Pakistan is turning into 'Bannistan' with internet firewall

Pakistan is on its way to transform its digital landscape that echoes the stringent internet controls of China, prompting some to call the counrty 'Bannistan', reported TOI.

The Islamic country is testing a China-style internet 'firewall' that could grant the government powers to monitor, throttle, and block online content, sparking concerns over surveillance, censorship, and economic fallout, a report in Aljazeera said.

Sources claim that the project, worth $72-107 million, is part of broader cybersecurity enhancements, but it has already caused disruptions, with citizens reporting degraded internet speeds and throttled services on popular apps like WhatsApp.


The firewall comes at a time of political turmoil in the country. Authorities restricted VPNs—essential for freelancers and businesses—and suspended mobile internet during protests supporting jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was blocked completely, though government officials continued using it to post updates. Protesters claim that the government is using internet controls to suppress dissent and stifle communication.

Why it matters

Pakistan is at an important stage of its digital transformation. While the government touts the firewall as a tool to combat 'digital terrorism' and enhance cybersecurity, many argue it could undermine online freedoms, throttle economic growth, and deepen political repression.

The government, an euphemism for Pakistan's military, has been blaming 'digital terrorism' for spreading misinformation, inciting unrest, and criticizing state institutions.

The system’s ability to monitor internet activity at all levels and selectively block features on apps signals a shift toward an increasingly controlled digital ecosystem.

The narrative of combating digital terrorism increase internet in surveillance and control, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s powers being expanded to include the ability to demand user data without judicial oversight, monitor live streams, and fine platforms for non-compliance. This has turned internet censorship into a tool not just for counter-terrorism but also for controlling political discourse.

The timing of these new tests couldn't be more politically charged. It comes when the country is arresting the supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government's decision to test such an invasive surveillance system has stirred public anger and raised questions about freedom of expression and privacy. The crackdown on VPNs, crucial tools for bypassing internet censorship, especially during these protests, has only amplified the dissent.

Interestingly, the Council of Islamic Ideology deemed VPNs "un-Islamic," exacerbating concerns about government overreach. However, the council’s chairman Allama Raghib Naeemi was quick to retract his statement, citing a clerical error.

The big picture

Censorship under the guise of security
The new firewall reportedly allows the government to block specific app features, such as WhatsApp voice and video calls, rather than entire platforms. This replicates use of power seen in authoritarian regimes like China and Middle Eastern countries, where such granular controls have long been used to curtail free expression, the Aljazeera report said.

This is a level above Pakistan's existing Web Management System (WMS), acquired in 2018 from Canadian firm Sandvine. While the WMS enabled URL filtering and deep packet inspection (DPI), it did not cope with Pakistan’s growing internet traffic. The new Chinese-built system reportedly addresses those limitations, offering more robust surveillance and censorship capabilities.

A key feature of the new system, allows authorities to scrutinise metadata—information about who communicates, when, and where—without decrypting the actual content. While metadata lacks the substance of private messages, experts warn that it can still compromise user privacy and enable profiling.

Internet disruptions and public backlash
Since the middle of 2024, internet users in Pakistan have reported frequent slowdowns, disrupted multimedia services on apps, and blocked VPNs. Authorities cut off internet completely in parts of Islamabad during recent protests. This crippled communication for residents and demonstrators alike.

Digital rights activists, like Farieha Aziz, have tied the firewall’s rollout to the government’s attempts to control political narratives. “This rush seems tied to the current political environment, aimed at controlling the flow of information and narrative building,” Aziz said.

Economic risks
Pakistan's IT sector is growing and there are several freelancers who depend on VPNs for international clients. They now face significant challenges under these controls. Restricting VPN access increases costs, disrupts operations, and undermines the confidence of global partners in Pakistan’s digital reliability.

Freelancers contributed $2.3 billion to Pakistan’s economy last year. They have raised concerns over potential job losses and missed opportunities. “The system risks stifling innovation and productivity, especially for small IT firms that cannot afford additional costs,” said a spokesperson for the Pakistan Freelancers Association.

Lack of transparency
Officials have given several explanations for internet slowdowns. They have blamed excessive VPN usage or submarine cable faults. However, digital watchdogs like NetBlocks and the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) have identified patterns consistent with intentional throttling.

The ambiguity has created mistrust. State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja denied any knowledge of a firewall, calling it an upgrade to the existing WMS. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suggested that the new system would streamline content regulation.

What they’re saying

Digital rights advocates: “Censorship and surveillance we are seeing right now in Pakistan is unprecedented and very sophisticated,” said Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist. “It’s creating frustration in society.”

Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center described the firewall as “a textbook case of shooting yourself in the foot… Both feet in fact.”

“For students and freelancers, VPNs aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity,” said Ahmed Raza, a freelance software developer. “Blocking them would cripple our ability to work and compete globally.”

“This level of monitoring is invasive and sets a dangerous precedent,” said Haroon Ali, a cybersecurity expert. “Once such a system is in place, it’s almost impossible to roll back.”

Pakistan risks alienating international investors and tech companies wary of privacy violations. “Inconsistent connectivity, censorship, and invasive monitoring paint a picture of an unstable digital landscape,” warned Aftab Siddiqui of the Internet Society.

What’s next

Increased surveillance: Analysts predict that the firewall will become fully operational by early 2025, allowing the government to implement more targeted censorship.

Economic implications: IT associations have urged policymakers to reconsider, warning that these policies will jeopardize Pakistan’s digital economy

Civil liberties: The lack of legal safeguards around the firewall’s deployment raises concerns about unchecked state power. Rights groups have called for judicial oversight and legislative transparency to ensure accountability.

The bottom line

Pakistan's shift to strict internet surveillance is similar to the global trends of declining digital freedoms but risks significant economic, political, and social consequences. Without transparency, safeguards, and stakeholder engagement, this experiment with a China-like firewall could leave Pakistan isolated, repressive, and economically stagnant.

The term 'Banninstan' may soon be more than just a metaphor, encapsulating a reality where digital rights are curtailed under the guise of national security and order.