The PTI has criticized the government for restricting access to virtual private networks (VPNs), labelling it as severely suppressing freedom of expression and information access.
This statement emerged after several users reported VPN connectivity issues over the weekend. Officials described the disruption as temporary and attributed it to a system issue.
Read: VPN Disruptions and Restricted Access Reported in Pakistan
Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI’s central information secretary, vehemently criticized the government’s actions. He highlighted the ongoing restriction on certain platforms and argued that the government should focus on establishing a firewall for security against terrorist threats rather than curbing social media.
Akram accused the authorities of exerting all their efforts to stifle social media to obscure their policies and wrongdoings. He remarked on the government’s misplaced priorities, pointing out their apparent disregard for the country’s future and the well-being of its people.
He criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his associates for seeking international loans while allegedly wasting billions on social media restrictions. Akram referenced the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Web Monitoring System, or firewall, which filters internet traffic and blocks unauthorized sites.
Read: How to Register Your VPN in Pakistan: PTA Requirements
Akram urged the government to redirect the firewall’s use from targeting social media and political rivals to combating terrorism.
The ongoing internet disruptions have severely impacted IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks.
Finally, Akram called on the government to maintain stable internet services and avoid further complicating the nation’s challenges.
