Karachi's security situation, marked by sectarian violence and terrorism, has impacted its business environment, leading to capital flight and reduced investment. The recent attack on Ismailis in Safoora Goth and the murder of activist Sabeen Mahmud highlight the ongoing challenges. Despite the violence, communities like the Ismailis and Bohras continue to contribute to the economy through business and philanthropy. Opinions among business leaders and economists vary on the long-term effects of such incidents on commercial interests. While some see a trend of capital and families moving to safer environments like Dubai, others believe the resilience of these communities will prevail. The government's Karachi operation and National Action Plan aim to improve the situation, with some success in reducing daily killings. However, the business community remains skeptical, calling for more decisive action and depoliticization of the police.

National elections in Pakistan mark the first transfer between two elected civilian governments, with a significant turnout of young voters, including the author who voted for the first time. The elections are characterized by a sense of empowerment among voters, despite being marred by violence, including a bombing in Karachi attributed to the Taliban. The unofficial results are expected to start coming in after the polls close at 5 p.m.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan defends amendments to the country's cybercrime laws, claiming they are necessary to combat fake news, child pornography, and online harassment. The amendments, which have been criticized as draconian and undemocratic, deny bail to those accused of defamation and extend jail time. Critics argue the law violates constitutional protections and is designed to silence dissent. The law has sparked widespread opposition from political parties, journalist unions, and rights activists, who are challenging it in courts and through protests. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the media in Pakistan.

Pakistan has amended the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 through a presidential ordinance to combat fake news on social media. However, media organizations and rights activists argue that the law could be used to target opposition critics and suppress freedom of speech.

Pakistani authorities have significantly increased content removal requests to Twitter, reflecting heightened government scrutiny of online speech. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has blocked several apps, including TikTok, for failing to comply with local content regulations. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has been criticized for its attempts to control both mainstream and social media, leading to concerns about press freedom. The proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority faced unanimous opposition, and Pakistan's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has declined. Journalists face harassment and job losses, while digital rights activists express concerns over new regulations.

Pakistan is attempting to implement a new law to centralize government oversight of the media, raising fears of worsening press freedom. The country's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has declined since Prime Minister Imran Khan took office, dropping from 139 in 2018 to 145 in 2021.

Pakistan is attempting to implement a new law to centralize government oversight of the media, raising concerns about the further decline of press freedom in the country. Since Prime Minister Imran Khan took office, Pakistan's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has dropped from 139 in 2018 to 145 in 2021, according to Reporters Without Borders.

India led the world in internet shutdowns in 2019 with 121 incidents, more than half of the global total of 213. The shutdowns were longer and more targeted, often affecting social media access. Following India, Venezuela, Yemen, Iraq, Algeria, and Ethiopia had the most shutdowns. The Indian government's actions in Kashmir, including a 175-day internet blackout, were particularly notable and criticized by the Supreme Court of India. The report by Access Now highlights the human rights violations associated with these shutdowns.

India led the world in internet shutdowns in 2019 with 121 incidents, more than half of the global total of 213. The shutdowns were longer and more targeted, often affecting social media access. Following India, Venezuela, Yemen, Iraq, Algeria, and Ethiopia had the most shutdowns. Myanmar imposed the longest shutdown in Rakhine and Chin states. The Indian government justified shutdowns as measures for public safety and national security, but they were criticized for hiding human rights violations, especially in Kashmir, which experienced the second-longest global shutdown of 175 days. The Supreme Court of India deemed indefinite shutdowns unconstitutional but provided no immediate relief.