Social media users in Pakistan are facing difficulties accessing Facebook, and Instagram as the service remains disrupted without any announcement.
Most used social sites Facebook and Instagram were experiencing unannounced disruptions in the country, and internet users linked the outage with ban on Twitter. Unexpectedly, the disruption was noted on specific Internet Service Providers.
It started on Ashura, the tenth of Muharram, and it caused widespread frustration as users struggle to access these popular social media platforms.
As people remain baffled, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to share any details about the incident. Punjab or federal governments have not shared any plan for banning Facebook and Instagram, so be cautious about it and avoid rumours.
Punjab wants ban on Social Media during Muharram
Before Ashura, Punjab government approached the interior ministry to shut down social media apps on the internet from Muharram 6 to 11 to deal with hate speech.
The federal government however turned down decision on Punjab government’s request for the suspension Facebook, and other platforms for a week.
Firewall to regulate Internet in Pakistan
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is reportedly inviting bids for the installation of next-generation firewalls to combat propaganda and fake news online.
These firewalls will be implemented over the next five years. PTA also secured agreements with internet service providers to share the costs, with bids due by July 26 under Pepra’s e-pay system. The new system will be loaded with advanced threat prevention, URL filtering, and real-time data monitoring.
No access to Facebook in Pakistan amid Muharram 10 processions