Cybersecurity and digital governance organization NetBlocks reported a new national-scale disruption to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Pakistan, amidst ongoing protests following allegations of election fraud. This disruption, first documented by NetBlocks on February 10, happened two days after the parliamentary vote marked by violent unrest and controversies.
Nationwide protests broke out after the electoral vote on February 8, which resulted in former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) winning 97 seats, and Nawaz Sharif from Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) securing 76 seats. With both parties failing to secure a majority, coupled with a delay in announcing results and a widespread internet and mobile network blackout, people started alleging that the vote count was manipulated by authorities.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called upon Pakistani authorities to ensure a peaceful transition of power, expressing concern over the authorities’ clampdown on freedom of expression and association, along with the mass detention and harassment of PTI supporters. HRW also voiced concerns over the Election Commission’s delay in announcing election results. The US State Department agreed with the assessment of local and international election observers, citing restrictions on freedoms and calling for a full investigation into claims of interference or fraud.
The election controversy escalated with the Rawalpindi Division Commissioner, Liaquat Ali Chattha, admitting to election result manipulation in favor of Nawaz Sharif’s party. In response, Imran Khan condemned the manipulation, characterizing it as a deceitful act that robbed people of their rightful mandate. As the election results remain unclear, the PMLN party announced it will form a coalition government with the Pakistan People’s Party, an agreement which the PTI will not join.
Following the confession and resignation of Chattha, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) launched an investigation into the claims of election fraud. The investigation will be conducted by a newly formed committee, which is expected to submit a report within three days.
For an in-depth look into the matter, find the full report here.