Digital space in Pakistan under threat: Bilawal

SUKKUR Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasised that the digital space in Pakistan is under threat, urging the youth to engage in “democratic and peaceful resistance” to secure digital rights, including high-speed internet.

Addressing the 11th convocation ceremony of Sukkur IBA University on Tuesday, the PPP chairman said, “It is a matter of pride for me that this institution was established by my mother Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during her second tenure as prime minister. The seed planted by her has now grown into a tree, earning recognition not only nationally but also globally.”

He highlighted that students from across Pakistan and even international students from countries like SriLanka were receiving education at the university.

Discussing the role of students in addressing national challenges and enhancing Pakistan’s global image, Bilawal said, “Students must utilise their knowledge for Pakistan’s development.

“Today, we face challenges such as poverty, economic inequality and climate change. It is the government’s duty to control various aspects of governance, but when it attempts to overstep and control individuals or institutions, it is up to the youth to resist these efforts and assert their rights.”

He reminded the audience that every generation has fought for its rights. “Democracy wasn’t handed to us as a gift; it was achieved through struggle. Generations of youth, using their education, voices, and skills, have defeated oppressors time and again. From the colonial era to today, the youth have been at the forefront.”

He expressed concern about the current state of the digital space in Pakistan, calling upon the youth to engage in peaceful and democratic struggles for their digital rights.

He criticised the outdated understanding of technology by decision-makers in Islamabad, stating, “How can bureaucrats in their 60s, who still use old Nokia phones, comprehend the rights of the digital generation? How would they understand WhatsApp, Netflix, or gaming? We must claim our rights from them.”

He further noted the irony of how two young Pakistanis from Lahore were among the pioneers in creating the world’s first computer virus, showcasing the capabilities of Pakistani youth.

Bilawal stressed the need for better internet access and data privacy protections for the younger generation. He announced plans to visit educational institutions across the country, including Sindh, to gather student feedback on proposed digital rights legislation. “Tag me on social media and share your suggestions,” he urged the youth, committing to raising awareness on the issue.

Addressing climate change, he warned of severe consequences if its impact was not mitigated. “Pakistan risks devastating floods and infrastructure collapse if we fail to address climate change,” he stated. He criticised both bureaucrats and senior politicians for their lack of understanding of such crucial issues, focusing only on budgets and public sector development programmes.

The PPP chairman lamented the absence of proper planning to combat climate change in the federal budget. He pointed out that Pakistan was among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. He urged developed nations to take responsibility, stating, “The industrialisation and capitalism of these countries have caused the climate crisis. While they amassed wealth, they ignored the damage inflicted on the rest of the world. Now, when others seek their fair share, they lecture us about climate change limitations. If these countries profited from industrialisation, others also have a right to that wealth.

“We’re not asking for personal compensation but for funds to repair the damage they have caused.”

Bilawal extended his best wishes to the graduating students, urging them to contribute to national progress through the power of education. He praised the Sindh government’s achievements in health and education, highlighting how students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, and even Sri Lanka come to Sindh for quality education at institutions like IBA Sukkur, just as patients from across Pakistan seek treatment at Sindh’s hospitals.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Sukkur IBA University is the premier educational institution and a hallmark of excellence. He paid homage to the late Prof Nisar Siddiqui and Syed Khursheed Shah for their unparalleled contributions to the growth and excellence of Sukkur IBA University and appreciated the efforts of current university management.

The chief minister mentioned that the government of Sindh was the largest sponsor to education in the country, reflecting its unwavering dedication to fostering academic progress and development.

He announced that the Sindh government would extend financial support for the establishment of a new campus in Qambar Shahdadkot, enhancing educational opportunities in the region.

Sukkur IBA University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh addressed the gathering to celebrate the institution’s remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He highlighted significant milestones and outlined the university’s future aspirations. In his speech, the vice chancellor acknowledged Sukkur IBA University’s pursuit of the highest academic standards, inspired by the vision and legacy of its founding Vice Chancellor Prof Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui.