Social media platforms in Pakistan underwent a significant disruption on Saturday, as reported by internet monitor Netblocks, coinciding with a virtual rally of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by the controversial former Prime Minister, Imran Khan.
Netblocks asserted that their official metric showed disturbances to popular platforms including X (previously Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. The disruption occurred during the virtual assembly of PTI, which was being live-streamed on these platforms. Key PTI leaders, including barrister Gohar Ali Khan Ghor, spoke at the event. The party used this occasion to express support for Imran Khan, whom they claim has been unlawfully detained for 169 days.
Both PTI and the Human Rights Council of Pakistan have expressed their condemnation of the internet disruption. PTI issued a statement suggesting that the interference comes from authorities, alongside an allegation that the government tends to disrupt internet access whenever the party of the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is engaging in online campaign activities.
PTI has encountered several obstacles in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections. One such setback is the complication surrounding their election symbol, a bat, which was revoked by Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The party’s founder, Imran Khan, continues to be in prison subsequent to his arrest on corruption charges last May.