The bill comes amid what activists and critics describe as a widespread digital clampdown in Pakistan. The government has been cracking down on VPN use for weeks, with the PTA announcing that businesses and freelancers would be able to legally use VPNs by registering with the government, but unregistered VPNs would be blocked in Pakistan after Nov. 30. The deadline was later withdrawn, and a new one has not been announced.

Authorities say the measures are meant to deter militants and other suspects who use VPNs to conceal their identities and spread “anti-state propaganda” and promote “blasphemous” or other illegal content online. The government is also moving to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow the government to identify IP addresses associated with what it calls “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks.

Monday’s National Assembly agenda said the new Digital Nation Pakistan Bill would “provide for the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy and digital governance.”

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that the bill aims to give a digital identity for every citizen. 

“It would include data about an individual’s health, assets and other social indicators,” the top Pakistani English-language newspaper said.

“The bill’s objective, as stated by officials, was to improve access to departments managing ID cards, land records, birth certificates and health records.”

Earlier on Monday, while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said the government was establishing a National Digital Commission (NDC) to “enable the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, fostering a digital society, digital economy and digital governance.”

“The Commission, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will include all provincial chief ministers and representatives from key regulatory bodies such as the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) and PTA,” she said while addressing the National Broadband Network (NBN) Forum 2024 Gigabit for All.

Khawaja also said the government planned to establish a new digital authority, which would develop a comprehensive national framework and master plan for digitalization, focusing on three key areas: economy, governance, and society.  

To address Internet speed issues, the government would introduce new 4G and 5G spectrums, which would help resolve a major challenge faced by freelancers and IT professionals, she said.

According to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), Internet speeds have dropped by 30-40 percent in recent months. 

“5G spectrum auctions will be made in April next year,” Khawaja added, “which will significantly improve Internet services in the country.”

Digital rights activists say the Internet slowdowns and the government’s move against VPNs are attempts to block vital tools that allow users to bypass restrictions. The use of VPNs has sharply risen in Pakistan since February this year when the government banned X soon after allegations of rigging in general elections surfaced. The election commission denies them. 

Topics: Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024

Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 

Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 
Updated 46 min 39 sec ago
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Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 

Pakistan PM to attend summit of D-8 developing nations in Cairo this week 
  • D-8 summit from Dec 18-20 will see gathering of leaders from eight countries to promote economic cooperation 
  • PM to attend special session on Gaza where Israeli military campaign has killed over 46,000 people since Oct. 7 last year
Updated 46 min 39 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Egypt from Dec. 18-20 to participate in the Eleventh Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries being held in Cairo, the foreign office said on Monday. 

The D-8 Summit is a gathering of leaders from eight developing countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It aims to promote economic cooperation and development among member states, with a focus on areas like trade, energy, agriculture, and transportation.

Preceding the Cairo Summit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on Dec. 18. 

The theme of this year’s D-8 Summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

“At the Summit, the Prime Minister will underline the importance of investing in youth and SMEs for building a strong and inclusive economy; creating jobs; advancing innovation; and promoting local entrepreneurship,” the foreign office said.

“He will express Pakistan’s strong commitment to the ideals of D-8; underscore the importance of fostering partnerships for mutual benefit and prosperity; and promoting cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism. He will also underline Pakistan’s incentives for youth empowerment and financial development.”

The Prime Minister of Pakistan will also attend a special session on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon following Israel military offensives in the Middle East since October last year. 

“He will underline Pakistan’s principled position on the situation in Palestine and call for peace in the Middle East,” the foreign office said. “On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders.”

Health officials in the Gaza Strip said on Monday the death toll from the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas had topped 45,000 people. 

The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Topics: D-8 summit Cairo

Pakistan stocks breach historic 116,000 mark as key rate cut by 200 bps

Pakistan stocks breach historic 116,000 mark as key rate cut by 200 bps
Updated 16 December 2024
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Pakistan stocks breach historic 116,000 mark as key rate cut by 200 bps

Pakistan stocks breach historic 116,000 mark as key rate cut by 200 bps
  • Central bank has already slashed interest rates by 700 basis points in four consecutive meetings since June
  • Pakistan’s latest cut is the most aggressive among emerging market central banks in the current easing cycle
Updated 16 December 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s KSE-100 index reached a historic high of 116,691, marking an impressive gain of 1,868 points, or 1.63 percent, as investors anticipated the monetary policy review scheduled for today, Monday, in which the central bank cut its key interest rate by 200 basis points to 13 percent.

