Letters to the Editor
Bytes and Rights: Protecting Pakistan’s Digital Future
Respected Editor,
The government, in its attempt to reinforce cybersecurity through a firewall, has ended up creating obstacles for the country’s IT sector, restraining its growth and potential, as well as other critical areas such as education, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. The slow internet speeds resulting from this measure have hindered online learning, telemedicine, digital payments, and online transactions, ultimately affecting the productivity and efficiency of businesses, remote workers, and individuals alike.
The persistent disruptions have bred a growing sense of frustration and distress among industry leaders, as they struggle to mitigate their damaging effects.
Citizens have turned to the courts for relief, filing petitions in both the Lahore High Court (LHC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC), challenging the government’s internet shutdown as an unlawful infringement on their fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and trade, the right to information and knowledge as well as the right to privacy. The very rights and liberties granted to citizens by the Constitution are being withdrawn by the government.
I call on the authorities to take immediate and effective action to put an end to these internet disruptions and guarantee a reliable, secure, and private online environment for all citizens of Pakistan. To strengthen Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, it’s essential to encourage collaborative policy-making through multi-stakeholder engagement and driving innovation through research and development. Transparency and accountability must be ensured by regularly publishing reports on internet infrastructure, outages, and government actions.
Sincerely,
Tayyabat,Islamabad
[email protected]
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Karsaz Accident: A Call for Stricter Drug and Driving Regulations
Dear Editor,
The recent Karsaz accident, involving Natasha, a young woman reportedly under the influence of drugs, tragically resulted in the deaths of an elderly man and his daughter, Amna. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of drug and driving regulations.
The loss of life due to reckless behaviour is unacceptable. While the specific circumstances are still under investigation, it is evident that both drug abuse and impaired driving are severe threats to public safety. Data consistently shows that drugged driving significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.
To prevent such tragedies, we must call for stricter penalties for drug-related offences and improved screening for impaired drivers. Enhanced public awareness campaigns about the dangers of driving under the influence are also crucial. Authorities should act promptly to implement these measures and ensure justice for victims.