12 hours Ago By Onsa Mustafa
In a strong statement against the proposed Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, Umar Ayub Khan, Leader of the Opposition, has raised critical concerns about the legislation’s potential consequences for the rights, freedoms and privacy of Pakistanis. Through a dissenting note addressed to the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunication in the National Assembly, Umar Ayub highlighted numerous flaws in the bill that he believes could harm the nation’s digital landscape and constitutional freedoms. The dissenting note begins with pressing questions about the integrity and protection of data collected under the proposed legislation.
Umar Ayub emphasized that the lack of a robust data protection framework makes the bill untenable. He argued that passing such a law without ensuring adequate safeguards for personal data would jeopardize the privacy of Pakistani citizens. “Data protection laws are critical for protecting individuals’ rights.
Without such safeguards, the legislation should not move forward,” he remarked. One of the key issues raised in the dissenting note was the digital divide prevalent in Pakistan. Over 56% of Pakistanis are not connected to the internet and lack digital literacy.
Umar Ayub pointed out that the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, with its centralized digitalization mechanisms, risks widening this divide further instead of bridging it. The inclusion of policies such as deep packet inspection (DPI) would complicate matters and impose undue restrictions on digital accessibility. A central critique of the proposed bill is the establishment of entities like the Pakistan Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority.
Umar Ayub cautioned that these entities could be weaponized to suppress freedom of expression and civil liberties. He described the legislation as a “weevil worm” that could undermine the fabric of Pakistan’s democracy and constitutional freedoms. “This legislation has the potential to vacuum all data associated with individuals and use it to build false criminal cases,” he warned.
He also cited examples of past misuse of similar legislation, arguing that such provisions would erode press freedom and stifle dissent. The bill’s reliance on centralized data raised red flags for Umar Ayub. He argued that centralization inherently increases the risk of mass surveillance.
He emphasized the need for protective clauses against unlawful surveillance and avenues for redressal to ensure accountability. “Unlawful surveillance and data misuse can become rampant if this bill is passed without appropriate safeguards,” he wrote. Another major point of contention was the bill’s potential to facilitate internet shutdowns, including on critical days such as elections.
Umar Ayub noted that such shutdowns would also suspend digital IDs, further restricting citizens’ access to essential services. He criticized provisions that would allow internet throttling through firewalls, causing widespread slowdowns and disruptions. Such practices, he argued, would destroy digital infrastructure and severely hamper progress in the digital sector.
The letter concluded with a call for transparency, accountability, and prioritization of citizens’ rights in any digital legislation. Umar Ayub urged the National Assembly to reconsider the bill and incorporate clauses that genuinely protect the rights of Pakistanis rather than impose excessive control. If passed in its current form, the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill would have far-reaching consequences for privacy, freedom of expression, and civil liberties in Pakistan.
Umar Ayub’s dissenting note highlights the growing concerns among policymakers and citizens alike regarding digital governance and data privacy. The legislation has sparked a debate on the balance between technological progress and fundamental rights, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in Pakistan. See Also: PTA Taxes Portal Find PTA Taxes on All Phones on a Single Page using the PhoneWorld PTA Taxes Portal.
