Despite pressure from different quarters, social media platforms, including Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, remain blocked in Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) spokesperson confirmed that the telecom regulator has not received any instruction to lift the ban on these platforms so far. This follows the government’s restrictions on mobile internet services and prohibiting access to several popular social media platforms on May 9.
The restrictions have severely impacted businesses in Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector, leading to a loss of Rs10 billion. The telecom sector has also suffered a loss of Rs2.5 billion in just three days. Furthermore, the government’s tax revenue was affected, taking a hit of approximately Rs860 million.
The reason behind the ban on social media platforms was due to the violent protests that erupted across the country following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan outside the Islamabad High Court. The telecom regulator was instructed to take this step to control the situation and prevent further violence. PTI supporters resorted to attacking military and government buildings in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
Twitter users react
Many Pakistanis have expressed their disappointment with the continued ban on social media platforms.
1. Some have called the suspension a violation of basic human rights.
2. Others have criticized the government for the ban, stating that the Prime Minister is using VPN to access social media platforms.
