Pakistan Ranks Among Top Nations for Internet Shutdowns in 2024: Report

Pakistan recorded 21 internet shutdowns in 2024, marking its highest-ever annual total, according to the latest report by Access Now’s #KeepItOn coalition. This alarming increase places Pakistan among the top three countries imposing internet restrictions globally, following Myanmar and India. The trend highlights a concerning trajectory for digital rights, press freedom, and economic stability in the country.

A Pattern of Increasing Digital Censorship

Since 2016, Pakistan has enforced 77 internet shutdowns, with 2024 standing out as the worst year yet. Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Counsel, Shruti Narayan, described these shutdowns as indicative of the “ongoing erosion of democratic values” in the nation. The repeated curtailment of digital access, particularly during politically sensitive periods, raises serious concerns about the government’s intent and its commitment to free expression.

Shutdowns in Pakistan have primarily been imposed during political protests, security operations, and sensitive electoral moments. While officials often justify these disruptions as necessary for maintaining law and order, the broader implications point to an effort to suppress dissent and control narratives. The Pakistani government has increasingly mirrored India’s approach to digital censorship, where internet blackouts have become routine, especially in regions like Kashmir.

Economic Toll: A Billion-Dollar Problem

Internet shutdowns carry devastating economic consequences. According to a January report by Top10VPN.com, Pakistan suffered economic losses amounting to $1.62 billion due to digital restrictions in 2023. This loss is even greater than that experienced by war-torn countries like Sudan and Myanmar, underscoring the severe impact on Pakistan’s digital economy.

The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has warned that the IT sector incurs losses of over $1 million per hour during internet disruptions. With Pakistan striving to establish itself as a digital economy hub, frequent blackouts threaten investor confidence and deter international clients from engaging with local tech firms.

Moreover, small businesses, freelancers, and e-commerce platforms are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions. Many Pakistani professionals rely on global platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to conduct business. Internet shutdowns not only lead to revenue losses but also damage Pakistan’s reputation in the global IT outsourcing market.

Press Freedom and Public Communication Under Siege

Internet Shutdowns in 2024

Apart from economic setbacks, internet restrictions severely undermine press freedom and public communication. Journalists and media organizations struggle to report timely and accurate news, leading to a surge in misinformation. Social media blackouts, as highlighted in the Access Now report, have been instrumental in restricting access to alternative viewpoints, furthering state control over information.

The global trend of platform-specific restrictions has also hit Pakistan. In 2024 alone, 71 platform blocks were recorded across 35 countries. Popular platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Signal were frequently restricted, preventing users from verifying facts and accessing real-time updates.

Global Context: Pakistan in a Growing List of Offenders

Pakistan’s internet shutdown numbers align with a broader international trend. In 2024, 296 internet shutdowns were recorded worldwide across 54 countries, surpassing the 283 shutdowns in the previous year. Conflicts, political crackdowns, and electoral manipulations have been primary drivers. India, leading with 84 shutdowns, remains the worst offender among democracies, followed closely by Myanmar with 85. Pakistan’s increasing reliance on such measures suggests a disturbing normalization of digital repression.

The Need for Urgent Reform

The consequences of internet shutdowns go beyond temporary connectivity issues. These restrictions undermine democratic processes, curtail press freedom, and cripple economic progress. Access Now has urged Pakistani authorities to abandon digital censorship strategies such as VPN blocking, firewall restrictions, and mobile network shutdowns.

As the nation grapples with economic instability and political turmoil, ensuring uninterrupted internet access is vital for transparency, economic resilience, and global credibility. Pakistan must reconsider its approach and adopt policies that promote digital freedoms rather than stifle them. Failing to do so will not only damage the country’s global standing but will also weaken its potential for economic and technological growth.

The government must recognize that internet shutdowns are not merely technical disruptions—they are barriers to democracy, economic progress, and fundamental human rights.