For over a week, the widely-used microblogging platform ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter, has remained inaccessible in Pakistan. Users are experiencing a persistent outage, even with attempts to use Virtual Private Network (VPN) services.
Surprisingly, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the governmental body overseeing telecommunications, has not issued any official statements explaining the suspension of the service. This lack of transparency has heightened frustration among users who heavily rely on ‘X’ for information and news updates.
Despite initial attempts to use VPNs as a workaround, users are reporting that ‘X’ remains unreachable. The absence of an official response from the PTA adds to concerns regarding the government’s stance on digital freedom and freedom of speech.
Users, who have expressed their discontent on various platforms, are criticizing the government and the IT minister for what they perceive as an infringement on freedom of speech and a hindrance to the revenue generated by the country’s thriving IT professionals.
While the Sindh High Court had previously directed the restoration of access to ‘X’ across Pakistan, the order has not been implemented, leaving users and advocates of digital freedom in a state of dismay.
This suspension of ‘X’ has broader implications, affecting not only the general public but also businesses and professionals relying on the platform for communication, networking, and staying informed about the latest developments. The longer the outage persists, the more severe the consequences may be for the nation’s digital landscape.
As the public awaits an official statement from the PTA and the government, concerns about the potential ramifications of such a prolonged suspension continue to grow.
