PTA Chairman, Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman, has acknowledged that the practice of blocking internet access in certain areas is a “legal grey area,” urging the ministries of law and interior to provide clarity on its legality. Speaking at a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on Wednesday, January 1, Rehman revealed that internet shutdowns have been a common practice in Pakistan since 2016, but only recently has the legality of such actions come under scrutiny.
Rehman’s statement came in response to questions from committee members regarding PTA’s authority to impose internet shutdowns, particularly when ordered by the Ministry of Interior. Senator Kamran Murtaza and Senator Humayun Mohmand raised concerns over the legal framework governing internet restrictions and the blocking of social media platforms, questioning whether such actions were within the bounds of Pakistani law.
Senator Murtaza specifically challenged PTA Chairman, asking which law empowered the regulator to block internet services. Rehman responded by explaining that while the law does not explicitly allow PTA to block internet access in specific regions, it does give the Ministry of Interior the authority to instruct PTA to block content or services when necessary. However, he conceded that the law did not provide a clear legal framework for regional internet shutdowns.
In light of these concerns, Senator Murtaza called for a detailed legal framework to be provided to the committee, ensuring clarity on the government’s powers in restricting internet services. Committee Chairman Senator Palwasha Khan echoed these concerns, raising issues about the slow internet speeds across the country and the legal ambiguities surrounding internet shutdowns and content blocking. Khan emphasized the urgent need for better digital infrastructure to address the growing demand for high-speed internet services.
Rehman acknowledged that slow internet speeds were a pressing issue in Pakistan, and stressed that the expansion of fibre optic networks, or “fiberisation,” was the key to improving internet quality. He explained that fibre optic networks would significantly enhance internet speeds, making them a crucial part of Pakistan’s digital future. However, he pointed out that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the expansion of this network.
On the topic of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Rehman clarified that PTA had not authorized any bans on VPN services. Instead, the regulator initiated the process to register VPN service providers on December 19, 2024, and two companies have already applied for licenses. Rehman emphasized that under the new system, only VPN services provided by licensed companies would be allowed, while unregistered services would be blocked. This move is aimed at reducing anonymity offered by foreign VPN providers, which have raised concerns among authorities due to their potential use in bypassing government regulations.
Rehman explained that by licensing local VPN providers, PTA would be able to monitor VPN traffic more effectively, ensuring compliance with Pakistani laws and regulations. He noted that this measure was part of a broader effort to regulate digital services and increase control over the use of proxy networks.
The committee was also briefed on PTA’s efforts to regulate social media content. Rehman revealed that the authority receives around 500 complaints daily regarding harmful or illegal content on social media platforms. PTA works closely with social media companies to have this content removed, but Rehman acknowledged that there remains a significant gap in enforcement. Despite these efforts, PTA has made strides in moderating content, with many illegal posts being taken down upon request.
The committee concluded the session by calling for clear legal guidelines to govern internet access, content blocking, and the responsibilities of government agencies in managing digital services. As internet usage continues to grow in Pakistan, the committee emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the country’s digital infrastructure evolves in a way that supports both security and innovation.
This ongoing debate over internet regulations, content moderation, and the legality of shutdowns highlights the complexities of managing digital services in Pakistan. As the country navigates these challenges, clarity from the Ministry of Law and Interior will be crucial in defining the legal boundaries for PTA’s actions moving forward.
