ISLAMABAD: Omar Ayub, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, on Thursday voiced worries about the “Digital Nation Pakistan Bill,” cautioning against its potential negative effects on press liberty and civil liberties.
Introduced a day prior, the bill suggests revisions to the nation’s current cybercrime legislation and advocates for stricter penalties for the dissemination of false information. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a new regulatory body endowed with substantial authority, including the power to limit or entirely obstruct access to social media platforms.
“Fifty-six percent of Pakistanis do not have access to the internet or digital skills, and this bill disproportionately impacts these vulnerable populations,” Ayub remarked in his correspondence to the National Assembly.
In light of recent internet challenges in Pakistan, the opposition leader contended that the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill would worsen these issues, stating that such measures would impede progress toward a liberated and accessible digital community in Pakistan.
Non-civilian roles within the IT sector
Ayub also criticized the government for permitting non-civilian roles within the IT sector, asserting that these decisions infringe upon privacy regulations and jeopardize the safety of citizen data.
He referenced previous occurrences to underscore the necessity for transparency and civilian supervision in IT management, highlighting the significance of sustaining public confidence and safeguarding individual freedoms.
