Pakistan's media regulators have taken the decision to block the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, resulting in widespread disruptions and shutdowns across the country. This move comes amidst the ongoing political turmoil following the disputed parliamentary elections held on Feb. 8.
The outage, which has now entered its sixth day, has not been officially commented on by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Despite repeated queries, government officials have remained silent on the matter.
Human rights activists have raised concerns over the restrictions on internet services and social media access, calling for a full restoration of these platforms. The United States has also urged Pakistan to lift the restrictions on X to ensure freedom of expression.
The disruption was first noticed over the weekend when the political party of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced protests against the alleged election rigging. Although candidates supported by Khan secured the most seats in the elections, they fell short of the majority required to form a government.
Social media platforms play a crucial role in organizing protests and spreading information about demonstrations. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has accused the authorities of imposing restrictions on X to stifle its voice on social media.
The political instability in Pakistan has escalated since the elections, with Khan's rivals, including former Premier Shehbaz Sharif, attempting to form a coalition government. Sharif took over after Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022. Khan's supporters claim that his legal troubles are politically motivated attempts to prevent him from returning to power.
In response to the situation, the U.S. State Department has expressed concerns about the restrictions on freedom of expression and association in Pakistan. The State Department emphasized the importance of upholding fundamental freedoms and called for the restoration of access to social media platforms.
