In a significant development, the internet monitoring entity Netblocks has reported a widespread disruption in social media platforms across Pakistan, strategically coinciding with a virtual power show organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) , a party of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The live metrics provided by Netblocks indicate a disruption of nation-scale proportions, affecting prominent platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The incident unfolded just before the commencement of a major PTI virtual gathering, scheduled to begin at 9 pm.
Reports started flooding in from users in major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, who experienced difficulties accessing various social media platforms shortly after 8 pm. Alongside this, users voiced complaints about a notable slowdown in overall internet services.
Taimur Jhagra, a key figure in PTI and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister, acknowledged the internet-related issues aligning with the timing of the online rally. Concerns were raised about potential implications on the engagement and reach of the virtual event.
Netblocks noted the incident and mentioned reaching out to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for a comment on the matter. The response from PTA is currently awaited.
The disruption drew criticism from various quarters, with lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir expressing concern about the widespread impact on millions of subscribers and numerous businesses. Nasir emphasized the severity of the disruption, describing it as “beyond madness.”
Activist Usama Khilji condemned the interference, characterizing it as an infringement on “Pakistani citizens’ right to access information and freedom of association.”
This incident adds to a series of internet-related disruptions in Pakistan. On May 9, the PTA confirmed the suspension of mobile broadband across the country, coinciding with events surrounding the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan. In a subsequent ranking, Pakistan was placed third globally for imposing internet restrictions, with Asia being a focal point for most shutdowns during the first half of 2023.
As the situation evolves, this remains a developing story. Updates will be provided with a commitment to timeliness and accuracy, relying on credible sources to ensure reliable reporting.
