Country grapples with internet service disruption
Technology
Social media sites restricted in Pakistan amid Imran Khan’s arrest
LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Wednesday the disruption in the internet services would continue for an indefinite period due to country's volatile situation.
A day earlier, it had suspended mobile broadband across the country upon interior ministry's instructions amid PTI chief Imran Khan's arrest upon his appearance before the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Netblocks, an organisation that tracks restrictions on the internet across the world, stated in a report that social media websites including Facebook, Twitter and Youtube had been restricted. “NetBlocks metrics confirm the disruption of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube on multiple internet providers in Pakistan on Tuesday 9 May 2023", it stated.
Additionally, the total internet shutdowns had been observed in some regions, it stated.
The report added that the real-time network data showed the disruption in effect on some but not all mobile and fixed-line internet providers in Pakistan at the time of writing. The study was taken from an initial sample size of 60 measurements from 30 vantage points across Pakistan,” it observed.
It further stated thart "Netblocks recommends against the use of network disruptions and social media restrictions to limit political speech, given their disproportionate impact to fundamental rights including freedom of expression and freedom assembly".
