Reports of a widespread disruption on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, have emerged in Pakistan on Saturday, as indicated by users and internet watchdogs. NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organization, has highlighted this incident, noting its occurrence “amid political turmoil following a contentious election conducted under an internet and mobile network blackout.”
Pakistan experienced a nationwide shutdown of internet and cellular services on Thursday during the polling process, with authorities citing the need to “maintain law and order” in response to the violence that erupted a day prior. However, this suspension was condemned by various entities including Amnesty International, which labeled it a “reckless attack on people’s rights.” Additionally, experts and political stakeholders, notably the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party, which heavily relied on social media platforms for its electoral campaign, criticized the move.
Leading up to the February 8 elections in Pakistan, the nation encountered multiple instances of internet disruptions and slowdowns. The interim government attributed these disruptions to ‘technical glitches’.
Earlier today, the Foreign Office refuted claims of any widespread internet disruption on polling day.
It is important to note that all internet shutdowns have coincided with virtual events organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
