ISLAMABAD: Access to social media networks remained blocked for hours on Friday after the government imposed a blanket ban as part of its security plan to maintain law and order across the country and prevent violent protests in the wake of its decision to ban the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) along with a clampdown on its activists.
While the restriction on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram remained in place from 11am till 3pm without prior intimation to users, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed later in a video statement apologised to citizens for inconvenience it caused and reasoned that the measure had become essential as some [violent] protests were feared.
Pemra bans TV, radio coverage of TLP radio.gov.pk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from radio.gov.pk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Story highlights
All the social media websites will stay closed till 3 pm. The sites and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok
The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3 pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to close down social media websites and apps for a few hours. The blocked sites and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.n
The move comes a day after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned all TV and radio coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Pakistan ‘Temporarily’ Blocks Social Media Platforms
Pakistan ‘Temporarily’ Blocks Social Media Platforms
File photo. Banaras Khan AFP
Interior Ministry directs suspension of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Telegram in bid to maintain public order
Pakistan on Friday ‘temporarily’ blocked all major social media platforms in an ostensible bid to prevent protesters linked to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) from coordinating mass demonstrations calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador from the country.
“Complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Telegram) may be blocked from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 16 across the country,” read a notification issued by the Interior Ministry to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. “It is requested that immediate action may be taken on the subject matter under intimation to this ministry,” it added.
Media coverage of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was declared prohibited on Thursdday by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). PEMRA’s notification followed one by the Ministry of Interior which declared the TLP a banned organisation for engaging in acts of terrorism, and acting in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of […]