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Pakistan's Premier Multilingual News Agency

Social media now accessible in Pakistan

Islamabad, 16 May 2023, (GNP): After almost a week-long suspension the Federal government has restored the access to social media platforms in Pakistan, reported the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Earlier this week, the access to social media apps including the Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube were restricted by the regulatory authorities in Pakistan.

Mobile broadband was also suspended after the violent protests erupted country wide following the arrest of  former premier Imran Khan by the Rangers from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The suspension of broadband services and restriction to accessing social media came on the recommendation of the Interior Minister.

Also ReadPTI chairman Imran Khan arrested in Islamabad

According to the reports and industry experts, the move has incurred heavy losses on the ailing economy of the country. Telecom operators have reportedly suffer a loss of Rupees 820 million. Whereas the government has sustained loss of Rupees 287 million in tax revenue, amid the crucial financial crisis.

Moreover, the suspension of internet services also had a devastating effect on the daily wagers of the country where individuals depending on delivery and riding apps sustained huge loss in their earnings.

Amnesty International called the move as ‘violation of rights’

Speaking on the volatile political situation of Pakistan, Rimmel Mohydin, the South Asian campaigner at Amnesty International she “urged the authorities to exercise restraint.”

Also ReadImran Khan arrest: PTI leaders call for countrywide ‘shut-down’ protests

She also remarked the government’s  move of shutting down the internet as “alarming” and “violation of human rights to access information and freedom of expression”.

Amnesty International also urged the authorities in Pakistan to remove the restrictions on social media and lift the suspension of internet services.

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