This is the fifth straight reduction after the central bank had already slashed interest rates by 700 basis points (bps) in four consecutive meetings since June, bringing it to 15 percent.

Pakistan’s latest move makes this year’s cuts the most aggressive among emerging market central banks in the current easing cycle, barring outliers such as Argentina.

The South Asian country is navigating a challenging economic recovery path and has been buttressed by a $7 billion facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September.

“The market continued its strong upward momentum, extending its record-breaking rally as investors anticipated the upcoming monetary policy review,” Topline Securities said in its daily market review.

“This was further bolstered by significant buying activity from local institutions, with the index hitting an intraday peak of 116,682.”

Monday’s move follows cuts of 150 bps in June, 100 in July, 200 in September, and a record cut of 250 bps in November, that have taken the rate down from an all-time high of 22 percent, set in June 2023 and left unchanged for a year.

It takes the total cuts to 900 bps since June.

Topline said the rise in stocks was primarily driven by strong performances from Mari Petroleum, Fauji Fertilizer, Pakistan Petroleum, Hub Power and the Oil & Gas Development Company, which collectively contributed 1,749 points.

“Trading activity remained lively, with a total volume of 1,469 million shares and a turnover of Rs 66 billion. Worldcall Telecom Limited led the volume charts, with 403 million shares traded during the session,” Topline added. 

During intraday trading, analysts said the anticipation of a sharp interest rate cut together with strong liquidity with mutual funds was driving the market up.

“It is a broad-based increase, with only banks in the red today on fears of higher taxation,” Head of Equities at Intermarket Securities, Raza Jafri, told Arab News. 

Pakistani stocks have been performing significantly well this month, closing at record highs multiple times. 

“KSE 100 Index gained 4.83 percent on week-on-week basis making it eight consecutive positive closing, as expectation of interest rate cut in the upcoming monetary policy meeting kept the investor interest robust and continuous buying by mutual funds provided further stimulus to the market,” Topline said in a weekly market review on Friday.

Trade data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics also supports positive investor sentiment as the trade deficit narrowed by 7.39 percent during the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year, standing at $8.651 billion, compared to $9.341 billion during the same period last year.

Exports rose by 12.57 percent to hit $13.69 billion, while imports increased by 3.90 percent to $22.342 billion during this period. November’s trade deficit narrowed even further, dropping by 18.60 percent year-on-year to $1.589 billion compared to $1.952 billion in November 2023.

With inputs from Reuters

Topics: Pakistan Stock Exchange Pakistan monetary policy Interest Rate

Pakistan telecom regulator says no VPNs blocked, deadline for ban not yet finalized 

Pakistan telecom regulator says no VPNs blocked, deadline for ban not yet finalized 
Updated 22 min 14 sec ago
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Pakistan telecom regulator says no VPNs blocked, deadline for ban not yet finalized 

Pakistan telecom regulator says no VPNs blocked, deadline for ban not yet finalized 
  • PTA chairman says over 31,000 VPNS registered with the authority as government has been cracking down on VPN use for weeks
  • Social media platform X has been blocked since February and the government is also moving to implement a national firewall
Updated 22 min 14 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Monday no Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) had been blocked in the country and neither had a deadline been finalized for such an action, adding that over 31,000 VPNs had officially registered with the authority in recent weeks. 

The government has been cracking down on VPN use for weeks, with the PTA announcing that businesses and freelancers would be able to legally use VPNs by registering with the government, but unregistered VPNs would be blocked in Pakistan after Nov. 30. The deadline was later withdrawn, and a new one has not been announced. 

Authorities say the measures are meant to deter militants and other suspects who use VPNs to conceal their identities and spread “anti-state propaganda” and promote “blasphemous” or other illegal content online. The government is also moving to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow the government to identify IP addresses associated with what it calls “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks.

Digital rights activists, however, say the government’s move against VPNs is an attempt to block vital tools that allow users to bypass restrictions amid a wave of digital crackdowns. The use of VPNs has sharply risen in Pakistan since February this year when the government banned X soon after allegations of rigging in general elections surfaced. The election commission denies them. 

