Discussion on ‘regulating digital space in Pakistan: the way forward’

Islamabad: Center for Law and Security (CLAS) hosted a panel discussion on ‘Regulating Digital Space in Pakistan: The Way Forward’ at TMUC, here, says a press release.

The event brought together prominent experts and practitioners to deliberate on the critical need to regulate Pakistan’s digital space in alignment with contemporary global and local challenges. Sardar Masood Khan, Former President of AJK was the Chief Guest at the event. The event was attended by a large number of students and faculty members.

Sadaf Khan, co-founder of Media Matters for Democracy, focused on the importance of meaningful digital access and literacy. She highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to policymaking and pointed out the gaps in addressing cybercrime and AI regulation at the local level. Usama Khilji, digital rights activist and director of ‘Bolo Bhi’, discussed the concept of national interest and its implications for digital rights. He underscored the need for a constitutionally grounded approach to freedom of speech and internet regulation, proposing the recognition of the internet as a fundamental right.

Yawar Siddique, co-founder of RepStack and RepStack Learning Academy, highlighted the economic implications of internet disruptions. He emphasised the critical role freelancers and entrepreneurs play in Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly 60% of the country’s dollar income. While acknowledging challenges in replicating international models like China’s, he stressed the need to foster a supportive ecosystem for Pakistan’s digital workforce and advocated against internet shutdowns.

Sheikh Waqas Bin Aamir, advocate Islamabad High Court and Head of the Law Programme at TMUC, emphasised the importance of societal adaptation to technological advancements. Rehman Azhar, director of CLAS, moderated the session, highlighting the significance of digital space regulation as a cornerstone of modern statecraft. Ambassador Masood Khan, president of CLAS, delivered the concluding remarks. He praised the panelists for their insightful contributions and highlighted Pakistan’s untapped potential in the technology sector. He noted that Pakistan is home to many freelancers globally, with over 143 million broadband users and a population exceeding 60% with internet access.