*This article is originally published in the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory May 2024 Report.
Overview
Digital policy has emerged as a distinct area of policy focused on the intersection of digital technologies and politics. This field encompasses decisions that have local, national, regional, and global implications due to the interconnected nature of digital issues. Negotiations in global digital policy involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including standardization bodies, Internet companies such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), non-governmental organizations, states, and activists. These discussions take place in forums like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and conferences organized by the Internet Society, reflecting a shift in the landscape of policy-making towards addressing digital challenges and opportunities on a global scale. Briefly, Digital policies are the rules and regulations that govern how we use, create, and share digital information and technologies. They affect everything from our online privacy and security, to our access to the internet and digital literacy, to our participation in the digital economy and society. Digital policies are not static, but constantly evolving in response to the changing needs and demands of the digital world. But who decides what these policies should be? And how do they reflect the interests and values of the people they affect?
One of the factors that influence digital policies is politics. The political environment, especially during the election, can have a significant impact on how digital policies are shaped, implemented, and enforced. For example, political parties may have different agendas and vision(s) for the digital future of their country, and political actors may also try to manipulate or censor digital information, or interfere with the functioning of the Internet, to gain an advantage or suppress dissent.
This essay aims to explore how election(s) in 2024 impacts the digital policies of Pakistan, a country that has a vibrant and diverse digital landscape but also faces many challenges in ensuring open and equitable Internet access for all. We will examine general elections in 2024 that may affect the development and implementation of digital policies in Pakistan, and what implications this may have for the rights and opportunities of Internet users in Pakistan. This essay will also discuss how youth can play a role in advocating for digital policies that are inclusive, transparent and democratic.
Overview of Pakistan’s Geography, Demography, and Governance
Elections 2024
In early 2024, Pakistan witnessed significant electoral events that shaped its political landscape. The National Assembly elections held on February 8 saw a closely contested outcome with no party securing a clear majority. Subsequently, Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leader of an eight-party coalition, leading to his appointment as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Two major political parties in Pakistan, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), reached a formal agreement to form a new government after a controversial election. The PML-N led the government with support from the PPP as a coalition partner. The aim of the coalition was to address the country’s economic crisis. Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N became the Prime minister for a second term with the backing of the PPP, while Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP served as the coalition’s candidate for the Presidency. This coalition represented a strategic political alignment to address pressing national issues. On the March 9 Presidential election, Zardari secured a second term as President with 411 votes, defeating his opponent Mehmood Khan Achakzai who received 181 votes. Following this, the Senate election on April 2 resulted in Yusuf Raza Gilani assuming office as the Chairman of the Senate on April 9, 2024, with Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar administering the oath during a session at Parliament House in Islamabad. These electoral outcomes collectively defined the current leadership and legislative composition within Pakistan’s government.Pakistan, situated in South Asia, shares borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China is home to a diverse population of approximately 220 million people. The country grapples with economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, gender disparities, and youth unemployment. Its political landscape features multiple parties including PTI, PML-N, and PPP within a parliamentary democracy, where legislative power resides in the National Assembly. The federal government, led by the Prime Minister, operates alongside the President as the head of state, overseeing four provinces, each with its government managing health and education. Local governments focus on municipal services and community development. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) shapes Pakistan’s digital policies, aiming to create a robust digital ecosystem facilitating innovative digital services and content delivery. This reflects a comprehensive shift towards ICT as a catalyst for socio-economic development. The regulatory environment emphasizes digital inclusion, innovation, and transparency in its practices, driving the nation’s evolving technological landscape.
Regulatory Regime/Environment
The evolution of regulatory practices focuses on moving away from traditional methods, towards encouraging digital inclusion, innovation, transparency, and openness as the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are evolving fast and so is the regulatory landscape. The goal is to create flexible regulatory frameworks that can navigate the complexities of the digital world, ensuring that regulations support rather than impede technological advancements and societal progress.
Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory body responsible for overseeing the Internet and mobile industry is the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Though it plays a vital role in policy implementation, the PTA has faced scrutiny for actions that challenge Internet freedom, including non-transparent content removal and broad bans on platforms.
