Tech Desk
Feb 19, 2024
Social media giant X was reinstated in Pakistan on Monday following a prolonged suspension lasting over 36 hours since February 17th.
The disruption occurred amid escalating tensions and protests over allegations of election fraud, triggered by the resignation of Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha. Chatha's admission of vote manipulation sparked outrage and controversy over the legitimacy of the election results, prompting authorities to implement a nationwide block on X.
Netblocks, a global internet monitoring organisation, reported the widespread restriction on Saturday, marking it as the latest in a series of government-enforced internet censorship measures in Pakistan. Despite a brief restoration of the platform on Sunday, access was swiftly revoked again, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) remaining unresponsive to inquiries.
Digital rights activist Usama Khilji criticised the authorities for their repeated imposition of internet restrictions, highlighting the detrimental impact on businesses and the IT sector. He emphasised that such measures not only violate constitutional rights but also undermine the country's investment climate.
Khilji underscored the financial losses incurred due to internet shutdowns, citing estimates from the Pakistan Institute for Development Economics. He argued that beyond economic repercussions, such actions tarnish Pakistan's global image and impede its ease of doing business.
Regarding concerns about misinformation on social media platforms, Khilji advocated for self-correction mechanisms and co-regulation strategies. He stressed the importance of utilizing existing reporting features on social media platforms to address disinformation effectively.
