In a surprising turn of events, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have been shut down in major cities across Pakistan following the arrest of opposition leader Imran Khan by the country’s security forces.
Imran Khan, who heads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was arrested earlier today in Islamabad for allegedly inciting violence during a protest march last year. The arrest has sparked widespread protests across the country, with many of Khan’s supporters taking to social media platforms to express their outrage.
Also Read: Mobile Internet Services Temporarily Unavailable in Key Cities Across Pakistan
The shutdowns of these social media platforms have caused major disruptions to daily life, as millions of Pakistanis rely heavily on these platforms for communication and information. This move has been widely criticized by opposition parties and human rights organizations, who see it as an attempt by the government to silence dissent and limit access to information.
The Pakistani government has previously come under fire for its attempts to control the narrative on social media platforms. Last year, the government introduced a new set of rules for social media platforms, requiring them to remove content deemed “objectionable” within 24 hours or face heavy fines.
The shutdown of these social media platforms has been condemned by international organizations, including the United Nations, which has called on the Pakistani government to respect the rights of its citizens to freedom of expression.
As of now, the Pakistani government has not released an official statement regarding the shutdowns. However, many are calling on the government to restore access to these platforms and uphold the basic rights of its citizens.
This situation highlights the growing concern over the use of social media as a tool for political dissent in Pakistan, and the need for governments to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of citizens to freely express themselves.