A recent report by VPN and cybersecurity provider Surfshark highlights the severe internet restrictions faced by Pakistan in the first half of 2023.
Pakistan witnessed an alarming rise in global internet restrictions, accounting for three out of 42 new cases tracked by the Internet Shutdown Tracker. These restrictions were imposed in the aftermath of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9.
Social Media Platforms and Cellular Networks Hit
During this period, the people of Pakistan faced limited access to popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Additionally, several days of temporary cellular network interruptions affected the country, causing further disruptions.
Pakistan Ranks Third Globally in Internet Restrictions
Surfshark’s analysis reveals that Pakistan ranked third, preceded by Iran and India, in terms of the highest number of internet restrictions during the first half of 2023. The majority of these restrictions were concentrated in the Asian region, where internet shutdowns have become distressingly common.
Iran suffered the highest number of internet disruptions, with 14 incidents, mainly centered around Zahedan and the Friday protests that emerged following the Zahedan massacre.
India closely followed with nine confirmed instances, most of which were related to various protest events.
Escalating Internet Shutdowns in India
The report also brought attention to two additional instances of internet shutdowns in the region of ‘Jammu and Kashmir,’ apparently sanctioned by the Indian government. If considered as part of India’s count, the total number of internet shutdowns in the country reached 11 within a six-month period.
