eliberate disruptions of internet access and pervasive use of surveillance technologies in Pakistan’s digital landscape cast a grim shadow over democratic freedoms and human rights. These actions, carried out apparently in the name of national security, have profound implications that ripple across economic, civil and social spheres. The consequences of these measures extend far beyond mere inconvenience; they represent a systematic erosion of freedoms.

The government’s recurrent use of internet shutdowns on account of potential political activity has become a troubling norm. These actions, often justified on grounds of maintaining public order, mask a deeper issue—an alarming disregard for the legal principles of necessity and proportionality. International human rights law, under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, mandates that any restriction on fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, must meet strict criteria.

In Pakistan, however, the implementation of these restrictions often lacks transparency and oversight, leading to arbitrary and excessive measures that undermine constitutional guarantees.

The legal framework, particularly the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act of 2016, provides the government with extensive powers to regulate digital spaces. Legislated with the stated objective of combating cybercrime, the PECA has been criticised for its broad and vague provisions, which can be exploited to suppress dissent and control political narratives. A lack of transparency surrounding the enforcement of this law, particularly during internet shutdowns, exacerbates the situation. Citizens are often left in the dark about the reasons behind these shutdowns, the criteria used to impose them and their expected duration. This opacity breeds distrust and undermines the rule of law.

The implications of these actions are far-reaching. Internet shutdowns do not merely silence dissenting voices; they also create a void that hinders communication, commerce and social interaction. In the economic sphere, the impact is particularly severe. Pakistan’s economy, like that of many developing countries, increasingly relies on digital platforms for trade, communication and service delivery. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the economy, are disproportionately affected by these shutdowns. When the internet is cut off, these businesses lose access to markets, suppliers and customers, resulting in significant financial losses and potential closures.

The economic impact of internet shutdowns is not limited to immediate financial losses. The broader consequences include a stifling of innovation and entrepreneurship, as the digital divide deepens and access to global markets is restricted. This has long-term implications for Pakistan’s ability to compete in the global economy. The right to work, protected under international human rights law, is directly undermined when individuals and businesses are deprived of the tools necessary to engage in economic activities.

The social and civil ramifications of internet shutdowns are equally concerning. The internet has become a vital platform for civil society, enabling exchange of ideas, organisation of social movements and promotion of human rights. When access to this platform is disrupted, the space for civil discourse shrinks and the citizens’ ability to hold governments accountable is curtailed. The resulting silence is not just an absence of noise but also a deliberate suppression of collective voices.

Surveillance, when conducted without adequate legal safeguards, poses a significant threat to individual privacy and freedom of expression. The deployment of advanced surveillance tools, often shrouded in secrecy, enables the monitoring of communications and the tracking of individuals’ online activities. This creates an environment of fear and self-censorship.

The chilling effect of such practices cannot be overstated. In a society where freedom of expression is already under pressure, the use of surveillance to monitor and suppress dissenting voices undermines the very foundation of democracy. Citizens are not only silenced by the absence of internet access but also deterred from speaking out due to the pervasive fear of surveillance. This dual threat to freedom of expression creates a profound disconnect between the state and the citizens, weakening the social contract and eroding trust in democratic institutions.

The social implications of these practices extend to the erosion of community ties and social cohesion. The internet is not just a tool for economic and political activity, it is also a platform for building and maintaining social relationships. When access to this platform is disrupted, the social fabric of the society is strained, as individuals are cut off from their networks of support and communication. This isolation can lead to increased social tensions and a breakdown of community solidarity.

The legal and policy framework must be reformed urgently to address these issues. The principles of necessity and proportionality must be rigorously applied to any restriction on internet access, with clear legal standards and transparent processes in place to prevent abuse. Judicial oversight is essential to ensure that these measures are not used as tools of political control but are employed only when absolutely necessary to protect public order. The deployment of surveillance technologies must be subject to strict legal safeguards that protect privacy rights and ensure transparency and accountability.

Economic and social development cannot thrive in an environment where digital rights are routinely violated. The protection of these rights is not just a matter of individual freedom; it is a prerequisite for the country’s progress towards a more just and equitable society. By ensuring that internet access is preserved and that surveillance practices are transparent and accountable, governments can create a digital environment that supports economic growth, social cohesion and democratic governance.

The current trajectory threatens to push Pakistan further into a digital void where silencing its citizens becomes the norm rather than the exception. This silence has profound consequences not just for those who are silenced but also for the rest of the nation. In this void, the promise of economic development, social progress and democratic governance is lost, leaving behind a society disconnected from the very principles that should guide its future.

The writer is an advocate of High Court, a founding partner at Lex Mercatoria and a visiting teacher at Bahria University’s Law Department. She can be reached at minahil.ali12@yahoo.com