Amid political unrest in Pakistan, internet users across the country have faced severe disruptions in accessing social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. These outages coincide with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) march to Islamabad, highlighting the government’s attempt to curb mobilization during a volatile period.
Nationwide Disruptions Raise Questions
Reports of outages began surfacing on platforms like Downdetector, which confirmed a surge in complaints from users unable to send or receive messages or access popular social media sites. The disruptions extended beyond these platforms to general internet connectivity, with users in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh particularly affected.
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Despite widespread frustration, no official explanation has been offered for these outages, fueling public speculation about their timing. While the government had previously announced plans to limit internet services in areas with security concerns, there was no mention of targeting social media platforms, leaving many to question the lack of transparency.
Public Backlash and Daily Challenges
Citizens and professionals voiced their frustrations, emphasizing how internet restrictions have hampered their daily lives. In Islamabad, journalist Shahjahan Khurram described the measures as a significant barrier to essential activities like work and education.
“The internet is a necessity in today’s world. These disruptions make it extremely difficult to carry out even routine tasks,” he lamented.
Others echoed similar concerns. Farhad Jarral, another Islamabad resident, criticized the government’s alleged pattern of stifling internet access during protests, while in Karachi, 27-year-old Tallal Aazmi pointed out the unbearable slow speeds on messaging apps.
Lahore-based Rabia called the measures a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights to free speech and access to information. “The government’s actions contradict their use of these platforms to communicate their own messages,” she said.
PTI Protest and Government Response
The disruptions come as PTI founder Imran Khan rallies supporters to converge at D-Chowk in Islamabad, vowing to remain there until demands are met. Anticipating potential unrest, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government has deployed tens of thousands of security personnel in riot gear, blocked major roads leading to the capital, and reportedly disrupted digital communication networks.
State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja reinforced the government’s stance against PTI’s actions, referring to the protest calls as a “Fitna Call” on social media.
Criticism on an International Stage
The internet clampdown has also drawn criticism for damaging Pakistan’s international reputation. Observers argue that such shutdowns highlight the government’s disregard for digital freedoms, further isolating the nation globally. “These restrictions make us a laughingstock internationally,” said one citizen, expressing a sentiment shared widely among the population.
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The persistent digital disruptions highlight the growing role of internet censorship in political conflicts, with citizens increasingly caught in the crossfire. Critics warn that such measures could have long-term implications, stifling free expression and impacting economic activity in the tech-dependent world.