Frustration is reportedly mounting in
Pakistan
as citizens demand the government restore full access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform has been partially or fully blocked since February 17, following protests sparked by allegations of vote rigging in the recent general election. The block, confirmed by internet monitor Netblocks, prevents many users from accessing X entirely, while others experience disruptions and slow loading times.
The platform displayed a generic error message stating, "Something went wrong, but don't fret - let's give it another shot."
According to a report by news agency Reuters, the X shutdown is having a significant impact on various sectors in Pakistan. Business owners, like
Shaista Ayesha
of social enterprise SEED Ventures, rely on X for marketing and outreach. The block has hampered their ability to connect with potential clients and funders.
Journalist
Omair Alavi
also echoed similar sentiments to Reuters. She said that journalists are also facing difficulties as they rely on X to gather information, share updates, and connect with sources. Alavi, a reporter with Voice of America, highlights how social media is an essential tool for journalists and its absence hinders their ability to effectively report.
VPNs and more
With X blocked, Pakistanis are reportedly turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the platform. VPNs encrypt data and mask a user's location, allowing them to bypass restrictions. However, Farieha Aziz, co-founder of digital rights group Bolo Bhi, reportedly highlighted concerns about slow connection speeds and government attempts to block VPNs as well.
With the
Sindh High Court
hearing on the X block scheduled for March 20, Pakistanis reportedly await a resolution. Whether the government will restore full access or continue the restrictions remains to be seen. This situation highlights the tension between national security concerns and the right to access information in an increasingly digital world.
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