Week-long shutdown persists: Social media platform 'X' inaccessible in Pakistan
The popular social media platform 'X' remains off-limits to Pakistanis for the seventh consecutive day, with the caretaker government keeping mum on the reasons behind the prolonged disruption, as per Geo News.
Prolonged disruption raises concerns
The shutdown, which commenced last Saturday, has left users across the country unable to share information, sparking concerns about the lack of transparency from authorities. Caretaker Minister for Information and Technology Dr Umar Saif was unavailable for comment, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is yet to issue an official statement.
Website tracker Downdetector.com mentioned, "User reports indicate possible problems at X (Twitter)," adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Office yet to comment on the X shutdown
Internet availability struggles in Pakistan
Despite being among the top global internet users, Pakistan faces challenges in internet availability, ranking lower compared to its peers. Authorities have intermittently disrupted access to social media platforms, with the recent shutdown marking a continuation of such actions.
Previous X services disruptions ahead of general elections
In the lead-up to the February 8 general elections, users faced difficulties accessing several social media sites, initially attributed to an error by authorities. However, on polling day, internet shutdowns were explained as a preventive measure against terrorism. Post-elections, disruptions in accessing 'X' persisted.
Legal challenges and digital rights concerns
Internet shutdowns in Pakistan are at odds with constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of information (Article 19-A), freedom of speech (Article 19), and freedom of association (Article 17). In a landmark ruling in February 2018, the Islamabad High Court declared such shutdowns against fundamental rights and the Constitution.
Court intervention and PTA response pending
Digital rights activists have criticized the government's lack of transparency in disrupting access to the social media platform. In a recent development, the Sindh High Court ordered the PTA to fully restore 'X' services nationwide. However, as of now, the PTA has not granted accessibility, leaving users in limbo. Further details are expected to unfold during subsequent court hearings.
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