Authorities in Pakistan took stringent measures by disrupting internet connectivity and imposing a ban on social media platforms on Sunday. This action was in response to the virtual launch of the manifesto and fundraising campaign by the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party before the upcoming elections. The national and global telethon was orchestrated to circumvent a local media embargo and government restrictions on physical gatherings enforced on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PTI, as per public surveys, stands as the primary national political entity, with Imran Khan being the most favoured politician.
NetBlocks, an autonomous global internet monitoring organization advocating digital rights and governance, along with PTI officials, verified the internet disruption occurring during the online campaign preparations and proceedings. Social media users bashed the IT ministry for this shutdown. A user slams the government over the outage. "At least have the guts to let a fundraising telethon happen. These touts have imposed a partial ban on internet services in Pakistan in fear of one man “Imran Khan”," she said.
Another one wrote "Hello world!!! Unbelievable fascism in Pakistan, The Internet shut down completely to stop the fundraiser of Imran Khan’s party PTI! It’s my promise I will participate by donating more than I expect to donate." Check out the tweets below:
Absolutely shameful! Caretaker IT Minister should resign for this continuing damage to Pakistanis https://t.co/W9pyXzRr6A
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 7, 2024
Another PTI online event.
— Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) January 7, 2024
Another internet shutdown. https://t.co/kGTkFo3ONH
Hello world!!! Unbelievable fascism in Pakistan
— Hina Zainab (@hina98_hina) January 7, 2024
Internet shut down completely to stop the fundraiser of Imran khan’s party PTI! It’s my promise I will participate by donating more than I expect to donate. #PTIFundraisingTelethon #TheEconomist pic.twitter.com/gsNBAgB6ci
Last month, Pakistan initiated a temporary slowdown of internet services and restricted access to social media platforms to disrupt a large-scale virtual election rally by PTI, provoking widespread criticism. The country has experienced three coups orchestrated by the military against elected governments, significantly influencing the country's political landscape. Even during non-military rule, politicians, including former prime ministers, claim that military generals wield considerable sway over decision-making processes.
Image Source: Twitter