Bytes for All Pakistan

Modern information and communications technologies are now seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. Internet-based communications are no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity, for people across the globe. This is particularly the case in developing countries where, as well as helping individuals communicate, learn and connect, technologies play a vital role in advancing fundamental human rights and fuelling social progress.

Islamabad, Pakistan, 29 October 2012: In recent years, Internet and digital communications have become one of the most important tool for expression, free speech, assembly and upholding democratic principles and human rights in any society throughout the world. In Pakistan, this medium is being used very effectively by different segments of society, especially youth and human rights groups to promote advocacies and strengthen their activism for social change.

Islamabad, October 09, 2012: Bytes for All, Pakistan, is in deep shock on hearing the sad news of a brutal attack on world renowned, 14 year old, peace and human rights activist Malala Yousafzai from Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was a well known fact that her life had been under constant threat for a long time for her women rights work that she was doing in her community. She was attacked today by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a terrorist organization, while she was returning from her school with her schoolmates.

Islamabad, September 18, 2012: Following the release of an anti-Islam movie “Innocence of Muslims” on YouTube, the Islamic world has been ablaze with protesters making a range of demands, from the prohibition of the movie and all websites hosting it, to the murder of all those associated with its production.

Islamabad, September 8, 2012: Bytes for All, Pakistan joined global civil society movement against the proposal of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) taking control over Internet Governance. A joint letter has been developed and sent to authorities not only at the ITU but to all ITU Member States and disseminated globally.  The letter especially mentions the grave concerns about the closed nature of the ITU process as well as about specific proposals that would threaten Internet governance, openness and the exercise of human rights online.

Islamabad, August 23, 2012: ARTICLE 19 and Bytes for All, Pakistan, condemn the authorities in Pakistan for the practice of implementing regional and city-wide bans on mobile phone networks – so-called ‘kill switch’ tactics - in Balochistan and other parts of the country.  The kill switch has been implemented at times of national celebration, most recently on Eid Day on 20 August 2012.

Islamabad, August 15, 2012: It is very unfortunate to note that the 66th Independence Day of Pakistan was not any different for citizens in Balochistan than the Pakistan Day on 23 March 2012. Their digital communication channels were blocked by the government and yet again in the name of “national security” and “upholding law and order”.

Islamabad, August 08, 2012: Bytes for All (B4A), Pakistan is very pleased to share new research ‘Digital Security and Journalists: A Snapshot of Awareness and Practice in Pakistan’.

Islamabad, July 30, 2012: We are happy to announce the completion of the Pan Asia Network on eGovernance 'Openness, Access and Governance in Asian “Network Societies”: Developing an Open Governance Index' pilot project. Its Pakistan Country report is contributed by Bytes for All, Pakistan through a rigorous field research process. 

Islamabad, July 05, 2012: Internet Freedom has become a key indicator to gauge the situation of civil liberties that a society enjoys in a country in the modern day world. In addition, democratic countries all around the world constitutionally ensure and practically respect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities to thrive in their society.