Tag: firewall

  • Firewall, VPN blockage necessary to save youth: Tahir Ashrafi

    Firewall, VPN blockage necessary to save youth: Tahir Ashrafi

    Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, while addressing Ulema-e-Mashaikh Convention on November 13, said that “Firewall and blocking of VPNs are necessary steps to save the youth.”

    “You have to take all these steps, including blocking apps, VPNs, or installing firewall if you want to save the younger generation,” said the state-affiliated religious scholar.

    Authorities in Pakistan have taken dramatic steps to control social media, including thee blockage of X (formerly Twitter). Ironically, the Prime Minister of Pakistan also uses X regularly to share his views, which isn’t possible without the use of VPNs.

    In September 2024, the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) clarified that virtual private networks (VPNs) in the country would not be blocked.


    As the government decided to ban the social media platform X in February, the use of VPNs by local internet users witnessed a significant increase in 2024.

    A report by Top10VPN, an independent VPN review website, stated that the demand for proxy networks increased by 131 per cent on Feb 19, two days after X was blocked.

    “Recent news circulating in media about PTA to block VPNs, it is clarified that VPNs are not being blocked in Pakistan,” PTA said in a statement.

    “However, PTA is encouraging all IT companies, software houses, freelancers and banks, etc, to register their IPs for using VPNs so that in case of any disruption, the internet services to these entities are not affected.”

    Users have also complained about the slowdown of the internet ever since the government undertook trial runs of firewall technology, while information technology minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said during a press conference in August that the “use of VPNs was the reason for the slowdown of internet services across the country.”

    However, contrary to the PTA’s earlier clarification, users have reported problems accessing VPNs since last week. ProPakistani reported that their sources confirmed, “unregistered VPNs are being blocked through a firewall and are temporarily blocked for whitelisting.”

    After a controversy over blocking virtual private networks (VPNs) and growing public anger in Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Wednesday rolled out a streamlined process for legitimate users to register their VPNs.

    The PTA held a consultation session on the VPN registration framework yesterday. Representatives from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoIT&T), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan IT Association (P@SHA) attended the session.


     
    According to a statement issued by the PTA, the session aimed to foster a secure environment for the IT and e-commerce sectors in Pakistan.


     
    “The PTA introduced a streamlined VPN registration process, allowing legitimate users to register their VPNs through a new online platform at ipregistration.pta.gov.pk,” the statement further said.

  • Khan’s government was the first to recommend a firewall in 2020

    Khan’s government was the first to recommend a firewall in 2020

    The decision to implement a firewall system was taken by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government in a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on October 22, 2020, Samaa has reported.

    A letter to the Secretary of Information Technology (IT) revealed that the government was preparing to install a national firewall system and make a new chat application like ‘We Chat’ based on the Prime Minister’s decision.

    A letter to the Ministry of Information advised to send the case to the relevant authority to approve national firewall installation.

    ‘’Submit a timeline and progress report on the order of the Prime Minister, and recommendation of other parties should also be presented for its implementation’’ the letter stated.

  • ‘Please do something,’ students push Hamid Mir to file petition against internet disruption

    ‘Please do something,’ students push Hamid Mir to file petition against internet disruption

    The month of August has been the worst for the digital space in Pakistan since February 2024.

    The tech industry has expressed serious concerns about the internet slowdown, warning that it could cost the debt-ridden nation up to $300 million.

    Amid the ongoing issues, senior journalist Hamid Mir took the matter to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), filing a petition through Advocate Imaan Mazari against the internet slowdown.

    Mir argued on behalf of the journalist community, which is struggling to perform its duties due to reliance on connectivity and communication. He further noted that the issue impacts those in e-commerce, students, freelancers, and others.

    The petition also highlights that no prior consultation or deliberation took place between the government and relevant stakeholders before the installation of the firewall, which has contributed to the ongoing struggles of the business and tech community.

    This lack of transparency has fueled doubts and rumours about the nature of the firewall.

