Social media apps down in Pakistan since Muharram

Social media apps including Facebook and Instagram have been down in Pakistan on different internet service providers (ISPs) since Muharram. Pakistanis wonder on social media if the government has blocked Facebook and Instagram. It has already successfully blocked Twitter X for over six months.

The disruption of Facebook and Instagram started during Ashura processions on July 16 and July 17. Social media platform watchdog Down Detector verified the restriction of social media apps in Pakistan during ongoing processions.

Meanwhile, Global watchdog Netblocks also confirmed that several Pakistani ISPs experienced Facebook and Instagram suspensions. Meta stated there are no known issues with its status dashboard following the outage of social media networking despite user complaints.

⚠️ Confirmed: Metrics show restrictions to Facebook are in effect on multiple providers in #Pakistan adding to the ongoing X ban imposed since 17 February; the new measure comes on the Islamic holy day of Ashura when authorities typically restrict mobile internet services 📵 pic.twitter.com/aEL8TY2ADM
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) July 17, 2024

However, user complaints have continued even after Ashura processions ended as social media apps are down on multiple ISPs in Pakistan.

A telecom firm Nayatel stated on X there have been issues with Facebook and Instagram services across all service providers in Pakistan for the past two days. They called this blockage an addition to the already blocked Twitter X.

Facebook and Instagram services have been disrupted with all service providers across the country for the last two days. This blockage is in addition to already blocked Twitter/X.

We are waiting for reply from PTA for reasons for this blockage and when this ban will be lifted. https://t.co/6pZ5QTyGxX pic.twitter.com/F9mx5GApqb
— Nayatel (@nayatelpk) July 18, 2024

Some users are also having problems with other apps owned by Meta, like WhatsApp apart from Instagram and Facebook. It seems the Pakistani government has restricted user’s access to two more social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

However, the government of Pakistan has not yet released an official statement regarding the restrictions imposed on Facebook and Instagram access.

It is significant to note that the government has several times suggested a ban on social media apps in the past months. It cites security concerns and propagandist content against the state triggered on social media. So, it proposed to ban social media apps in Pakistan in the past.

*Facebook and Instagram have restricted access in Pakistan*

Click here to read the updates on PM Shehbaz Sharif’s approved PECA Act 2024 to control social media

Social media apps have been down in Pakistan since Muharram. This restriction’s timing is crucial when a tug-of-war is ongoing between PTI, judiciary, and military establishment.

Hence, the crucial power struggle between supremos of three main arenas of Pakistan appears to restrict social media apps.

This is because a majority of social media users support Imran Khan enthusiastically. So, the government may attempt to suppress the unwavering support of Imran’s followers in his fight against the status quo.