Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing disruptions to internet connectivity in Pakistan, highlighting the significant impacts on the fundamental rights and economic livelihoods of citizens, particularly those in the gig economy.

According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the right to internet connectivity should be considered a fundamental right, not a privilege. The HRCP criticized the government’s efforts to control information flows, starting with the ban of platform X in February 2024, followed by attempts to monitor internet traffic through undisclosed ‘firewall’ and ‘web management system’ technologies. These measures have raised alarms among digital rights activists over potential data privacy breaches, with the government’s lack of transparency and consultation exacerbating the issue.

The HRCP report detailed the plight of hundreds of thousands of gig workers, who rely on stable internet to operate small businesses or freelance, and are now facing severe challenges due to reduced internet speeds amidst an economic downturn. These disruptions are not only affecting their ability to serve customers but also their overall ability to sustain themselves financially.

The commission has called for the government to reassess its approach to cyber-security measures, arguing that they are neither necessary nor proportionate, and to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity.