KARACHI (Diya TV) – Pakistan encountered a widespread internet outage reported by Netblocks, an internet monitor, just hours before the virtual rally organized by Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). The disruption affected major social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Users across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad reported difficulties accessing platforms and experiencing slow internet services.
The “virtual power show” by PTI, scheduled for December 17 at 9 pm, witnessed a nationwide internet disruption. Netblocks confirmed the disruption, revealing live metrics showcasing the scale of the outage across Pakistan. Former PTI leader Taimur Jhagra also noted the internet issues coinciding with the online rally.
YouTube and Ufone4G were notably affected, impacting millions of subscribers and numerous businesses. This incident underscores the challenges faced by Pakistan in maintaining stable internet services, with the country previously ranking third globally for internet restrictions in the first half of 2023.
Despite the widespread impact and user complaints, there has been no official statement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the internet disruption. The move to slow down internet services and block social media platforms is seen in response to the PTI’s online rally, indicating the heightened tension and opposition faced by Imran Khan’s party in the digital space.
The disruption also aligns with broader concerns about the influence of the military in Pakistan, with Imran Khan facing political challenges and legal issues. The PTI, in its statement, condemned the reported disruptions, attributing them to the government’s fear of the party’s “unprecedented popularity.”
