Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Monday criticised the government’s internet restrictions and slowdowns, calling them a “attempt to control and censor” the public, Aaj News reported.
“Roads, highways, and motorways used to be our infrastructure,” he said while addressing the graduation ceremony of Sindh University in Jamshoro.
Bilawal hits out at govt over ‘shutdown of VPN’
“I think it’s our bandwidth, our fibre optic cable, and our wireless internet services in this day and age,” he said, referring to the importance of the internet.
He added there have been attempts in the past to control and restrict people, just as there are now.
“This demonstrates your strength and their fear of you since they do not want you to use the internet to exercise your rights.”
The latest criticism comes as the PPP has increased pressure on the federal government over nationwide internet restrictions.
Bilawal has also previously criticised the government for restricting internet speed and shutting down VPNs.
Pakistan govt begins VPN registration amid internet services disruption
“We haven’t been contacted about the VPN cutoff or the slowing down of internet speed, “ he recently stated, adding: “The decision makers are unaware of the ABC of VPN.”
He stated that new regulations should be explained if the government was consulted on the VPN.
“This is the age of internet speed,” Bilawal stated.
“The government claimed to be offering 4G service to the public, but the internet speed is brittle; it appears that only 3G internet service is being offered.” He also mentioned that the speed of the internet has slowed.
Bilawal highlighted in his speech today that young people must stand up for their rights and voice their aspirations.
“We will have to raise awareness and fight for our rights.” ’
“History demonstrates how the state takes away people’s rights when they are granted.”
According to the PPP chairman, a “digital bill of rights” is necessary, and the country’s students and youth must collaborate to draft it.
“We need to work towards a digital bill of rights for our time,” he stated.
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