Suspension of networks and internet during general elections was a restriction on freedom of expression, report

In its annual report, the Freedom Network said 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.

A Freedom Network report says that e-safety and personal data protection bills will pose a threat to Pakistan’s digital economy.

According to the report, if passed, the bills would oblige Google, Facebook, X and YouTube to provide Pakistani users’ data upon demand by Pakistani authorities, institutionalizing forced censorship.

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