Blog Archives

Latest Posts

Monthly

Categories

All Posts in Digital Rights Tracker

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

A terrorism charge has been filed against US-based journalist and YouTuber Imitaz Chandio and two other social media activists by a Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). They have been accused of spreading “false propaganda” and inciting protests in the province over the results of the SPSC examination. Around 30-49 people staged a demonstration outside the commissioner’s office in response to Chandio’s videos on Facebook where he accused officials of corruption and giving jobs to undeserving candidates and called for candidates to protest the headquarters. The FIR includes charges under the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and Anti-Terrorism Act.  

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Affordable 5G hits roadblock

Affordable 5G hits roadblock

Plans to make 5G-enabled smartphones more affordable in Pakistan have been delayed as telecom stakeholders have failed to respond to the government’s proposal. The initiative would allow customers to buy smartphones through instalment plants and help low-income users access 5G. While companies such as Jazz, Ufone and Zong have publicly shown support for the proposal, the Ministry of IT claims some responses are still pending.

May 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Internet disruptions from May 11-18 for PTCL users

Internet disruptions from May 11-18 for PTCL users

PTCL internet users across Pakistan have been warned that they may experience internet slowdowns and service disruptions from May 11 - 18 during evening hours due to maintenance work being conducted on one of the submarine cables. Customers may face degraded internet performance, especially during peak evening hours. 

May 9, 2026 - Comments Off on Instagram removes end-to-end encryption

Instagram removes end-to-end encryption

Meta has ended support for end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) direct messages on Instagram, saying very few users actually used the feature. The update took effect on 8 May 2026. The change means that Meta now has potential access to users' Instagram DMs for moderation, safety checks or legal requests. The company updated support pages earlier this year without making any prior public announcements. Privacy advocates have criticized Meta’s decision arguing that the encryption settings were never easy to find or made widely available. 

 

May 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Fake: UAE is not deporting Pakistani nationals for political reasons

Fake: UAE is not deporting Pakistani nationals for political reasons

The Pakistani government has rejected several social media claims stating that the UAE is deporting Pakistani nationals on the grounds of political reasons. These reports are said to be part of a misinformation campaign that emerged after online posts alleged that deportations were linked to Pakistan’s diplomatic support for and allyship with Iran. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry and Foreign Office have both said that deportations were only related to routine immigration violations such as overstaying visas, illegal employment or incomplete documentation. 

 

May 7, 2026 - Comments Off on Sara Sharif’s abuse report blocked by data laws

Sara Sharif’s abuse report blocked by data laws

Authorities in south England have refused to release a report on Sara Sharif’s case, citing data protection laws. The report is said to contain details pertaining to failures that contributed to the 10-year-old’s death including negligence on part of officials who failed to prevent the abuse and violence towards the child by her father. According to media reports, Sara was subjected to prolonged abuse and should have been given up to her father’s care.

May 7, 2026 - Comments Off on NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has highlighted significant challenges in investigating cybercrime cases, citing limited cooperation from social media platforms as a major barrier. Officials informed a Senate subcommittee that many cases, particularly those involving journalists and digital content creators, remain unresolved or are dismissed due to difficulties in accessing platform data and identifying anonymous users.

Data shared with lawmakers revealed that several cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have faced delays, with some investigations pending for years. Authorities noted that while technical expertise supports part of the investigative process, a substantial portion depends on timely responses from digital platforms.

The issue underscores broader concerns around platform accountability, cross-border data access, and the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement mechanisms, especially as online activity and misuse of anonymous accounts continue to grow in Pakistan.

May 6, 2026 - Comments Off on Punjab Launches AI-Based Sanitation Monitoring System Under “Suthra Punjab” Initiative

Punjab Launches AI-Based Sanitation Monitoring System Under “Suthra Punjab” Initiative

The Punjab government has launched an AI-based sanitation monitoring system under its “Suthra Punjab” initiative, bringing over 176,000 workers and 40,000 vehicles under digital oversight. The system uses camera-equipped motorbikes to detect waste in real time and relay data to a central monitoring platform, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to eliminate political interference in administrative affairs and promote merit-based governance. She emphasised accountability, data-driven decision-making, and strict oversight to prevent corruption and ensure performance standards.

While the project signals a move toward digitised public service delivery, it also raises questions around surveillance, worker monitoring, and data governance in large-scale AI deployments. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s growing adoption of AI in governance and urban management.

May 5, 2026 - Comments Off on NCCIA Crackdown on “Anti-State” Social Media Activity Raises Free Speech Concerns

NCCIA Crackdown on “Anti-State” Social Media Activity Raises Free Speech Concerns

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Punjab as part of a crackdown on alleged “anti-state” social media activity. Authorities stated that those detained were involved in campaigns targeting state institutions, including the military and government officials, and were booked under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.

Officials claim the individuals shared content that could impact public order, with digital evidence reportedly recovered. However, the crackdown has raised concerns about the broad interpretation of “anti-state” content and the potential misuse of cybercrime laws to curb dissent.

Rights groups have previously warned that legal measures targeting online speech in Pakistan have increasingly affected journalists, activists, and political voices. The development highlights ongoing tensions between state regulation of digital platforms and the protection of freedom of expression.

May 5, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) lacks legal authority to determine criminal culpability, declaring its 2025 opinion against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza “null and void.” The court found that the CII overstepped its constitutional mandate by issuing an opinion in a pending blasphemy case, violating Articles 229 and 230 of the Constitution.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised that only courts have the authority to determine criminal liability and that the CII’s intervention undermined the accused’s right to a fair trial under Article 10-A. The ruling also criticised investigative agencies for relying on the Council’s opinion in legal proceedings.

The verdict reinforces the separation of powers and due process, highlighting concerns around the misuse of advisory bodies in criminal cases and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan’s justice system.