Popular micro-blogging site ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, has been unavailable in Pakistan for over a week.
Despite the short interval when the website was available, users are now reporting a constant outage, even when using virtual private network (VPN) services.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the government agency responsible for overseeing telecommunications, has not released any official statement regarding the suspension of the service.
This lack of transparency has only added to the frustration among users who rely heavily on “X” for information and news updates. Users who initially turned to VPNs as a solution also hit a snag as the microblogging site remains inaccessible.
The situation has raised concerns about the government’s stance on digital freedom and freedom of speech. The outage did not go unnoticed by the public, with many voicing their displeasure on various platforms.
The government and the IT minister have been criticized for what is seen as an attack on free speech and a hindrance to the revenue generated by the country’s thriving IT professionals.
Earlier, the Sindh High Court had issued a directive to restore access to “X” across Pakistan, recognizing the site’s importance in disseminating information. However, despite the court order, there has been no implementation, leaving users and advocates of digital freedom in a state of dismay.
The suspension of “X” has wider implications, affecting not only the general public but also businesses and professionals who rely on the platform to communicate, network and stay informed about the latest developments. The longer the outage lasts, the more severe the consequences could be for the country’s digital landscape.
As the public awaits an official statement from the PTA and the government, concerns about the potential consequences of such an extended suspension continue to grow.
