Suspension of internet during general elections was restriction on freedom of expression: Report

In its latest annual report, the Freedom Network states that the shutdown of mobile networks and suspension of the internet during the February 8 general elections was a restriction on access to information and freedom of expression.

The report further highlights that e-safety and personal data protection bills will pose a threat to Pakistan’s digital economy.

If the bills are passed, it will oblige Google, Facebook, X and YouTube to provide Pakistani users’ data upon demand by Pakistani authorities, institutionalizing forced censorship.

Moreover, according to the report, four journalists were killed in Pakistan in 12 months, whereas 104 incidents of harassment of journalists were reported, and more than 70 legal notices were sent to more than 200 journalists and bloggers.