ISLAMABAD – Social media giant X, formerly known, continues to face disruption in Pakistan for third consecutive day.
Some internet users can access microblogging platforms while others are still facing disruption on Monday.
Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed nationwide disruption to the social site amid protests over allegations of vote rigging. It said metrics show that X/Twitter has now been restricted in Pakistan for 24 hours, the latest and longest in a series of nation-scale internet censorship measures imposed by authorities as reports of election fraud emerge.
⚠ Update: Metrics show that X/Twitter has now been restricted in #Pakistan for 24 hours, the latest and longest in a series of nation-scale internet censorship measures imposed by authorities as reports of election fraud emerge 📉 https://t.co/XAsM39sBb5 pic.twitter.com/ZKIhINj3Pc
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 18, 2024
The recent restriction comes in wake of blasting press conference of ex-Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha who admitted to changing poll results.
Following the social media disruption, X was unreachable for hundreds of thousands. Users however continue to approach the social media giant using VPN service.
Rights activists, journalists, and social media users blasted incumbent authorities for shutting down the internet as it dented online businesses, especially at times when companies are struggling amid an economic crisis.
Besides the financial blow, the authoritarian move also affected people’s right to democratic rights.
Amid the outage, PTA or any other state institution has not shared any updated on the disruption in services.
