‘Use internet less’ and for ‘important matters’ only: Govt official

Analysts say that internet issues stem from government testing a 'firewall' to gatekeep social media content
No internet sign can be seen on a phone in Karachi, on July 13, 2024. — Gadinsider

No internet sign can be seen on a phone in Karachi, on July 13, 2024. — Gadinsider 

With no clear resolution to the government-declared internet crisis in Pakistan, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division Syed Sajid Mehdi on Sunday proposed a remedy for the ongoing internet disruptions.

For internet users struggling to have reliable and strong connections for months, he suggested that they should “use the internet less” and for “important matters only”.

Besides the government claiming to making significant strides to restore the internet services, users across Pakistan continue to face sporadic disruptions in accessing internet as well as social media platforms.

These problems prompted individuals unable to conduct nominal communication using the internet, including the exchange of multimedia messages on WhatsApp and commonly used messaging platforms.

Despite the stalwarts in the IT sector vocally criticising the government's indifferent stance on the internet problems, terming it a move to monitor “propaganda or terrorism” in cyberspace.

On the other hand, digital analysts noted that these issues stemmed from the government testing and installing a “firewall” to keep a check on social media platforms and block content disclosing its wrongdoings or not in line with its narratives. 

This includes photos or videos of political rallies posted on commonly used social media platforms.