Opp Leader Omar Ayub takes Jab at Digital Nation Pakistan Bill

ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Aynb, on Thursday took a jab at the “Digital Nation Pakistan Bill,” noting it could adversely impact press freedom and civil liberties.

The bill, introduced on Wednesday, proposed amendments to the country’s existing cybercrime laws while tightening penalties for disinformation. Moreover, it proposed the creation of a new regulatory authority with extensive powers, including the ability to partially or fully block social media platforms.

“Fifty-six percent of Pakistanis lack access to the internet or digital literacy, and this bill disproportionately affects these marginalized groups,” Omar Ayub wrote in his letter to the National Assembly.

Recalling Pakistan’s recent trouble with the internet, the opposition leader said the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill would only exacerbate those issues, adding that such measures would hinder the growth of a free and open digital society in Pakistan.

Non-civilian appointments in IT sector

Omar Ayub also called out the government for approving non-civilian appointments in the IT sector, noting that these appointments violate privacy laws and compromise citizens’ data security.

Referring to previous examples, he emphasized the need for transparency and civilian oversight in IT governance to protect public trust and rights.