Pakistan has a significant record of internet disruptions, especially during times of political unrest. In 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country experienced a four-day blackout, and social media applications have reportedly been blocked on more than six occasions in the last year alone. Pakistan is ranked third globally for imposing nationwide restrictions. Concerningly, these measures were implemented without any prior warning or explanation from the PTA, the regulator for telecom and internet services. This lack of transparency and accountability raises serious questions about the rule of law and Pakistan’s efforts to foster its digital economy.
Press Coverage
On election day in Pakistan, mobile calls and data services were suspended nationwide by authorities. The Interior Ministry cited terrorism incidents as the reason behind this drastic measure. This suspension had a direct impact on voters, making it difficult for them to locate polling stations and coordinate with family members during this important civic process. This move significantly affected overall accessibility and communication. The decision faced criticism from various quarters, with PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urging immediate restoration of services. Despite these challenges and criticisms, the election proceeded under heightened security at polling stations, as the country remained on high alert.
Internet Shutdowns and Political Events
Leading up to the 2024 elections, Pakistan experienced a series of Internet shutdowns involving mobile networks and Internet blockades. These disruptions have sparked concerns about their potential impact on citizen communication and information access during crucial political events such as elections.
Before 2009, there was no standardized process for shutting down mobile networks in Pakistan, significantly affecting telecom companies’ relationships with the government. In 2009, the MoITT directed PTA to establish a formal procedure, which was not fully implemented until 2012. Under the new process, any request to shutdown a network must be verified by the PTA. Authorized law enforcement agencies can make these requests, but their identities are kept confidential. A designated person from an authorized agency submits the shutdown request to the PTA. Telecom operators in Pakistan are legally required to comply with PTA’s orders to shut down networks, as specified in their operating licenses. Overall, the PTA Director General of Enforcement is the only authorized person to handle network shutdown requests in Pakistan, ensuring a more organized and transparent process compared to the previous ad hoc approach.
On March 6, 2024 Dawn news published that PTA conceded that the Ministry of Interior had issued instructions to suspend mobile services on February 8, the polling day. In a reply submitted before the Sindh High Court (SHC), the authority asserted it was bound to follow instructions.
The Intersection of Policies and Electoral Mandates
Elections serve not only as a mechanism for selecting representatives but also as a platform for citizens to express their preferences regarding policies and approaches to governance. Through election campaigns, political parties articulate their manifestos, delineating their vision(s) and policy focuses. The outcomes of elections significantly shape the policy environment, moulding the developmental trajectory of the nation.
Digital Governance Landscape in Pakistan
In 2018, Pakistan unveiled its inaugural ”Digital Pakistan policy” aimed at strengthening the IT industry through the development of a robust digital ecosystem. Building on this initiative, former Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the ”Digital Pakistan Vision” in December 2019, which aimed to enhance connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, increase investment in digital skills, and promote innovation and tech entrepreneurship. The said Policy aims to achieve several key objectives by 2030, including generating one million additional IT-skilled individuals, increasing IT exports to $30 billion, promoting cloud services for government operations, and ensuring universal Internet access by 2025.
The recent surge in ICT export remittances during July 2023 to March 2024 reflects a significant growth trend in Pakistan’s IT sector. The reported increase of $339 million (17.44%) to $2.283 billion compared to the previous year highlights the sector’s expansion and its increasing contribution to the country’s economy. In particular, a remarkable surge reported in the month of March 2024 with the ICT services export remittances, reaching $306 million, with a YoY growth of 36% from $225 million in March 2023.
According to Topline Securities Research, this growth is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the State Bank of Pakistan’s relaxation of the permissible retention limit in Exporters’ Specialzsed Foreign Currency Accounts from 35% to 50% has encouraged IT companies to repatriate more foreign income. Secondly, a stable Pakistani rupee (PKR) exchange rate has provided further incentive for IT companies to deposit foreign income into local accounts. These policy changes and currency stability have evidently boosted confidence among IT exporters and facilitated increased remittances into the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering youth through modern technology and offering them advanced vocational training. He made these remarks while addressing an event organized by the Ministry of Information Technology on the occasion of International Girls in Information Communication Technology (ICT) Day, which aimed to acknowledge the significant contributions of female entrepreneurs in the field.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has identified several constraints including policy inconsistency, taxation issues and banking hurdles that are hampering the country’s information technology sector and its potential to export around $15 billion.
