Story perspectives

Pakistan Faces Digital Authoritarianism Amid Rising Surveillance

9/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pakistan's civil-military regime is increasing mass surveillance and censorship, influenced by China and other countries.
The Web Monitoring System 2.0 (WMS 2.0) and Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS) allow extensive monitoring of communications without legal safeguards.
Critics claim this surveillance primarily targets journalists and activists, stifling dissent.
Companies from China, the UAE, and Europe are implicated in providing these technologies.
Pakistan must choose between democratic accountability and digital authoritarianism, impacting regional stability.

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Story summary

Pakistan's civil-military regime is increasing mass surveillance and censorship, influenced by China and other countries.
The Web Monitoring System 2.0 (WMS 2.0) and Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS) allow extensive monitoring of communications without legal safeguards.
Critics claim this surveillance primarily targets journalists and activists, stifling dissent.
Companies from China, the UAE, and Europe are implicated in providing these technologies.
Pakistan must choose between democratic accountability and digital authoritarianism, impacting regional stability.