    But did Hamid Mir file the petition solely because of the struggles faced by journalists?

    “Frankly speaking, I filed the petition after receiving messages from many students who said they could not leave Pakistan but were finding it difficult to study here,” Mir told The Current, revealing that internet disruptions have also impacted students pursuing online studies, prompting them to seek intervention from the authorities — which Mir decided to do on their behalf.

    “I also face pressure from my own family, who cannot stay in this country anymore. They have asked me to do something to restore internet and social media if we are to remain here,” he explained, reflecting on the growing discontent among the youth.

    Given the current circumstances, the petition argues that installation cannot proceed without consulting relevant stakeholders and that only “reasonable restrictions” may be imposed by law, based on the “principles of necessity and proportionality.”

    The respondents are also asked to provide reports on the firewall’s objectives, status, and impact on citizens’ rights, including details on internet surveillance. Meanwhile, the petition calls for halting the firewall installation and ensuring uninterrupted internet access for citizens until the issue is resolved.

  • Multinational companies plan to leave Pakistan as internet disruptions continue, says PBC

    Multinational companies plan to leave Pakistan as internet disruptions continue, says PBC

    The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) warned on Friday that numerous multinational companies are planning to relocate their offices from Pakistan, with many having already left the country, due to severe internet disruptions.

    “Many multinational companies (MNCs) are either planning to relocate their back offices from Pakistan or have already done so, as the reported imposition of a firewall causes widespread internet disruptions across the country,” the PBC stated.

    Alarm bells went off when the Dubai Chamber of Commerce released a report highlighting that 3,968 Pakistani companies were registered in Dubai between January and June 2024.

    Pakistan ranked second among the top countries whose companies registered in Dubai, signalling an exodus of businesses from Pakistan.

    Hundreds of thousands of skilled and unskilled workers already exist in the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

    “While we struggle with the costs of idle capacity in power generation leading to unemployment and loss of exports and tax revenue, we now have to contend with the threat of idle capacity in the emerging software sector due to poor firewall execution,” lamented the body.

    The tech industry has expressed serious concerns about the internet slowdown, warning that it could cost the debt-ridden nation up to $300 million.

  • Hina Bayat is done with internet shutdowns

    Hina Bayat is done with internet shutdowns

    Since the past few days internet outages have become a serious problem in Pakistan, negatively affecting daily life and business.

    Actress Hina Bayat posted a video on instagram with the caption “Aapko Khuda ka waasta humari qaum per reham karain ”.

    The star went on to say, “On one hand, we cry about our deteriorating economy, and then the government claims it is working to improve it. Yet, on the other hand, they shut down the internet, which directly affects people’s businesses. I’m worried that shutting down the internet will take away people’s jobs and livelihoods. What’s the point of doing this? Are you trying to protect yourself out of fear? But it’s actually harming our country’s economy and businesses. It feels like you’re trying to destroy Pakistan, which is what our enemies want. I’m asking the government, army, and judiciary to please be fair and do what’s right.”

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Hina Bayat (@hinakhwajabayatofficial)

  • No, Khawaja Asif, there are no global firewalls to restrain social media

    No, Khawaja Asif, there are no global firewalls to restrain social media

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that safety firewalls are being implemented to ensure checks and balances on uncontrolled social media sites. He made this statement during his appearance on the talk show ‘Faisla Aap Ka’ with journalist Asma Sherazi.

    ‘’Everything will be fine after some days,’’ he said.

    Khawaja Asif added that developed, democratic countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) also have protective systems to filter out content and websites deemed anti-state and anti-society.

    “Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also have filters or use different technologies to address spam, phishing attacks, and other unwanted content, but these are all private companies,” explains Jason Pielemeier, the executive director of the US-based Global Network Initiative (GNI), in a conversation with Geo Fact Check.

  • ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    ‘It’s not possible’; Reporting in internet-challenged Pakistan

    With the primary shift from newspapers to television channels and now to digital media applications, the dissemination of information has become increasingly competitive for newsrooms, with the latest updates just a click away.

