February 8 Elections in Pakistan: Mobile and Internet Services Suspended Amidst Government Silence

The Ministry of Interior has refused to give the reasons for shutting down mobile and internet on February 8 general elections, saying that the said information cannot be provided keeping in mind the national security.

According to Naji TV, in response to a request made to the Pakistan Information Commission, the Ministry of Interior refused to give reasons for shutting down mobile phone service and internet on the day of the general elections on February 8.

The Ministry of Interior declared the said information classified under Right to Information and said that the said information cannot be provided keeping in mind the national security.

Worried about the internet shutdown, multinational companies started shifting their offices from Pakistan

According to the report, the Pakistan Information Commission also exempted the Ministry of Interior from providing the said information.

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A detailed decision has not yet been issued by the Pakistan Information Commission. While the Ministry of Information did not register the remarks on the said information being classified.

A section officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs responded that the said information was classified as classified, saying that the Commission’s decision was against the Access to Information Act.

The damage from the firewall could exceed $300 million, Pasha

PTA has replied that the Ministry of Interior issues instructions on the orders of the Federal Government, PTA is bound to implement these instructions.

In this regard, PTA further said that the services are closed under the national security and security situation, on the day of the general elections, the mobile and internet services were closed by the Ministry of Interior.

News about internet in ⁤Pakistan today 2024

Pakistan’s ​Internet Shutdown: A Threat to National Security or a Clampdown on Dissent?

In a move that has sparked widespread concern, ⁢the Ministry of Interior ​in Pakistan​ has⁣ refused ‍to disclose the reasons behind the shutdown of mobile and ⁤internet⁣ services ⁢on‌ February 8, citing national security concerns. This blanket ban on ‌internet and mobile services has raised questions about the government’s commitment to transparency ⁢and freedom of expression.

The Shutdown: A⁤ Response to Election-Day Uncertainty

The shutdown was implemented on the day of the general elections in Pakistan,⁤ with the Ministry of Interior claiming that the said ‌information cannot be provided⁢ due to national security concerns [[2]]. This​ move is seen as a reckless attack on people’s rights, hindering⁢ their ability to access information and ⁤express themselves ⁣freely. The shutdown has also had significant economic implications, with multinational companies beginning to shift ⁢their offices out of ‌Pakistan [[4]].

A Pattern​ of Internet Shutdowns

This is not the ​first time that Pakistan has witnessed an internet shutdown. In May 2023, the government shut down the internet in response to ‍protests ‌following the arrest of Imran Khan, the country’s former Prime ⁤Minister [[1]]. ‍The move⁤ was seen as an attempt⁣ to quell resistance ⁤and prevent the spread of information about the protests.

Amnesty International’s Concerns

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have ⁢expressed concerns ‍over‍ the internet shutdown, terming it a “reckless attack” on people’s rights [[2]]. The organization has urged the Pakistani government to respect the ⁢right ⁢to freedom of⁢ expression and​ to ensure that any restrictions on ‍internet access are proportionate ⁤and necessary.

A ‍Lack​ of Transparency

The Ministry of Interior’s ⁣refusal to provide reasons for the shutdown has sparked concerns ​about the government’s commitment to transparency.⁣ The Pakistan Information Commission has ‍exempted the Ministry of ⁣Interior from‌ providing the‍ said ⁢information,⁢ citing national security concerns.⁤ This ‌lack of transparency​ has raised questions about the government’s motives and the true reasons ⁢behind the shutdown.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s internet​ shutdown on February 8 has ⁣raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency, freedom of expression, and national⁤ security. The ⁣move has had significant implications for the country’s economy and its citizens’‍ ability to access information and express⁣ themselves freely. As the ‌world becomes increasingly ⁢digital, it is essential that governments respect the ‍right to freedom of expression and ⁤ensure that any restrictions on internet access are proportionate and necessary.

How do internet shutdowns in Pakistan relate to issues of national security and the government’s efforts to maintain control during elections?

Pakistan’s Internet Shutdown: A Threat to National Security or a Clampdown on Dissent?

In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Ministry of Interior in Pakistan has refused to disclose the reasons behind the shutdown of mobile and internet services on February 8, citing national security concerns. This blanket ban on internet and mobile services has raised questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and freedom of expression.

The Shutdown: A Response to Election-Day Uncertainty

The shutdown was implemented on the day of the general elections in Pakistan, with the Ministry of Interior claiming that the said information cannot be provided due to national security concerns [[2]]. This move is seen as a reckless attack on people’s rights, hindering their ability to access information and express themselves freely. The shutdown has also had significant economic implications, with multinational companies beginning to shift their offices out of Pakistan [[4]].

A Pattern of Internet Shutdowns

This is not the first time that Pakistan has witnessed an internet shutdown. In May 2023, the government shut down the internet in response to protests following the arrest of Imran Khan, the country’s former Prime Minister [[1]]. The move was seen as an attempt to quell resistance and prevent the spread of information about the protests.

Amnesty International’s Concerns

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concerns over the internet shutdown, terming it a “reckless attack” on people’s rights [[2]]. The organization has urged the Pakistani government to respect the right to freedom of expression and to ensure that any restrictions on internet access are proportionate and necessary.

A Lack of Transparency

The Ministry of Interior’s refusal to provide reasons for the shutdown has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency. The Pakistan Information Commission has exempted the Ministry of Interior from providing the said information, citing national security concerns. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the government’s motives and the true reasons behind the shutdown.

International Condemnation

The US State Department has condemned internet shutdowns in Pakistan, including restrictions on social media platforms, and urged the Pakistani government to lift these restrictions [[2]]. The move has also drawn criticism from other countries and human rights organizations, who see it as an attack on freedom of expression and access to information.

Economic Implications

The shutdown has also had significant economic implications, with losses estimated to exceed $300 million [[4]]. Multinational companies have begun to shift their offices out of Pakistan, citing concerns about the country’s commitment to transparency and freedom of expression.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s internet shutdown on February 8 has raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency, freedom of expression, and national security. The move has sparked widespread criticism and condemnation from human rights organizations and governments around the