By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Millions of Pakistanis were still unable to access the popular social media platform X on Wednesday, as the government maintained its internet restrictions amid a political standoff over the disputed general elections.
X, which has more than 20 million users in Pakistan, has been largely blocked since Saturday, when a former senior official accused the country’s top judge and election commissioner of rigging the Feb. 8 vote, which was marred by allegations of fraud and violence.
The government has not officially confirmed or explained the blockage of X, which has been widely used by political parties, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens to voice their opinions and share information.
But some officials have hinted that the platform was suspended for violating the country’s laws and regulations.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups and media organizations, who have denounced it as a blatant attempt to stifle dissent and curb freedom of expression.
“Internet and social media are now primary sources of information globally, and such disruptions are a serious threat to freedom of expression and free speech, which are guaranteed by the Constitution,” the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists said in a statement.
While underlining the importance of social media and the internet, the PFUJ leadership said such practices were not only denying people vital information during the current chaotic situation but also hampering economic activities.
“Business community, investors and youth who are engaged in online business activities are facing a serious crisis and have lost billions due to the unwanted disruption of social media and internet.”
According to NetBlocks, a group that monitors internet disruptions worldwide, access to X has been “partially or intermittently restored for some users” in some areas, while others remain cut off.
The group said the incident was the longest of several internet censorship measures tracked during the election period.
“It’s unclear whether this is a temporary change or whether it marks a more general restoration in access to X, and the incident is still classed as ongoing,” local media quoted Alp Toker, the director of NetBlocks, as saying.
Liaquat Chattha, the former commissioner of Rawalpindi, a city near Islamabad, accused the chief election commissioner and the chief justice of being involved in rigging the vote in favor of the pro-military Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN).
Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist, told AFP that the platform has been inaccessible because it is used by the public to protest.
“There’s no notice, no announcement, no certainty around when the block will be lifted, which is creating a lot of uncertainty and an environment of disinformation because people cannot access information with integrity, can’t access instant information, which is the defining nature of [X],” he said.
Pakistan has repeatedly seen internet accessibility issues in the last few weeks, often coinciding with virtual events organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In at least three instances in January, different social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X have faced restrictions. Authorities shut down mobile services on the day of the general elections on February 8, citing security concerns.
NetBlocks also reported the inability of users to access X on February 10 while the country was awaiting election results which took an inordinate delay, leading to doubts over their authenticity, particularly from the PTI.
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