    “Delays can be managed with newspapers, but today everything is in your hands—specifically, mobile phones,” says Raees Ansari, Bureau Chief of Geo News in Lahore.

    “Every single second is crucial in reporting now; some footage needs to be sent and put on air instantly. But due to poor network conditions and slow WhatsApp, content is not being sent on time, which is affecting our professional activities,” he reveals.

    Over the past week, internet users across Pakistan have reported network disruptions, with WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram experiencing slowdowns, hindering online activities. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied any connection between these issues and the alleged firewall installation.

    Since the ban on X (formerly Twitter) on February 17, 2024, many have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The ongoing disturbances, however, have complicated internet usage, which is crucial for a number of professions.

    Sumaira Raja, an investigative reporter, who is mostly found out on the field, complains of encountering issues with not only the internet but also phone signals which often prevents her from conveying news on time.

    “I also experience delays with receiving beepers, as head office frequently reports that the number is not available due to poor signals. This situation makes it very difficult to do my job. I’ve tried using a VPN, but it hasn’t worked,” Raja says.

    Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani recalls when javelin champion Arshad Nadeem returned to Pakistan on August 17 after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, all the visuals sent through WhatsApp by reporters were delayed, and they struggled to download them unless they used a VPN.

    “This situation is very challenging and affects our workflow. When reporters are working on a story or covering an event, they need to stay connected with the desk. We usually rely on voice notes to pass instructions, but since we started encountering this issue, we are struggling with that method too,” he says.

    “We have been told that the network disruption is because of the firewall installation. While things are becoming easier around the world, it has been getting harder for us. Everything is happening with the help of technology and the current situation is a major challenge.” says Ansari.

    What’s happening?

    A highly placed source in the IT industry identifies that filtering of content delivery networks (CDNs) through Firewall is causing content to be routed via internet backbone rather than CDNs.

    “This means that around 4 TBs of internet traffic previously served through CDNs, hosted in Pakistan, is becoming ineffective. When all traffic goes on backbone bypassing CDNs, it’s causing massive slowdown at many western destinations that’s happening now,” he explains.

    Recently, Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelance services, warned clients that Pakistani freelancers may experience delays due to internet issues and the use of VPNs to change their locations.

    “Brace for impact. God save the internet in Pakistan”, says the IT expert.

    Background

    It all started on February 17, 2024, about a week into the new government, when X (formerly Twitter) was banned.

    Initially, amid the uproar, the government remained silent on the matter while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seemed aloof until the High Courts of Sindh and Islamabad intervened. The PTA eventually admitted that the ban on X was imposed on the orders of the Ministry of Interior based on reports from intelligence agencies.

    The government eventually justified the ban by attributing it to national security concerns, citing ‘digital terrorism‘ and online propaganda as among the threats.

    Earlier in August, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the government is not against social media but wants to focus on rules and regulations, which, if enforced, could lead to the removal of the ban on X.

    The disruption has now extended beyond X, affecting other widely used apps along with the internet.

    Ironically, since the February 2024 election, the new government has emphasised the need to grow the tech industry in Pakistan.

    In March, Lahore Knowledge Park (a science park) was handed over to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority with the approval of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, with the goal of establishing Pakistan’s largest IT city.

    In June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Shenzhen— the tech hub in China— in hopes of future collaboration. Ironically, he posted on X (Twitter), expressing how “impressed” he was by the “city’s skyline and development that symbolizes modern-day China.”

    Given the lack of proper infrastructure in the country amid burgeoning surveillance, how will Pakistan evolve in the rapidly transforming digital world? It remains to be seen – but likely we won’t be able to download it.

  • Social media apps including WhatsApp experiencing slowdowns yet again

    Social media apps including WhatsApp experiencing slowdowns yet again

    Users across various cities in Pakistan are dealing with drastically slow internet. Reports indicate that messaging apps like WhatsApp are also facing slowdowns.

