Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:29am on 18 Dec 2023,Monday International
On Monday evening, internet users across Pakistan reported widespread difficulties accessing social media platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The disruptions came just ahead of a major virtual public gathering hosted by Imran Khan's political party PTI, scheduled to begin at 9pm. Internet monitoring service Netblocks confirmed that metrics showed nation-scale disruption to social networks in Pakistan coinciding with the lead-up to Khan's speech. PTI condemned the disruption as "proof of fear" of Khan's popularity. The Pakistan Telecom Authority did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier this year, authorities restricted internet access amid protests over Khan's arrest. Pakistan ranked third globally for internet shutdowns in early 2023.
