Pakistan
PakistanWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 59 (high). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic travel authorisation before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 61 (high). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 43 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 61 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic travel authorisation before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 60 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic travel authorisation before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 13 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic travel authorisation before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Pakistan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence10 independent sources
Why this score (19 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored PAK 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored PAK 1 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 2.77 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 1.12 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Pakistan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Pakistan: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Pakistan: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
Section 26A criminalizes spreading false information that harms national security.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-20 · extracted by language model
Insulting or showing disrespect or contempt of religion, religious beliefs or anything considered holy (blasphemy) is illegal.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) filed a First Information Report against Barkat alleging he had violated Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which makes the dissemination of “fake or false” information a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-09-11 · extracted by language model
Ali Shah, who reports for the social media-focused outlet Times of Kashmir, was taken into custody on June 20 in Bagh district under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, a colonial-era law that allows detention without charge for up to six months, according to news reports and a family member, who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-08 · extracted by language model
Ongoing concerns include the repression against the opposition, the censorship of journalists and attacks on peaceful protests held by the opposition and human rights movements.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
Mallick, founder of the independent online media platform Raftar , was arrested on accusations of running “several programs against the security establishment.”
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-03-21 · extracted by language model
Lynchings are not uncommon after an accusation of blasphemy, which is punishable by death in Pakistan.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-07-08 · extracted by language model
Under Punjab’s new defamation law, claimants may initiate legal action “without proof of actual damage or loss.”
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-06-11 · extracted by language model
Journalist Muhammad Akbar Notezai was summoned on 4th August 2025 to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crimes Wing office in Quetta, where he was questioned for 30 minutes about an August 2024 investigative report on corruption in the construction of the Turbat-Buleda road in Balochistan,.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
In justifying the hefty sentence, the court cited Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act ( PECA ), legislation which was first introduced to combat cybercrime, but is increasingly being weaponized to silence dissent, according to rights advocates .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-20 · extracted by language model
The government has responded by shutting main roads, blocking the internet and restricting media access to much of Kashmir.
The Straits Times feed · observed 2026-06-19 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
5 excluded sources
- MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-03-08: aged out after 3 years.
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2016-07-01: aged out after 10 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-05-30: aged out after 2 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2023-08-17: aged out after 3 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2023-08-23: aged out after 3 years.
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence7 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 53% of full strength.
Why this score (11 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored PAK 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 1.54 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 3.05 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored PAK 0.16 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
Telecom companies in the country provided intelligence agencies with access to the phone calls, messages, and web browsing data of 2 percent (approximately 4 million) of their users through LIMS.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-07-18 · extracted by language model
According to Amnesty International, the designation under section 11-EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 places the individuals under heavy surveillance and severely restricts their freedom of movement and ability to take part in public life.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
LIMS is mandated by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to be installed across telecommunications networks, by private companies, allowing the Armed Forces and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to tap into and access consumer data, such as phone calls, text messages, and even which websites people visit.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
There have been reports of unlawful mass surveillance and censorship, failure to address enforced disappearance and concerning amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
A new report by Amnesty International published in September 2025 found that Pakistan’s unlawful mass surveillance and censorship expansion is powered by a nexus of companies based in Germany, France, United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, Canada, and the United States.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
Intrusive surveillance technology is increasingly used to prosecute activists, protesters and human rights defenders.
Privacy International feed · observed 2024-05-13 · extracted by language model
Pakistani authorities have been using Israeli phone-hacking spyware since at least 2012, according to a report in Haaretz.
Middle East Eye, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-08-03 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence13 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 69% of full strength.
Why this score (28 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 2.13 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 1.70 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 0 confirmed and 20,899 anomalous results across 242,778 web connectivity measurements in PAK over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.00 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Pakistan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Pakistan: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Pakistan: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
WMS 2.0 can block both internet access and specific content, with virtually no transparency.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
In the last week of November, Pakistan went into what was essentially an internet blackout.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-12-19 · extracted by language model
Since February 2024, using VPNs has become common practice following the ban on X after the general elections .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-11-22 · extracted by language model
The internet was blocked, and journalists restricted and detained around the crackdown in Kashmir.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-09-11 · extracted by language model
Internet access was suspended in the region on 5th June 2026 and has only been partially restored.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-09-11 · extracted by language model
As the unrest spread to other cities, authorities imposed Section 144 across Punjab, suspended mobile internet, and sealed entry routes to major cities to prevent further mobilisation.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
Pakistan has intermittently blocked access to X, formerly Twitter, since February.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-06-11 · extracted by language model
Social media platform X remains banned in Pakistan since the time of the February 8 elections because of concerns regarding national security .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-04-29 · extracted by language model
On the same day, it suspended all internet and mobile network signals in the region until 12th June, ahead of a protest planned by the JKJAAC for 9th June after negotiations with the government over the make-up of the region’s legislature broke down.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-09-11 · extracted by language model
Authorities have banned coverage of protests demanding electoral reform in Kashmir, after international outlets reported on police brutality during clashes with demonstrators, and suspended mobile and internet services.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-08-06 · extracted by language model
Demonstrations in the area have led to: road closures and severe travel disruption suspension of mobile and internet services clashes between protestors and security forces, with reports of injuries and loss of life
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-10-01, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-01
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-30, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-30
Internet disruption hits Islamabad and Rawalpindi – Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-09-29 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-29, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-29
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-28, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-28
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-27, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-27
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-26, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-26
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Pakistan in the 7 days to 2026-09-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,395.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-25
The issue sparked large-scale demonstrations, followed by a security crackdown that killed at least 15 people, led to arrests, and prompted government-imposed internet disruptions.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-08 · extracted by language model
The government has responded by shutting main roads, blocking the internet and restricting media access to much of Kashmir.
The Straits Times feed · observed 2026-06-19 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
7 excluded sources
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-11: aged out after 3 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-05-21: aged out after 2 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-26: aged out after 3 years.
- Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-19: aged out after 3 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-05-30: aged out after 2 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-08: aged out after 3 years.
- Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search, observed 2022-11-24: aged out after 4 years.
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
moderate confidence3 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 49% of full strength.
Why this score (3 sources)
Widespread restrictions. In Pakistan, the ability to use encrypted technologies is largely restricted. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority requires prior approval for the use of VPNs in their licensing agreements. Law enforcement officers have various powers relating to decryption including requiring officers access to such data, device or information system “in unencrypted or decrypted intelligible format” for the purposes of investigating the offence. Licensed mobile and telephony service providers must establish systems for monitoring telecommunication traffic and these systems must ensure that voice and data
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 3.25 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
As per the reinforced VPN regulation strategy , users must submit an application detailing the legal purpose of their VPN use to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and wait for approval.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-11-22 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-05-21: aged out after 2 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
moderate confidence3 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 66% of full strength.
Why this score (3 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 18.21 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Pakistan 6 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
ESET researchers discover an Android spyware campaign targeting users in Pakistan via romance scam tactics, revealing links to a broader spy operation
ESET WeLiveSecurity feed · observed 2026-01-28 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-26: aged out after 3 years.
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
No reports were found of devices being searched, imaged or seized at this border, or of travellers being compelled to unlock them. The score below is drawn from general indicators for this country rather than from anything observed about this risk, so it describes an absence of reports rather than evidence that the risk is absent.
What the score rests on (5 indirect sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored PAK 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Pakistan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Pakistan: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Pakistan: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored PAK 3.05 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Privacy International feed, observed 2023-08-08: aged out after 3 years.
Trend
The overall score is up 7.0 points over 61 days, from 51.6 to 58.6. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Pakistan. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 21 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; ESET WeLiveSecurity feed; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Middle East Eye, via a site scoped search; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Privacy International feed; The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1; The Straits Times feed; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.