Between January 11 and February 7, 2025, Pakistan continued to experience internet disruptions and censorship, as well as policy developments that severely impacted digital rights. Major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore saw heightened restrictions, with social media throttling and content censorship, particularly during political protests and demonstrations. Journalists and digital rights activists faced increasing pressure as the government introduced stricter regulations on online content.

The passage of a controversial law criminalizing “misleading” online content sparked nationwide protests, led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). Meanwhile, ongoing internet slowdowns forced several multinational companies to reconsider operations in Pakistan, raising concerns about economic impacts.

Between January 1-10, 2025, Pakistan faced significant internet disruptions across 15 regions, severely impacting connectivity and digital access. Karachi, Islamabad, and Kashmir experienced heavy censorship, including social media bans and throttled internet and data networks. Protests, political events, and security operations drove many shutdowns, with localized disruptions in Gwadar and Swat.

A major submarine cable fault on January 2 caused nationwide slowdowns, crippling e-commerce and affecting critical infrastructure. Despite mitigation efforts, such as additional bandwidth, the incident exposed vulnerabilities within Pakistan's digital infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for improved internet stability and protection of digital rights.