The new monitoring system could give the government unprecedented insights into citizens’ online use.

"As Pakistan’s ties with China, its neighbour and closest ally, further strengthened, particularly following the launch of the $62bn China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure project, China has also emerged as its new technological partner.

“During the last few years, the idea of replicating China’s Great Firewall – its sophisticated internet censorship and surveillance system – also began to take hold within Pakistan’s security establishment.”