Life in the stone age

In a baffling move reminiscent of the Stone Age, Pakistan seems to be regressing to a time when internet outages were the norm, a trend that harks back to the late 2000s and early 2010s. The most recent disruption of popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp has left many questioning the motives behind such actions. Is it possible that someone in the policymaking arena is channeling a fondness for the Flintstones, attempting to compel citizens to embrace a life devoid of modern digital conveniences? The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has in the recent past attributed widespread internet slowdowns to faults in two of the seven international submarine cables connecting Pakistan to the global internet. While the PTA assures the public that this problem is expected to be resolved by early October, scepticism abounds. Critics argue that pointing to cable malfunctions serves as a convenient scapegoat for the authorities, allowing them to sidestep accountability for a broader failure in maintaining digital infrastructure.

The irony is palpable: while the world races toward digital transformation, Pakistan appears to be willingly stepping back into the past. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp have become integral to both personal and professional communication, enabling users to remain connected regardless of their physical location. With over 52 million WhatsApp users – 22 per cent of the nation’s population – these platforms are more than just tools for conversation; they are lifelines for businesses, communication channels for families, and essential means of accessing information. Any interruption in these services leads not only to frustration but also significant economic losses, as businesses reliant on digital advertising and communication suffer the consequences. IT experts and industry organizations, including the Pakistan IT industry association P@SHA, have long sounded the alarm about the catastrophic implications of such outages. They have warned that the government’s dismissive attitude toward their concerns will only exacerbate the situation, stalling progress in a nation that desperately seeks to project itself as ‘Digital Pakistan’. Instead of heeding these voices, the authorities have opted for ignorance, jeopardizing the potential for innovation and growth.

That people with malicious intentions may use such platforms to spread anarchy and discontent across the country is a valid concern. But depriving millions of people of access to important applications is not the correct way to deal with this situation. The argument that cutting off internet access can quell unrest is shortsighted and ignores the complexities of the security situation, which stems from years of neglect and inaction. Cybersecurity should not be wielded as an excuse to trample on digital freedoms. As Pakistan grapples with its technological challenges, it must make a choice: either cling to outdated methods that render it stagnant or embrace the digital age with open arms. The global landscape is moving rapidly, and the world will not pause for Pakistan to catch up. The country risks becoming a relic of the past, while the rest of the world progresses.