“No VPN has been blocked in the country so far,” PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman told Arab News on the sidelines of an event marking the launch of the authority’s annual performance report.

“No deadline has been set so far to block VPNs and we are working with the government to develop a solution that minimizes inconvenience to the public but nothing has been finalized yet,” he added, saying over 31,000 VPNs had been registered with the authority so far.

Rehman said the PTA had set up a dedicated help desk for IT companies and freelancers to facilitate VPN registration and other matters. All registration applications were processed within eight hours. 

“When Internet shutdowns occur, they can approach us to get whitelisted, ensuring that their connectivity remains unaffected,” Rehman said. 

“Once whitelisted, their Internet will continue to function even during government-imposed closures due to security threats or other reasons. This helps ensure that any closure of Internet due to national security measures do not disrupt their business operations as their Internet will keep working.”

Regarding frequent Internet closures, the official said the question should be addressed to the government as the PTA was implementing official orders. 

In August, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) warned that frequent Internet disruptions and low speeds caused by poor implementation of the national firewall had led many multinational companies to consider relocating their offices out of Pakistan, with some having “already done so.” 

The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the country’s top representative body for the IT sector, warned last month Internet slowdowns and the restriction of VPN services could lead to financial losses and closures and increase operational costs for the industry by up to $150 million annually.

Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports have been growing at an average of 30 percent per year, and are on the way to achieve over $15 billion in the next 5 years, according to industry data, provided the government ensures continuity in export, fiscal, financial, SME, infrastructure and IT policies, P@SHA says.

Topics: VPN PTA

Pakistan court indicts nine Imran Khan aides in case involving attack on army headquarter

Pakistan court indicts nine Imran Khan aides in case involving attack on army headquarter
Updated 16 December 2024
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Pakistan court indicts nine Imran Khan aides in case involving attack on army headquarter

Pakistan court indicts nine Imran Khan aides in case involving attack on army headquarter
  • Khan supporters attacked GHQ in Rawalpindi, other military installations on May 9, 2023, following his brief arrest in a land graft case
  • Hundreds of PTI supporters and dozens of leaders were subsequently arrested while police registered cases against PTI party top leaders
Updated 16 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Nine aides of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan, including Shireen Mazari who was human rights minister during his tenure, were indicted on Monday in a case involving an attack last year on the military's headquarters (GHQ) by protesters linked to Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party said.

The move comes after Khan was himself also indicted on Thursday on charges of inciting his supporters to attack GHQ on May 9, 2023. That day, after Pakistan's powerful military publicly rebuked the PTI founder for repeatedly accusing a senior military officer of trying to engineer his assassination, Khan was arrested by the national anti-corruption agency in a land graft case. The arrest sparked a wave of protests by Khan supporters across the country, with rioters attacking important state buildings and ransacking military facilities, including the GHQ in the garrison city of Rawalpindi and the residence of the army's top commander in the eastern city of Lahore. 

Hundreds of PTI supporters and dozens of leaders were subsequently arrested while police registered cases against the party's top leaders, including Khan.

“It’s good that things are going towards indictment,” the PTI said in a statement to reporters, confirming that nine people had been indicted in the GHQ case. 

“As they take the case to trial, then it will come out whether these accused people are actually involved, and they will get a way to fight these false charges through the legal and judicial system. Up until now, people were just being kept in custody and things were lingering on for a year and a half.”

Nearly 2,000 people were arrested following the May 9 protests and at least eight were killed. The government had called out the army to help restore order.

Though Khan was released on bail within days of the May 9 arrest, he was later arrested in August 2023 after he was handed a three-year prison sentence in a corruption case. He has been in jail since then.

His party was barred from Pakistan's election on Feb. 8, 2024, but the would-be candidates stood as independents.

Despite the ban and Khan's imprisonment for convictions on charges ranging from leaking state secrets to corruption, millions of the former cricketer's supporters voted for him. Independent candidates from his party won the highest number of seats but not enough to form a government on their own. Khan cannot be part of any government while he remains in prison.

Khan and his party say all legal cases against him are based on made-up charges to keep him out of politics at the behest of the army after he had fallen out with the military's generals. The army denies the accusation.

Topics: Pakistan Imran Khan shireen mazari

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