<\/p>\n
Internet monitor Netblocks reported a nationwide disruption in social media platforms on Sunday night amid a \u201cvirtual power show\u201d organised by the PTI.<\/p>\n
\u201cLive metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across #Pakistan<\/a>, including X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube,\u201d the internet tracking agency said.<\/p>\n Netblocks noted that the incident came ahead of a major PTI virtual gathering. The online event kicked off at 9pm.<\/p>\n Users reported having difficulty accessing social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad shortly after 8pm. Users also complained about internet services being slow.<\/p>\n Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister and PTI leader Taimur Jhagra also noted the internet issues coinciding with the online rally.<\/p>\n The party itself termed it an \u201cexpected move\u201d.<\/p>\n The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not respond to repeated requests for a comment<\/p>\n Criticising the disruption, lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir said: \u201cThey actually messed with the internet affecting millions of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of businesses only to oppose PTI virtual rally. This is beyond madness.\u201d<\/p>\n Activist Usama Khilji also condemned the undermining of \u201cPakistani citizens\u2019 right to access to information and freedom of association\u201d.<\/p>\n On May 9, the PTA had confirmed that it had suspended mobile broadband across the country on the interior ministry\u2019s instructions<\/a>. Netblocks had said access to Twitter, Facebook and Youtube was restricted across Pakistan amid PTI chief Imran Khan\u2019s arrest<\/a> on that day from the Islamabad High Court\u2019s premises in the Al-Qadir Trust case.<\/p>\n