Internet monitoring service Netblocks has reported a significant disruption in popular social media platforms during a virtual event organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The disruption affected platforms such as [List of affected platforms, e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube], with users nationwide experiencing difficulties accessing these services, according to Netblocks.
The incident occurred just before a major PTI virtual gathering scheduled to start at 9 pm. Users in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad reported difficulty accessing social media platforms shortly after 8 pm, accompanied by complaints of slow internet services.
PTI leader Taimur Jhagra, a former finance minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledged the internet issues coinciding with the online rally. Netblocks noted the disruption in connection with the event.
Expressing frustration at the disruption, lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir criticized the move for adversely affecting millions of subscribers and businesses. Activist Usama Khilji condemned the interference, stating it infringes upon Pakistani citizens’ right to access information and freedom of association.
Dawn.com reached out to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for comment. This disruption follows a previous incident on May 9, when PTA confirmed the suspension of mobile broadband across Pakistan on the interior ministry’s instructions. During that episode, access to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube was restricted, coinciding with the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan.
According to a report by Surfshark, Pakistan ranked third globally for imposing internet restrictions in the first half of 2023. The country, following Iran and India, was identified as a leading nation in imposing internet restrictions, with Asia being a focal point for most shutdowns. The report highlighted several temporary cellular network disruptions across Pakistan for several days following the initial restrictions.
