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Pakistan recorded its highest-ever annual total of 21 internet shutdowns in 2024, as the government increasingly used digital blackouts to suppress opposition and control information, according to a report by digital rights group Access Now. The study, published by the #KeepItOn group, ranked Pakistan third globally for internet restrictions, following India and Myanmar.
Since 2016, Pakistan has experienced 77 internet shutdowns, with 2024 being the worst year so far. Shruti Narayan, Asia Pacific Policy Counsel at Access Now, stated that the frequent disruptions indicate an “ongoing erosion of democratic values” in the country.
These shutdowns have had severe economic consequences, impacting businesses, media, and the public. According to a January report, Pakistan lost $1.62 billion last year due to digital restrictions—a higher loss than countries facing armed conflicts like Sudan and Myanmar. Sajjad Mustafa Syed, chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), estimated that frequent internet outages were costing Pakistan’s IT industry over $1 million per hour.
The #KeepItOn report revealed that 296 internet shutdowns occurred across 54 countries in 2024, up from 283 in the previous year. Governments worldwide blocked access to suppress protests and elections, with ongoing conflicts being a major factor.
In Pakistan, mobile internet services were frequently disrupted during political demonstrations and security operations. The report also highlighted that India led with 84 shutdowns in 2024, bringing its total since 2016 to 855. Myanmar followed with 85 shutdowns—the highest among democratic nations.
The study noted that internet blackouts are now routine in regions like Kashmir, with Pakistan’s restrictions following a similar pattern. Additionally, 71 platform blocks were recorded in 35 countries, affecting access to social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Signal. According to Access Now, these restrictions “amplify misinformation, restrict people’s ability to verify facts, and disrupt everyday life.”
Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Counsel, Shruti Narayan, urged an end to restrictions on digital access, highlighting concerns over mobile internet shutdowns, VPN blocking, and attempts to enforce a firewall on the country’s internet gateways.
“The government must recognize that internet shutdowns are not just about connectivity—they undermine democracy, restrict press freedom, and carry serious economic consequences,” she said.