The policy also focuses on improving Pakistan’s rankings in ICT indices, enhancing e-literacy, and making the country a global technology hub. Additionally, efforts are being made to incorporate ICT in public services to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while safeguarding Pakistan’s cyberspace. Key focus areas include E-Governance, ICT Infrastructure, Human Resource Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IT & ITeS Development, and Export.
According to the Inclusive Internet Index 2022, developed by Economist Impact and supported by Meta, Pakistan is positioned at 79th globally, and holds the last position among 22 Asian countries. The overall score is adversely affected by low rankings in both Availability and Relevance, with Pakistan being last in Asia in both the categories. On the positive side, with an overall rank of 63, Pakistan exhibits its strongest performance in Affordability. This improvement is primarily attributed to enhancements in the competitive environment, specifically the increased market share of broadband operators.
Government Restrictions and Controversial Events
On February 8, 2024, the PTA denied receiving instructions to restrict Internet access during the general elections and assured uninterrupted Internet services. However, the caretaker federal government suspended mobile phone and data services across Pakistan on election day, causing disruptions, as reported by multiple news agencies. Despite this, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) claimed to have been ready for mobile phone service and Internet suspension on polling day, ensuring minimal difficulties for their supporters. The United States State Department (USSD) expressed concern over election-related violence and restrictions on internet and cellular access during the general elections in Pakistan, as reported by Dawn on February 9, 2024.
Internet and cellular phone services were suspended on Election Day in Pakistan, causing data-based businesses to report losses and affecting supply-chain operations. The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics reports that a 24-hour suspension of Internet services results in a financial loss of 1.3 billion rupees ($15.6 million), which amounts to a significant 0.57% of the nation’s average daily gross domestic product (GDP). As the third largest hub for freelance workers globally, frequent disruptions have the potential to halt years of progress and create uncertainty among foreign clients. In today’s interconnected world, digital access is essential for innovation and progress, and deliberate interruptions hinder these advancements rather than supporting them.
On February 10, 2024, NetBlocks, a global internet watchdog, reported a significant disruption of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) across Pakistan, which coincided with a nationwide shutdown of Internet and cellular phone services during the polling process in Pakistan. Authorities attributed this move to “maintain law and order” after violence occurred the day before. However, Amnesty International criticized the suspension as a “reckless attack on people’s rights”. Experts and political stakeholders, particularly the PTI (a political party heavily reliant on social media platforms for its electoral campaign), also expressed concerns.
Frequent disruptions to telecommunication services during protests, elections, and holidays continue to be a trend in Pakistan. Section 54 of the Pakistan Telecommunications Act, 1996 grants authorities with the power to suspend Internet services. Section 54 states: “During a war or hostilities against Pakistan by any foreign power or internal aggression or for the defence or security of Pakistan, the federal government shall have preference and priority in the telecommunication system over any licensee. Upon proclamation of emergency by the President, the Federal Government may suspend or modify all or any order or licences made or issued under this Act or cause suspension of operation, functions or services of any licensee for such time as it may deem necessary provided the federal government will compensate any licensee whose facilities or services are affected by any action” . Despite its intended use during a state of emergency, routine invocations have led to legal challenges, with courts affirming the PTA’s authority to suspend services
Internet and Digital Policies and Regulations
The “Digital Pakistan Policy (Pakistan 2025 – One Nation One Vision)” outlines a comprehensive vision for leveraging ICTs to drive socio-economic development. Key objectives include developing a holistic digital strategy to deliver innovative digital services across sectors, promoting technology integration in education, healthcare, and agriculture, and expanding e-commerce through improved Internet access. The policy also emphasizes empowering youth, women, and girls through ICTs, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the IT sector, and enhancing digital inclusion to bridge urban-rural and gender divides. Additionally, the policy aims to boost software exports, improve Pakistan’s ICT ranking, promote e-governance for transparency and efficiency, attract foreign investment in IT industries, and ensure digital accessibility for persons with disabilities through standardization efforts.
