MARCH 10 – Pakistanis are increasingly vocal in their demand for the uninterrupted restoration of social media platforms, particularly X, as its suspension enters the fourth week, raising concerns among citizens.
Despite interventions from Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission, the government’s rationale for the prolonged suspension remains unclear. Recently, a member of the Senate in Pakistan advocated for a complete ban on social media platforms, citing their perceived negative impact on the youth.
“The ban on social media creates numerous challenges for people in Pakistan, especially those in politics, as social media serves as a vital source of information and connectivity,” said Karachi-based journalist Liaqat Mughal. Business owners, particularly in cities like Karachi, where financial losses are accruing, are urging the government to regularize access to the social media platform X. “The social media ban is adversely affecting traders, as many business transactions now rely heavily on online platforms. Individuals involved in the textile and food business sectors, in particular, rely on social media to establish and maintain crucial contacts,” Liaqat emphasized.
The decision to suspend telecommunications and mobile internet services on election day in Pakistan significantly impacted people’s mobility and livelihoods. Addressing concerns over slow internet services, Liaqat noted, “The ban on internet access and sluggish internet services are also negatively impacting telecom companies. Subpar internet speeds often lead consumers to switch service providers due to frustrations with slow connectivity.”
Internet censorship has become increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, and a proposed law aimed at further regulating online content is facing criticism for potentially institutionalizing internet censorship. The ongoing suspension of social media platforms like X underscores the growing tension between the government’s efforts to regulate online content and citizens’ demands for unrestricted access to information and communication platforms.