The netizens are unable to access X formerly Twitter resorting to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for using the social media platform that continued to face disruptions in Pakistan for the third consecutive day
The disruption was reported by Downdetector that first noted the outage at around 10:30 am and initially resolved by noon, persisted with interruptions reoccurring after 1 pm.
The disruption for X was reported amid allegations of rigging in the February 8 polls.
Netblocks, an internet monitor, had reported a nationwide disruption to X on Saturday, citing escalating unrest and protests over election fraud allegations as the cause.
Former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha’s explosive press conference, accusing the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of involvement in alleged rigging, had triggered these events.
Netblocks further revealed that X had been restricted in Pakistan for 24 hours on Sunday, characterizing it as the latest and longest in a series of nation-scale internet censorship measures linked to reports of election fraud.
Digital rights activist Usama Khilji also noted on Sunday that X was inaccessible for many users.
Commenting on a post by caretaker IT Minister Umar Saif, Khilji highlighted that the minister was using a VPN to tweet about key IT initiatives in Pakistan, as X remained blocked for a third day.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern, stating that shutting down the internet or social media platforms adversely affected online businesses and commerce, exacerbating economic challenges.
The HRCP emphasized that such actions infringed on people’s democratic rights and called for an immediate halt to the practice.
Despite the disruption, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not provided a statement, redirecting inquiries to the interior ministry.