This comprehensive digital policy envisions harnessing ICTs to drive economic growth, foster innovation, bridge digital divides, and enhance governance in Pakistan. It encompasses strategies to empower marginalized populations, spur entrepreneurship, and position Pakistan as an attractive destination for IT investment. By promoting digital inclusion and e-governance while addressing accessibility and standardization challenges, the policy aims to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and position it as a leader in the global digital economy.
Advocacy and Protection of Digital Rights
The Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR) has presented a comprehensive agenda urging political parties in Pakistan to prioritize critical issues related to digital rights and media freedom in their electoral manifestos. These include(s) amending and ensuring effective implementation of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, to enhance the safety and protection of journalists and media professionals. Additionally, the agenda emphasizes the importance of ensuring freedom of expression and media access, which are fundamental pillars of a democratic society.
Furthermore, the agenda calls for the implementation of media industry reforms aimed at fostering a more open and transparent media environment. It also highlights the need to ensure digital accessibility and inclusion to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Lastly, the agenda underscores the importance of upholding data protection laws to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals in the digital age. These initiatives collectively aim to promote a more rights-respecting and inclusive digital landscape in Pakistan, fostering transparency, accountability, and socio-economic development.
Recently, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Pakistani authorities to ensure unhindered reporting and provide nationwide Internet access in the lead-up to general elections. They have specifically called for unblocking the investigative news website, FactFocus.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Pakistan
According to reports from multiple sources, Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks, a 17% YoY increase in 2023. Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky highlighted this alarming trend, revealing that nearly a quarter of Pakistani Internet users were affected by online threats during the same period. This surge primarily impacted the banking sector, with over 50% of users targeted by cybercriminals using malware, trojans, and ransomware. Discussions at Kaspersky’s Cyber Security Weekend emphasized the importance of addressing security concerns related to emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Pakistan’s geopolitical dynamics and digital transformation contribute to escalating cyber threats, driven by advancements in AI adoption among cybercriminals. As attackers leverage AI to enhance the sophistication of their strategies, collaborative efforts among governments, cybersecurity firms, and businesses are essential to bolster cybersecurity frameworks and safeguard digital assets and infrastructure. Through proactive measures, Pakistan can navigate the evolving threat landscape and strengthen its position in the global cybersecurity domain.
The Government of Pakistan has issued a cyber security advisory titled “Pakistan’s Digital Blackout — Fake Propaganda and Response Initiative at Financial Sector” to address escalating cyber threats to the nation’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). The advisory underscores the importance of a resilient national cyberspace and CII in safeguarding national security and economic stability, emphasizing the urgent need for robust cyber security frameworks due to vulnerabilities in cyber security measures and best practices implementation.
Recent incidents targeting Pakistan’s.gov.pk domain and critical websites in government, defense, aviation, and banking sectors have been accompanied by false propaganda, causing disruption and confusion. Analysis of the dark web indicates ongoing threats from multiple hacker groups focusing on Pakistan’s financial and banking sectors. The government urges federal ministries, divisions, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance and the banking sector, to implement robust cyber security measures.
Previous advisories have been issued to enhance awareness and preparedness, including ones focused on preventing financial/phishing scams and impersonation of government officials. The government has directed ministries, divisions, and the SBP to caution affiliated entities and implement necessary cyber security measures to mitigate imminent threats. Specifically, the SBP is instructed to promptly disseminate information to the banking sector and provide compliance certificates to the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB) of the Cabinet Division.
On February 8, 2024, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet granted approval for an additional budget of Rs10 billion for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. This funding, allocated under the ”Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative”, aims to bolster the government’s cybersecurity measures in response to the escalating cyber threats faced by Pakistan. These developments underscore the growing importance of cybersecurity in Pakistan and the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure and Internet users from cyber threats.
Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Governance Post-Election
As of March 21, 2024, Pakistan’s digital governance landscape has demonstrated remarkable progress, notwithstanding several challenges. Notably, the country has achieved a commendable Internet penetration rate, encompassing 45.7% of the population. In January 2024, Pakistan had approximately 111.0 million Internet users, representing a penetration rate of 45.7% of the total population. This marked an increase of 24 million users (27.1%) compared to January 2023. Despite this growth, around 131.8 million people in Pakistan remained offline at the beginning of 2024, indicating that 54.3% of the population did not use the Internet. It’s important to acknowledge that Internet usage data can be complex to collect and analyze, and published figures may not fully reflect the actual adoption and growth trends, which could be higher than reported due to data collection timelines and methodologies. This milestone has significantly improved access to information, e-commerce platforms, and online services, thereby bolstering socio-economic development. Moreover, the mobile connectivity landscape has witnessed substantial expansion, with 188.9 million cellular mobile connections covering 77.8% of the population. Mobile networks have played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the Pakistan Citizens’ Portal (PCP) in September 2020 to address public complaints through a comprehensive grievance redressal system. The PCP allowed citizens to lodge complaints via various channels such as a smartphone app, website, e-mail, or toll-free number, with all government departments connected and monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office. Open courts were also held to receive complaints, which were resolved within a specified timeframe and transparently to ensure timely redressal of complaints.
During the inauguration in Islamabad, PM Khan highlighted Pakistan’s potential and stressed the importance of citizens owning the system for a ‘Naya Pakistan’. He praised the indigenous development of the portal app, signaling a shift towards accountability. The PCP aimed to improve governance by enabling the government to assess ministry performance and gather public feedback for policy-making, empowering overseas Pakistanis and enhancing public sector accountability. Simultaneously, the Ehsaas Program, initiated in 2019, complemented the PCP by addressing citizen concerns through its poverty alleviation initiatives, including Ehsaas Emergency Cash and Ehsaas Kafalat, which expanded coverage to 10 million people by 2021 amidst international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the financial domain, there has been a noticeable shift towards digital payments, with the rising popularity of mobile wallets and online banking services contributing to financial inclusion. The introduction of Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, signifies a significant leap towards a cashless economy. Raast was launched by then Prime Minister Imran Khan on 11 January 2021. Raast is an initiative led by the State Bank of Pakistan, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Karandaaz Pakistan, developed with World Bank assistance.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is flourishing, particularly in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and health tech. Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has seen significant growth with government support, including structured incubators for mentorship and resources, a three-year tax relief policy, and regulations encouraging local venture capital investment. Initiatives like the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) provide equity-free grants to startups, fostering innovation and economic development in the tech sector. These measures aim to boost entrepreneurship and drive economic growth within Pakistan’s startup landscape.
Looking forward, post-election scenarios may prompt potential shifts in digital governance strategies and priorities. Election results could influence policy-making and regulatory frameworks governing the digital domain. Stakeholders must adapt and align with any changes to sustain momentum in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. The new government faces numerous challenges, including addressing social issues, managing foreign relations, and fostering inclusive governance. The success of the new government depends on its ability to effectively tackle these challenges and work towards the betterment of the nation.
Citizen Engagement
The landscape of e-governance in Pakistan has evolved significantly over the years, driven by a series of policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing digital government-citizen interactions. Starting in the early 2000s, the government established its first e-government directorate in 2002 to facilitate citizen complaints and suggestions. Subsequently, in 2003, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) introduced an electronic ID card system, revolutionizing identity verification for citizens. The launch of the “e-Police” project in 2004 aimed at digitizing police records and improving law enforcement efficiency. In 2005, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) was established to spearhead e-governance initiatives within Punjab province.
In subsequent years, provincial governments took steps to enhance e-governance services. The Sindh government launched the “Sindh Online” project in 2010 to provide online services such as birth and death certificates, property registration, and driving licenses. Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government introduced the “e-Khidmat” project in 2012, focusing on citizen-centric services like passport applications and property registration. The introduction of the “Pakistan Online Visa System” in 2017 facilitated visa applications for foreign tourists and businessmen. The federal government’s “Ehsaas” program, launched in 2018, leveraged digital payment systems to provide financial assistance to vulnerable segments of society. Moreover, the launch of the Pakistan Citizens’ Portal in 2018 revolutionized citizen-government engagement by enabling online complaints and feedback submission. These initiatives collectively highlight Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation and e-governance advancement.
