As Pakistan faces yet another chapter of political unrest, the country has witnessed widespread disruptions on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, along with significant internet outages. These disruptions coincided with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, resuming its march toward Islamabad to protest what it terms as a “stolen mandate” and unjust arrests. While the government had earlier announced potential internet curbs in protest-affected areas, the lack of official communication regarding the disruptions has fueled speculation about their intent and timing.
The protest march and the associated internet outages reflect the ongoing tensions between the ruling administration and PTI supporters.
Internet outage in Pakistan; WhatsApp, Instagram and other social medial platforms down
Reports from Downdetector.com, a platform that monitors online outages, confirmed that users in Pakistan experienced difficulties accessing WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Internet connectivity itself was also sporadic in several regions.
The Pakistani government had earlier indicated plans to curtail internet services in areas of heightened security concerns. However, the broader disruptions to social media platforms were not explicitly addressed, leaving users and experts speculating about whether these measures were deliberate or coincidental.
The outages have significantly impacted communication, with protestors facing challenges in coordinating their activities. For ordinary citizens, the inability to access critical communication tools has added another layer of frustration in an already tense environment.
The protest march: A final call by Imran Khan
Imran Khan, the 72-year-old former prime minister, issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on November 24. The PTI-led demonstrations aimed to:
- Protest the alleged stolen mandate in recent elections.
- Condemn the arrests of PTI leaders and supporters.
- Oppose the passage of the controversial 26th amendment, which PTI claims strengthens authoritarian governance.
In his absence, the march is being led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
Challenges faced by protestors
The march, which began on Sunday from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, faced significant obstacles, including:
- Blocked highways: Authorities placed shipping containers to obstruct protestors’ routes.
- Delays: Protestors used heavy machinery to clear the barriers, slowing their progress.
- Section 144 restrictions: The government imposed Section 144, a colonial-era law prohibiting political gatherings, citing security concerns.
Despite these hurdles, the protestors camped overnight at Haro in Attock district, Punjab, before resuming their journey toward Islamabad on Monday.
Government’s response
The Pakistani government justified the restrictions and internet curbs as necessary to maintain order, particularly in light of a high-level delegation from Belarus visiting Islamabad. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzinkov, arrived ahead of an official visit by President Alexander Lukashenko. Important bilateral agreements were expected during discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticized PTI’s timing for the protests, accusing the party of engaging in a “well-thought-out conspiracy” to disrupt the country during international engagements. Dar highlighted previous instances where PTI protests coincided with global events such as the SCO summit or visits from foreign dignitaries.
The government has maintained that the protests disrupt national stability and tarnish Pakistan’s image on the global stage. However, PTI leaders, including Gandapur, remain steadfast, urging supporters not to relent until Imran Khan is released.
Bushra Bibi’s unprecedented role
Contrary to earlier announcements, Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, joined the protestors, energizing the crowd with brief remarks. From her vehicle, she expressed frustration over delays caused by logistical hurdles, urging supporters to stay in their vehicles to expedite the march.
Her presence marks a significant moment in the PTI’s protest movement, showcasing the party’s determination to persevere despite setbacks.
The bigger picture: A nation divided
The ongoing protest and internet disruptions highlight the growing divide in Pakistan’s political landscape. On one side, PTI supporters demand transparency, justice, and Khan’s release, while the government asserts its measures are aimed at maintaining stability and fostering international relations.
The lack of clear communication about internet disruptions and the heavy-handed imposition of Section 144 underscore the challenges of balancing national security with democratic freedoms. As the march progresses toward Islamabad, the nation’s focus remains firmly on how both the government and PTI will navigate this volatile situation.
Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans