Bytes for All Pakistan

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.

Islamabad, 17 June 2012: Google’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Eric Schmidt met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani on 14th June 2012. Both discussed various mutually beneficial projects that can be initiated in Pakistan with the help and in partnership with Google.

Islamabad, June 07, 2012: As per agreed Declaration of Principles by the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), Tunis Agenda for the Information Society and the ongoing Internet governance processes, it is a globally accepted norm that for any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy or local laws related to the cyberspace or Internet, the governments will use a multi-stakeholder process, which ensures active consultation and

Islamabad, June 04, 2012: Approximately seven hours drive and about 275 kms from federal capital of Pakistan, Kohistan district of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa is situated along the famous Karakorum Highway on the right bank of Abbasin (the mighty Indus). Kohistan is a Persian word that means “Land of Mountains”. Kohistan is where the Hindukush, Karakorum and Himalayan mountain systems meet making it one of the unique mountain ecosystems in the world.  The district consists of four Tehsils:  Dassu, Pattan, Pallas and Kandia.

Islamabad, May 29, 2012: On behalf of all concerned citizens, Bytes for All, Pakistan has sent an Open Letter to influential and active government functionaries in the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We are very hopeful that the authorities will look into this matter for redressal of our grievances as raised in this letter. The contents of this letter are pasted below.

To:

Islamabad - May 20, 2012: It is despicable to note that once again, Government of Pakistan has managed to block yet another social networking website Twitter. This is one important communication channel, which was being used by citizens in Pakistan and turning out to be a major platform for free expression and alternate political discourse in the country. In the recent past, blocking Youtube, Facebook and several other websites is already to the credit of this government.