Election outcomes play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of citizen engagement through digital platforms. The integration of social media and online voting mechanisms can significantly influence public participation. Post-election periods must be viewed as critical windows for reinforcing e-governance strategies that align with the democratic aspirations of the populace, ensuring that citizen engagement continues to thrive in an increasingly digital era.
The economic landscape post-Pakistan’s recent elections is marked by significant challenges, including looming external debt obligations totaling $24 billion by June 2024 and a projected external debt of $77.5 billion by the end of 2026. There is an urgent need for additional borrowing of 1.3 trillion rupees to address a 8.2 trillion rupee shortfall. Inflation surged to 28.3% in January 2024, with state-owned enterprises reporting losses of 1.395 trillion rupees during fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Consumer Price Index inflation General, increased to 17.3% on a year-on-year basis in April 2024 as compared to an increase of 20.7% in the previous month and 36.4% in April 2023. On a month-on-month basis, it decreased to 0.4% in April 2024 as compared to an increase of 1.7% in the previous month and an increase of 2.4% in April 2023.
Political unrest and protests across the country pose immediate risks that could deter foreign investment and exacerbate economic turmoil. Additionally, terrorism remains a significant challenge, with 750 recorded attacks last year resulting in 1,524 fatalities, the highest death toll since 2007. Over 23 million children are currently out of school, and poverty rates stand at 40%.
To tackle these challenges, a commitment to democracy and electoral integrity is essential. Building political stability through inclusive governance, strategic reforms, and enhanced security measures is critical for steering the country towards a prosperous and stable future amidst regional complexities.
Youth
Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector is carving a differentiated position as the preferred source for software development, BPO, and freelancing. Pakistan was ranked at number four for freelance development in the world and IT exports have increased 70% during the last three years.
Pakistan, which has about 60% of its 200 million population in the 15 to 29 age group, represents an enormous human and knowledge capital. Pakistan has more than 2000 IT companies & call centers and the number is growing every year. Pakistan has more than 300,000 English-speaking IT professionals with expertise in current and emerging IT products and technologies. More than 20,000 IT graduates and engineers are being produced each year.
Conclusion
The 2024 elections in Pakistan resulted in Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) assuming the role of the Prime Minister through a coalition with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to tackle economic challenges. The election process was marred by Internet disruptions and mobile network shutdowns, impacting voter accessibility. The digital policy landscape in Pakistan, overseen by the MoITT and regulated by the PTA, faces scrutiny for actions that challenge Internet freedom. Despite government initiatives like the “Digital Pakistan Policy” and “Digital Pakistan Vision,” concerns persist about transparency and inclusivity in digital policies, with advocacy groups urging prioritization of digital rights and media freedom.
In the presidential election held on March 9, 2024, Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP secured a second term as President, defeating his opponent Mehmood Khan Achakzai. Following this, the Senate election on April 2, 2024, resulted in Yusuf Raza Gilani assuming office as the Chairman of the Senate on April 9, 2024. Shehbaz Sharif’s appointment as Prime Minister was a strategic move to address the country’s economic crisis, leading an eight-party coalition government with support from the PPP.
Pakistan is confronting escalating cybersecurity challenges, with cyberattacks affecting a significant portion of Internet users, especially in the banking sector. Efforts to counter these threats include issuing a cybersecurity advisory to protect CII from false propaganda and cyber threats, supported by a substantial budget allocation approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet. Despite advancements in digital governance like the Pakistan Citizens’ Portal and Raast instant payment system, challenges remain post-election, including economic instability, political unrest, and terrorism concerns. The country’s youth, comprising a significant demographic, are leveraging a flourishing Information Technology (IT) sector to drive digital transformation and economic growth.
Looking ahead, the new government in Pakistan faces a critical task of addressing ongoing challenges in the digital landscape while leveraging the potential of the youth population. Priorities should include enhancing transparency and inclusivity in digital policies, ensuring Internet freedom, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure. Empowering the youth, who are key stakeholders in the country’s digital transformation, will be vital. Initiatives to foster digital literacy, support entrepreneurship, and encourage innovation in emerging technologies should be prioritized to harness the expertise and energy of Pakistan’s young IT professionals. By embracing these opportunities, the new government can propel Pakistan towards a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous digital future.
Written by Saima Nisar (Edited by Sameer Gahlot)