pakistan internet disruption: opposition’s election campaign causes disruption in online services
Published on: January 11, 2024.
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Internet and social media services in Pakistan experienced severe disruptions on Sunday night as Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) was preparing to launch an extensive online campaign ahead of the upcoming elections next month. Khan and other senior leaders of PTI had been rejected as candidates for the vote, which they believed was part of a plan by the military-led establishment to prevent their participation.
PTI had planned a nationwide and global telethon on Sunday evening to unveil their manifesto and raise campaign funds. However, internet disruptions started in the early evening, causing significant disruptions to network providers across the country. Netblocks, a cybersecurity and internet governance watchdog organization, stated that the incident was consistent with previous social media filtering events used to limit opposition party rallies or speeches by Imran Khan. Similar measures have previously been employed in countries like Venezuela.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan condemned the disruptions, labeling them as a violation of international law. The Council emphasized that all political parties should have the basic right of freedom of expression, particularly during elections. They called on the government of Pakistan to uphold fundamental rights.
Imran Khan, 71, had been ousted from power last year after a falling out with Pakistan’s military leaders who had initially supported his rise to power in 2018. Khan has since been a vocal opponent of the military establishment, accusing them of orchestrating his removal from office and plotting an assassination attempt against him. PTI has faced significant challenges with a crackdown on its members, including imprisonment and forced departures from the party.
With the pending ruling on the lifetime disqualification of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court, the election season in Pakistan has been relatively subdued. Sharif, who recently returned from exile to launch a political comeback, could be a potential winner if allowed to participate in the elections. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to be announced this week.
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