Unveiling the tapestry: a comparative investigation into data-protection legislation in India and Pakistan

In today’s digital interconnectedness, data regulation in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan, is transforming into a state where profound changes are occurring. This article deals with the contrastive analysis of personal data-protection laws in the two countries, with the aim of revealing the points of convergence and divergence and the reasons that either support or reject unification. Different approaches led to the development of these standards, which encompass varying levels of scope, complexity and risk. The methodology prescribes reviewing and assessing the existing laws and proposing their legislative development. The research exposes the inefficiency in the legislative aspect of dealing with the rising demand for an adequate regulatory framework for data-protection measures. The wisdom drawn from this examination bestows priceless advice on Politian’s, legal experts and all involved parties who are concerned about data protection in the context of digital connections. International best practices can be adapted to inform reforms of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, in India and the proposed Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, in Pakistan to bring enhanced regimes for comprehensive and effective personal data protection in both nations.