In Pakistan, online surveillance has become a powerful tool for the state and other actors to monitor, control, and silence citizens, especially those who engage in activities deemed subversive or controversial. With the growing use of digital platforms, the government has increasingly expanded its surveillance programs, targeting not only suspected criminals or militants but also ordinary citizens, activists, journalists, and dissenters who dare to question the status quo. The consequences for privacy, freedom of expression, and democracy are profound, as individuals face increasing risks to their security, autonomy, and personal freedoms.
Government Surveillance: Expanding Reach in the Digital Age
The Pakistani government has developed an extensive online surveillance infrastructure under the guise of national security. Laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Cyber Crime Bill have been used to monitor online activities, track digital communications, and collect data on individuals and groups. These laws give authorities sweeping powers to arrest and imprison individuals for online activities, including sharing content critical of the government or religion, or participating in online discussions deemed blasphemous or “anti-national.”
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other state bodies actively monitor internet traffic, access personal data, and force internet service providers (ISPs) to comply with government directives. In doing so, they create an environment of fear where online users are deterred from engaging in free speech or open dialogue, especially on sensitive topics such as the blasphemy laws, religious freedom, and political criticism.
Social Media Censorship and Surveillance
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are heavily monitored in Pakistan.
Authorities frequently issue directives for companies to remove “objectionable” content or suspend the accounts of individuals who express views contrary to the state or religious orthodoxy. As a result, digital platforms become sites of self-censorship where individuals refrain from posting or commenting on anything that could attract unwanted attention from the authorities.
Online dissenters, activists, and journalists are particularly vulnerable to online surveillance. When individuals share content critical of blasphemy laws, government corruption, or military involvement in politics, they can face harassment, doxxing, or cyberbullying, often orchestrated by state-backed or extremist groups. The fear of surveillance drives many users to censor themselves or abandon online platforms altogether.
The Threat of Digital Surveillance to Personal Privacy
Digital surveillance in Pakistan is not only about tracking political dissent but also a profound infringement on personal privacy.
With the rise of mass data collection and surveillance technologies, individuals are at constant risk of their personal communications, locations, and even private thoughts being monitored. Surveillance technologies, including phone tapping, geolocation tracking, and facial recognition systems, are deployed by the state to track and identify individuals involved in activism or social movements.
The lack of privacy laws and transparency in surveillance activities means that citizens, including ex-Muslims, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others in marginalized communities, can be easily targeted for their identity, beliefs, or activities. This creates an environment of vulnerability, where people are forced to live in fear of expressing themselves online.
The Chilling Effect: Fear of Reprisal
The pervasive nature of online surveillance creates a chilling effect on free expression in Pakistan.
Many individuals who might otherwise use the internet to discuss, debate, or organize around issues like blasphemy laws, gender rights, or minority protections are afraid to do so because of the constant fear of government scrutiny.
As a result, discussions around crucial human rights issues, including the rights of ex-Muslims, secularism, and LGBTQIA+ rights, are stifled. Activists, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens are forced to self-censor or operate in secrecy, knowing that their digital footprint could lead to serious consequences — from legal persecution to social ostracism or even violence.
Impact on Activists and Dissidents
For activists fighting against blasphemy laws, Islamization, and religious oppression, online surveillance is a constant threat. The ability to communicate, organize protests, or share information is severely compromised when activists know they are being monitored by the state. As a result, their ability to raise awareness, mobilize supporters, or advocate for change becomes more difficult, as they are forced to operate under the radar or use encrypted channels to protect their identities.
The fear of surveillance also means that many human rights groups, secular organizations, and even religious minorities face a hostile environment where online activism is considered too dangerous or too risky.
The Role of Private Companies in Facilitating Surveillance
Private technology companies operating in Pakistan, including social media platforms and internet service providers, play a crucial role in the surveillance apparatus. Under pressure from the government, these companies are forced to hand over user data and comply with surveillance requests. In some cases, they even proactively monitor users and flag content that may be deemed problematic by the state.
While these companies argue they are merely complying with local laws, their cooperation with government surveillance programs raises serious ethical concerns about the balance between national security and personal freedoms.
The Need for Privacy and Digital Rights
As Pakistan continues to expand its digital surveillance capabilities, there is an urgent need for stronger protections for privacy and digital rights.
The right to privacy, freedom of expression, and the right to dissent are fundamental human rights that must be upheld, both online and offline. Citizens must be able to engage in free and open discussions without fear of government surveillance, harassment, or punishment. Legal frameworks must be put in place to safeguard citizens’ rights and limit the scope of government surveillance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for personal freedoms.