Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization, has reported a widespread disruption to social media platforms in Pakistan on Saturday during a virtual event organized by the PTI. At 7:12pm, the agency confirmed the disruption, stating, “Live metrics indicate a nationwide disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.”
⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across #Pakistan, including X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube; the incident comes as persecuted opposition leader Imran Khan's political party, PTI, launches its second virtual gathering pic.twitter.com/lwl24Kv5td
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 20, 2024
Not for the first time
This disruption mirrored a similar event on January 7 during a virtual fundraising telethon by the PTI. The party has called on the Supreme Court to address the suspension of internet services and the blocking of social media websites during their fundraising efforts.
In a statement, a PTI spokesperson accused the suspension of depriving 240 million people of their basic rights, leading to financial losses for the country. Telecom operators expressed concerns about frequent internet outages on political grounds.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, questioned by reporters on January 10, asserted that the technical problems were unrelated to politics and advised contacting the PTA for further details. Social media platforms also faced disruptions on December 17 during a virtual power show by the PTI.
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Despite the interference with online communication, the PTI insisted that its virtual event would proceed as planned at 8pm. Users in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, reported difficulties connecting to social media sites such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Complaints about sluggish internet services also emerged among affected users.
Shame on the caretakers that are causing damage to Pakistanis only.
Our #PTIVirtualJalsa is ON and will start at 8PM InshAllah. LIVE on all our social media channels! https://t.co/QCt2qg1y23
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 20, 2024