As Pakistan entered its fourth week of nationwide disruption to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, activists continued to wage a legal battle to restore access to the platform. The disruption occurred after protests were sparked by the admission of vote manipulation in the previous month’s election by a government official associated with the jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan’s party.
Since February 17, authorities have either partially or fully blocked X, responding to widespread protests across the country concerning allegations of vote rigging in the general election. Users attempting to access the platform are greeted with a message stating, “Something went wrong, but don’t fret – let’s give it another shot,” indicating the extent of the disruption. This blockade has not only left business owners concerned about lost clients but has also affected journalists seeking new sources. The demand from Pakistanis for the government to restore regular access to the social media platform is growing, reflecting the impact on various sectors.
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Shaista Ayesha, who manages the Karachi-based social enterprise SEED Ventures, expressed her worry about the social media blackout, stating that their organization relies on X for social media postings and connecting with other organizations and funders. The ban has resulted in a loss of social media outreach and strategic visibility, although the financial cost has not been calculated yet.
This ban on X is part of a series of internet restrictions associated with the February 8 election, which saw a mobile internet shutdown on polling day and delayed results, leading to accusations of vote tampering. The United States, Britain, and the European Union have expressed concerns about the electoral process, emphasizing the need for investigations into reported irregularities. The U.S. State Department has also condemned the internet shutdowns, urging the federal government to lift restrictions and respect freedom of expression.
Pakistan has a population of 241 million people, with just over 45% having internet access and nearly 30% using social media. X had 4.5 million users in Pakistan in early 2024, equivalent to 1.9% of the population, underlining its significant impact on communication and information dissemination.
Hisham Sarwar, a prominent tech guru running digital marketing companies in Pakistan, highlighted the losses faced by small businesses due to the shutdown affecting social media marketing. He noted the panic among businesses as it takes time to create content on alternative Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram. TikTok is not a viable alternative, according to Sarwar, as it lacks a service for businesses in Pakistan, and X provides a better return on marketing investment.
To circumvent the restrictions, many Pakistanis have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) that encrypt data and obscure a user’s location. Farieha Aziz, co-founder of Bolo Bhi, a digital rights advocacy group, admitted to using VPNs to access X, crucial for obtaining real-time information on topics blocked by authorities in mainstream media outlets.
However, Aziz noted that internet speeds had slowed down, extending the time required to connect, and there were suspicions that the government was attempting to block VPNs. The concerns about the X shutdown extended to individuals like Lahore-based environment lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam, who feared missing important weather updates in a country frequently hit by climate disasters.
In summary, the X shutdown in Pakistan has generated significant consequences for businesses, journalists, and citizens seeking information. The ongoing legal battle and concerns expressed by various sectors highlight the broader impact of such disruptions on communication, freedom of expression, and access to crucial information in the digital age.
