In a move that has raised alarm among human rights advocates, Pakistani authorities have announced the formation of a new state agency — the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA). If approved by parliament, this body will have sweeping powers to control online content, prosecute users for accessing prohibited material, and take action against social media platforms hosting such content.
This development comes amid a broader crackdown on internet access in Pakistan, with authorities frequently imposing internet shutdowns and throttling connections. The stated goal is to “curb misinformation and negative propaganda against state institutions,” according to an adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who posted the statement on X (formerly Twitter) — ironically, while the platform remains banned in the country.
The Growing Threat of Internet Censorship
Pakistan’s use of internet shutdowns as a policing tool has escalated, with authorities routinely cutting mobile internet access during protests or political crises. The rationale offered often includes claims of “public safety” or “security threats.” However, critics argue that such shutdowns are being used as a form of collective punishment.
The economic impact of these shutdowns is severe. In 2023 alone, internet shutdowns cost Pakistan’s economy approximately $237.6 million, according to Statista. The disruptions affected around 83 million people — nearly one-third of the country’s population. In 2024, the frequency of shutdowns increased, with the government citing everything from “repairs to undersea internet cables” to “unauthorized use of VPNs” as justifications.
Impact on Human Rights and Access to Information
The consequences of these shutdowns extend beyond economics. They violate the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to information — all of which are enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a treaty to which Pakistan is a party.
Rather than combating “fake news,” these restrictions often create an environment ripe for misinformation. By blocking legitimate news sources, shutdowns increase the reliance on unofficial, unverified channels. During protests, health emergencies, or natural disasters, timely and accurate information is critical. Disruptions prevent citizens from accessing essential updates, which can have lifeMove to Trash-threatening consequences.
The shutdowns also have a disproportionate impact on rural communities, where fixed-line internet is scarce and mobile internet serves as the primary source of connectivity. In these areas, internet blackouts hinder access to basic services such as online banking, utility payments, and applications for government documents. The inability to access essential services underscores the human cost of these shutdowns.
Legal and Policy Failures
Pakistani laws that authorize internet shutdowns are vague and overbroad, providing authorities with unchecked powers. The absence of clear safeguards, judicial oversight, or parliamentary review allows the government to impose shutdowns at will. This lack of accountability and transparency has led to the repeated misuse of this power.
The proposal to establish the DRPA adds another layer to Pakistan’s regulatory landscape. Critics argue that creating an agency with unchecked authority will exacerbate existing issues. The authority will be empowered to prosecute individuals for “prohibited content” and penalize social media platforms for hosting such content, further restricting online discourse.
International Condemnation of Shutdowns
The international community has consistently condemned internet shutdowns. The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Resolution 47/16 explicitly opposes the “intentional and arbitrary prevention or disruption of access to or dissemination of information online.” Additionally, UN human rights experts have labeled blanket internet shutdowns as violations of international human rights law.
The UN Secretary-General has reiterated this stance, emphasizing that the “blocking and filtering of internet services” must be avoided at all costs. Despite this, Pakistan continues to impose shutdowns with increasing frequency, especially during political crises.
The Way Forward
If Pakistan genuinely seeks to address misinformation and promote social stability, its approach must change. Establishing the DRPA as an additional censorship body will only exacerbate existing problems. Instead, the government should prioritize transparency, accountability, and adherence to international human rights standards.
The path forward should involve reforming existing laws to ensure that any restrictions on internet access are subject to judicial oversight and meet the principles of necessity and proportionality. Independent review mechanisms and clear criteria for imposing shutdowns must be established. Without these safeguards, the rights of millions of Pakistanis will remain at risk.
The creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority and the continuation of sweeping internet shutdowns signal an alarming shift toward authoritarian control of online spaces in Pakistan. These actions not only infringe on fundamental human rights but also harm the economy, stifle dissent, and create an environment that enables misinformation.
Rather than viewing internet shutdowns as a solution, the government must recognize them as part of the problem. Ensuring open, free, and secure internet access is essential for Pakistan’s social, economic, and democratic future. The international community’s condemnation of such actions underscores the urgency of reform. To truly uphold the rights of its citizens, Pakistan must rethink its approach to digital rights and online access.