Internet users have been demanding clearer explanations and expressing their frustration at the prolonged outage.
This statement was originally published on pakvoices.pk on 23 January 2024.
As Pakistan gears up for the much-anticipated General Elections in 2024, the country has been plunged into a state of internet disruption, leaving netizens in a state of frustration and suspicion. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributes the blackout to ongoing system upgrades, but the timing and the extended resolution timeline have raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation about intentional interference.
Official Explanation and Public Skepticism:
The Director General of the PTA, Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, accompanied by Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and FIA Cybercrime Director of Operations Waqaruddin Syed, addressed the media in an attempt to provide a technical explanation for the internet blackout. However, the skepticism among the public remained high, especially given the timing of the disruption coinciding with a pre-announced online event by a specific political party.
Timing and Political Implications:
The suspicious timing of the internet outage, aligning with a planned online event by a political party, has led to speculation about deliberate throttling for political reasons. This suspicion is not unfounded, as similar disruptions occurred on December 17 and January 7, creating a pattern that raises questions about the motivations behind the internet blackouts.
Minister’s Reassurance and Public Outrage:
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, while acknowledging the possibility of technical glitches, attempted to reassure the public. However, the tepid reassurance did little to assuage public concerns, especially in the absence of transparent communication about the nature of the disruptions. The extended timeline of “2 to 3 months” for resolution further intensified public outrage.
Public Reaction and Tech-Savvy Outcry:
Pakistan’s tech-savvy population, already accustomed to relying on the internet for information and communication, expressed palpable outrage at the lack of transparency surrounding the internet disruptions. The hashtag #PTA became a trending topic on social media platforms, with users demanding clearer explanations and expressing their frustration at the prolonged outage.
Conclusion:
As Pakistan stands at the threshold of significant political events with the upcoming elections, the internet disruptions have added an unexpected layer of tension and suspicion. The PTA’s technical explanations have not managed to quell public scepticism, and the extended resolution timeline only deepens concerns. In a digital age where connectivity is crucial, the internet blackout has become a focal point of discontent, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
