November 25, 2024
Staff report
LAHORE
WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging apps in Pakistan, but the recent nationwide government ‘campaign’ to throttle the internet has made the app its latest casualty.
This comes in the wake of protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI). In a country that boasted around 111 million internet users at the start of 2024 – nearly half of Pakistan’s internet users – relying on the app, stifling Whatsapp has affected communication badly.
An Essential App is Blocked
On Sunday, Whatsapp users across the country experienced widespread disruptions, struggling to send messages, make voice calls, and download media files.
According to outage tracking website Downdetector, the issues with whatsapp began around 12:45 am, Sunday night. Affected users cited difficulties with messaging (44%), voice calls (40%), and media downloads. The outages were reported nationwide, with Punjab emerging as the most impacted region. In Sindh, most complaints originated in Karachi, with scattered issues in Larkana.
UK-based watchdog NetBlocks linked the blackout to preemptive government measures ahead of PTI’s march toward Islamabad, calling for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show WhatsApp backends have been restricted in #Pakistan corroborating reports of media sharing issues; the measure comes as authorities tighten security ahead of protests planned by opposition party PTI calling for the release of former PM Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/aHYDLN934M
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) November 23, 2024
As users struggled to access the platform, many turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions. Freelancers and tech-dependent workers voiced frustration on social media, warning that repeated communication platform disruptions could push young professionals to leave the country in search of stable digital environments.
This isn’t the first time the state has restricted access to major platforms; X (formerly Twitter) faced a similar fate under the pretext of national security. It continues to be blocked in Pakistan since Feb 17 earlier this year. Despite the ban, Pakistanis continue to access X through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), showcasing the public’s resilience in navigating restrictions.
VPN Crackdown Underway
The WhatsApp outage has coincided with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) ongoing crackdown on unregistered VPNs. As part of a trial ending November 26, the PTA began blocking unregistered VPNs through a nationwide firewall, with full-scale enforcement scheduled to start on December 1.
To date, over 25,000 VPNs have been registered, according to PTA sources. The deadline for compliance has been set for November 30, after which regular blocking of unregistered VPNs will begin. Officials claim the measure aims to curb illegal activities and enhance cybersecurity, but critics argue it curtails internet freedoms.
The government of Pakistan plans to restrict unregistered VPNs, requiring mandatory registration for their use.
Let’s hear what journalist @AsadAToor and digital rights expert @FariehaAziz have to say about this 👇@BoloBhi @UsamaKhilji pic.twitter.com/RaOxc4n2Lm
— Voicepk.net (@voicepkdotnet) November 18, 2024
Digital Censorship Takes Toll on Economy, Free speech
The VPN restrictions are part of a broader effort to implement a nationwide firewall, reportedly acquired from China and installed through the Ministry of Defense. Sources familiar with the system revealed that the firewall enables authorities to monitor individual users’ online activities, including location tracking.
Efforts are also underway to extend the firewall to servers hosting content for major international platforms, granting authorities even greater access to user data and control over online activity.
Digital rights activists have condemned the firewall, asserting it is less about cybersecurity and more about government control over digital spaces.
Freedom House — a US-based organisation that tracks democracy and threats to freedom around the world— lists Pakistan among two dozen countries that have been declared ‘not free’ for doling out harsh punishments and imposing curbs on the internet.
The combination of app outages and VPN restrictions is taking a toll on Pakistan’s digital economy. Freelancers and startups, who rely heavily on platforms like WhatsApp and VPNs for communication and global connectivity, fear losing competitive ground.
Repeated internet disruptions and the looming firewall are driving a chilling effect on free speech and innovation. Many believe such measures will only isolate Pakistan further in the global digital economy.