Pakistan joined 'exclusive set of countries' that impose permanent ban on social media platforms: Netblocks

Despite the passage of ten days, the microblogging site X, formerly Twitter, remained suspended across Pakistan, Internet monitor Netblocks confirmed on Tuesday.

In a post on X, Global Internet Monitor said: "Metrics show that X/Twitter remains restricted in Pakistan into a tenth day."

According to the Netblocks, Pakistan has "joined an exclusive set of countries that have imposed extended or permanent bans on international social media platforms".

The nationwide unannounced suspension began on February 17 when Former Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chattha had resigned from his post in protest against electoral irregularities, saying rigging took place under his supervision.

Earlier, NetBlocks said VPN services were also restricted in the country, however, social media can access X with the use of a VPN.

Internet shutdowns are a violation of the Constitution's Article 19-A (freedom of information), Article 19 (freedom of speech), and Article 17 (freedom of association).

The Islamabad High Court had also declared internet shutdowns against fundamental rights and the constitution.

Earlier, the Sindh High Court ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to fully restore the services of  X across the country and sought a detailed response from the concerned authority. 

However, no official statement regarding the disruption has been issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) till the filing of this news nor the authority has responded to the court in this regard.