Netblocks, an Internet monitoring entity, has reported a widespread disruption in social media platforms amidst an ongoing “virtual power show” organized by the PTI.
“Current live metrics indicate a nationwide disruption to social media platforms in #Pakistan, encompassing X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube,” stated the internet tracking agency.
The incident coincided with a virtual event hosted by the PTI, commencing at 9 pm. Users in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad reported difficulties accessing social media platforms shortly after 8 pm, with additional complaints about sluggish internet services.
Critiquing the disruption, lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir commented, “They disrupted the internet, impacting millions of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of businesses, solely to oppose the PTI virtual rally. This is beyond madness.”
Activist Usama Khilji condemned the infringement on “Pakistani citizens’ right to access information and freedom of association.”
On May 9, the PTA confirmed the suspension of mobile broadband nationwide on the interior ministry’s instructions. Netblocks reported restricted access to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube across Pakistan during PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest on that day.
In July, Pakistan ranked third globally for internet restrictions in the first half of 2023, according to a report by Surfshark. The analysis revealed Pakistan’s responsibility for three of the 42 new worldwide restrictions imposed after Imran’s arrest. The report placed Pakistan behind Iran and India, identifying Asia as the focal point for most internet shutdowns.
