A series of disturbing developments from our neighbouring country, Iran, has drawn global attention. Reportedly, large-scale violent protests in various parts of the country prompted authorities to suspend internet, mobile and landline communications nationwide. Access to local and government websites has been blocked, effectively cutting the country off from the global digital space.
After Iran’s internal internet shutdown, satellite internet became the country’s primary remaining link with the outside world. Anti-government groups heavily relied on it to organise protests and disseminate information, while foreign-based propaganda networks also attempted to exploit the situation. Starlink’s offer of round-the-clock free internet further energised protest movements, giving them renewed momentum.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Iranian government recently succeeded in blocking access to Starlink within the country. Western media reports suggest that Iran deployed large-scale military signal jammers to disrupt Starlink’s data transmission and GPS functionality. At the same time, authorities reportedly used aerial surveillance and ground inspections to locate and confiscate satellite internet dish antennas installed on rooftops, particularly those suspected of being used for anti-state activities.
Undoubtedly, for the first time, a state appears to have achieved significant success in neutralising satellite-based internet services within its territory. Technology analysts argue that this achievement is not limited to cutting off protesters from the outside world; it represents a strategic step towards establishing a tightly controlled digital environment under full state oversight.
Although such events in our immediate neighbourhood highlight a critical reality of the modern era, I believe that technology has played a decisive role in every major conflict, including ancient wars. During World War II, Britain used radar systems to thwart German air attacks, while Allied forces gained a strategic advantage by breaking Nazi Germany’s secret codes.
The cold war further demonstrated how advancement in technology could replace direct warfare. Later, the Gulf War of 1990 became the world’s first high-tech war, where GPS-guided missiles, satellite communications and real-time intelligence enabled rapid military success. It was also the first conflict broadcast live by CNN, changing how wars are perceived today. In more recent times, the Russia–Ukraine war has clearly shown how drones, cyber-attacks and digital warfare can alter the balance of power. Expensive tanks were destroyed by low-cost drones, while satellite internet enabled military coordination even when conventional communication networks were damaged.
Against this backdrop, Iran’s internet blackout, foreign offers of free satellite connectivity, and the state’s countermeasures to jam satellite signals send a powerful message that the flow of information through digital signals has become one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. Today, states must protect not only geographical borders but also digital boundaries, ideological foundations, and cyber sovereignty.
Defence experts widely agree that any potential Third World War would not resemble past conflicts. Instead of traditional battle fronts, it would revolve around technology, cyberspace, satellites and digital control. The first strike may not target a city with missiles but could disable power grids, communication networks, airports, banking systems, or government data centres through cyberattacks.
For Pakistan, these developments carry serious implications. Our country is located in a sensitive geopolitical region, facing security challenges along its eastern, western and northern borders. Long-standing tensions with India, instability in Afghanistan, and evolving disturbing situations in Iran create a complex environment.
In my view, if a technology-driven information war intensifies in the region, we could also face cyber-attacks, satellite signal jamming, communication disruptions and coordinated disinformation campaigns. This situation demands urgent preparedness: strengthening cyber command structures, securing satellite and digital infrastructure, training youth in cybersecurity and AI technologies, and raising public awareness through the media.
In the 21st century, war can no longer be viewed only through guns and tanks. In my view, the Third World War of the future may last only moments, but its consequences could be profound, global and enduring for humanity as a whole.
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani
