After banning X (formerly Twitter) for six months, the Pakistani government has stepped up its crackdown on social media by restricting access to Facebook and Instagram.
Users across various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been experiencing issues accessing these platforms, with issues also being reported for WhatsApp.
The government has not commented publicly on the new restrictions.
The ban comes amid rising tensions between the judiciary, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military.
Telecommunications company Nayatel confirmed on X that Facebook and Instagram services were suspended across the country and that they were waiting for an explanation from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The move follows the Punjab government’s request to ban several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, from July 13 to 18 during Muharram to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation.
X has been banned in Pakistan since February 17, 2024 over allegations of election rigging in favour of PTI candidates.
Military and government officials, including Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, have called for stricter restrictions on social media, saying it is a source of misinformation and violence.
PTI condemned the new restrictions and stressed that freedom of speech and access to information are fundamental rights.