    People are encountering issues with messages not being downloaded on WhatsApp.

    Geo news reports that according to Down Detector, a website that monitors social media app performance, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are among the platforms that have been slow.

  • Turkey blocks access to Instagram

    Turkey blocks access to Instagram

    Many users living in Turkey complained on the X platform that they could not refresh their Instagram feed, an issue verified by AFP journalists.

    On Friday, the BTK communications authority announced on its website that the Meta-owned platform had been blocked.

    It did not give a reason, but a BTK official told Turkish media that it was because of “criminal content” on Instagram that the latter had been asked to withdraw.

    The president’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, had on Wednesday accused Instagram of censure, saying it was “preventing people from publishing messages of condolence for the martyr Haniyeh”.

    Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was killed in Tehran on Wednesday in an attack blamed on Israel.

    Erdogan decreed a national day of mourning in memory of Haniyeh, who played a key role in talks aimed at ending nearly ten months of war in Gaza.

    “This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure,” Altun said on X.

    An anonymous BTK source denied the move was due to Instagram blocking posts about Haniyeh, telling website Medyascope that it was over “insults to Ataturk”, the founding father of modern Turkey, and “crimes” including “drug games (and) paedophilia”.

    He said the platform would be blocked permanently if it didn’t resolve the problem.

    According to Turkish media, 50 million of the country’s 85 million people have an Instagram account.

    Digital law expert Yaman Akdeniz said the decision had likely been taken by the president’s office or a government ministry.

    He said BTK needed to get the decision approved by a judge, and it was unlikely that a judge would approve it.

    “The censure imposed on Instagram is arbitrary and can be neither explained nor justified,” he said on X.

    The decision to freeze the platform at 03:00 am on Friday sparked derision on other social media networks such as X.

    “Instagram is blocked in Turkey. Life is over,” wrote user “CringeOfMaster” alongside a picture of a grieving man.

    “BTK’s job isn’t to cut off the internet but to get it working faster,” said IT professor Cem Say, noting that Turkey ranked “111th in the world for internet speed”.

    This is not the first time that Turkish authorities have temporarily blocked access to social media sites, notably following attacks.

    Wikipedia was blocked between April 2017 and January 2020 over two articles that alleged a link between the presidency and extremism.

    Although Erdogan’s government is regularly accused of muzzling freedom of expression, the move to stop Wikipedia caused shock because of the huge amount of online information that became inaccessible.

    In April, Facebook owner Meta suspended its Threads social network in Turkey following a decision by authorities there to prevent it from sharing information with Instagram.

  • What is the story behind the recent WhatsApp disruption in Pakistan?

    What is the story behind the recent WhatsApp disruption in Pakistan?

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has downplayed the ongoing issues with WhatsApp services being faced by users in Pakistan, attributing it to a possible “technical glitch”, Geo News has reported.

    Problems arose a few days ago when users reported difficulty in sending and receiving media files, such as voice notes, photos, and videos, on WhatsApp using their mobile networks.

    Complaints included media files either taking too long to download or not downloading at all, with some users receiving the following message from WhatsApp: “Couldn’t download document. Try again. If the problem keeps happening, try connecting to Wi-Fi.”

    In the last 24 hours, Downdetector, a global platform that monitors problems with websites and online applications, has continued to receive reports regarding WhatsApp’s outages in Pakistan.

    Telecom companies confirmed the issue to Geo News but did not comment further on the reasons behind it.

    Interestingly, Usama Khilji, the director of Bolo Bhi, an advocacy forum for digital rights in Pakistan, suggested that the WhatsApp disruptions could be linked to the recent installation of the government firewall.

    Khilji added that the complete lack of transparency regarding the firewall system being installed was “criminal.”

    PTA spokesperson Malahat Obaid denied any issues with WhatsApp, saying, “There is no issue with WhatsApp or any social media apps currently. In case anyone has experienced any such issue lately, it may be due to some technical glitch.”