In a recent briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Technology, PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman addressed the ongoing issues surrounding internet disruptions and the recent submarine cable outage, which had sparked widespread concern. The briefing, led by Senator Palwasha Khan, took place on January 1 and focused on Pakistan’s internet connectivity, regulations, and the authority’s response to these challenges.
A key point of discussion was the speculation surrounding the cause of the submarine cable disruption. Various reports and social media claims had suggested that sharks were responsible for severing the submarine cables. However, Major General Rehman swiftly dismissed these claims, stating that such a scenario was highly unlikely. “Sharks cannot damage submarine cables,” he asserted, providing a clear clarification on the matter. He emphasized that the issue at hand was not caused by wildlife, but rather by technical factors that needed to be investigated further.
Pakistan’s reliance on submarine cables for internet connectivity was also a critical point addressed in the session. Rehman explained that the country currently depends on seven submarine cables to maintain internet services. He also shared some positive news, revealing that the activation of the “2 Africa” submarine cable is expected to improve internet quality and bandwidth for users across Pakistan. This new addition will provide further support to the existing infrastructure, helping to bolster internet services for the growing digital demand in the country.
Another significant part of the briefing was dedicated to discussing the regulation of social media content. Rehman informed the committee that PTA receives an average of 500 complaints daily regarding content on social media platforms. In response to these complaints, PTA actively engages with platforms to have inappropriate or illegal content removed. According to the PTA Chairman, around 80% of flagged content is successfully removed, while the remaining 20% continues to be accessible. This statistic underscores PTA’s ongoing efforts to regulate content in line with local laws and societal norms, despite the challenges of managing vast amounts of online content.
The discussion also turned to PTA’s authority to block internet access in specific areas, a topic that has stirred debate in recent years. Senator Kamran Murtaza raised concerns about the legal basis for such actions, asking for clarification on the specific legal provisions that allow the government to restrict internet access in certain regions. In response, an official from the Ministry of Information Technology explained that while the law does not explicitly mention regional internet shutdowns, the Ministry of Interior holds the authority to direct PTA to take such actions when necessary.
Rehman elaborated further, stating that the Ministry of Interior has the discretion to instruct PTA to block internet or social media services, a practice that has been ongoing in Pakistan since 2016. He pointed out that these measures, which include internet shutdowns and social media restrictions, have been frequently implemented at the request of various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Interior.
PTA Chairman also questioned the legality of these actions, raising concerns about the long-standing practice of internet shutdowns, which have often been carried out under government orders. He highlighted that such restrictions have been enforced on multiple occasions in response to directives from the Supreme Court and High Courts. These actions were typically aimed at curbing unrest or controlling sensitive situations, further underlining the delicate balance between public safety and internet freedom.
In conclusion, Major General Rehman emphasized that PTA’s actions regarding internet shutdowns, when ordered by the government, are done legally and in accordance with the law. If the government orders a shutdown to remove specific online content or address security concerns, it can legally limit internet access in targeted areas. He reaffirmed PTA’s commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s internet infrastructure remains secure and responsive to both technological advancements and the evolving regulatory landscape.
As Pakistan continues to face the challenges of managing digital space, including the rapid growth of internet usage and social media regulation, PTA remains at the forefront, working to balance the needs of connectivity with the requirements of governance and security.
