Amnesty International has condemned the Pakistan’s government “indefinite mobile internet shutdown and social media ban”, saying it is a “clear violation” of people’s rights to access information and free expression.
The organization has called on the authorities to immediately lift the restrictions.
“Alarmingly, the government has announced that the mobile internet shutdown is ‘indefinite’ which is a clear violation of people’s right to access information and free expression. The ban on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube also creates a permissive environment for other human rights violations under the darkness of the internet shutdown. The restrictions must be lifted immediately,” the statement read.
Following Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s detention and ensuing riots, the Pakistani authorities on Tuesday restricted mobile broadband and social media websites. On the fourth day of the ban, they had still not been reinstated.
Meanwhile, the GSMA, an organization that represents the interests of international mobile operators, raised alarm on Friday on the negative effects of mobile broadband restrictions on Pakistani citizens and enterprises.
In its letter, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, the body addresses IT Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque.
“In today’s digital societies, individuals and businesses rely on connectivity for their livelihoods and access to essential services and information,” stated GSMA Head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman in the letter.
The GSMA urged the government to lift the suspension on internet services and restore its access as soon as possible to ensure business continuity.
