Amnesty Worldwide, in collaboration with a coalition of human rights activists and civil society organizations, has urgently known as upon the Pakistani authorities to promptly restore social media platform “X,” which has been blocked within the nation since February 17, as reported by The Specific Tribune.
Previously often known as Twitter, “X” stays inaccessible in Pakistan following the resignation of former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha. Chattha cited alleged “election rigging” within the Rawalpindi division as his motive for stepping down.
Began with elections
The platform ban was carried out after cell phone providers had been blocked on election day, February 8, in keeping with The Specific Tribune.
In a press release, Amnesty Worldwide emphasised that “the arbitrary blocking of platforms, together with the extended and unannounced disruption of ‘X’ since February 17, 2024, serves as a stark instance of the escalating digital censorship within the nation.”
The human rights group, as reported by The Specific Tribune, highlighted the antagonistic impression of web shutdowns and social media bans on political discourse and the free stream of data, particularly throughout vital electoral processes. In line with Amnesty Worldwide, such actions not solely stifle numerous political voices but additionally contribute to the unfold of misinformation.
No causes for the ban
The assertion additional criticized the “full silence” from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), deeming it extremely regarding. The PTA failed to offer any causes for the ban and exceeded its authority by blocking a whole web platform.
“The dearth of transparency in decision-making processes associated to community shutdowns and platform blocking, coupled with a whole disregard for accountability, has eroded belief between the state and its residents,” the assertion added.
Amnesty Worldwide and its companions urgently name for measures to reverse the development of digital censorship in Pakistan. Particularly, they demand the unblocking of “X,” the repeal of legal guidelines facilitating censorship (corresponding to Part 37 of the Prevention of Digital Crime Act), and clear decision-making concerning web utilization. Moreover, they search clarification on the authorized foundation for latest platform blockages and a dedication to uphold Pakistan’s worldwide obligations concerning freedom of expression and entry to info
Previously often known as Twitter, “X” stays inaccessible in Pakistan following the resignation of former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha. Chattha cited alleged “election rigging” within the Rawalpindi division as his motive for stepping down.
Began with elections
The platform ban was carried out after cell phone providers had been blocked on election day, February 8, in keeping with The Specific Tribune.
In a press release, Amnesty Worldwide emphasised that “the arbitrary blocking of platforms, together with the extended and unannounced disruption of ‘X’ since February 17, 2024, serves as a stark instance of the escalating digital censorship within the nation.”
The human rights group, as reported by The Specific Tribune, highlighted the antagonistic impression of web shutdowns and social media bans on political discourse and the free stream of data, particularly throughout vital electoral processes. In line with Amnesty Worldwide, such actions not solely stifle numerous political voices but additionally contribute to the unfold of misinformation.
No causes for the ban
The assertion additional criticized the “full silence” from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), deeming it extremely regarding. The PTA failed to offer any causes for the ban and exceeded its authority by blocking a whole web platform.
Increase
Amnesty Worldwide and its companions urgently name for measures to reverse the development of digital censorship in Pakistan. Particularly, they demand the unblocking of “X,” the repeal of legal guidelines facilitating censorship (corresponding to Part 37 of the Prevention of Digital Crime Act), and clear decision-making concerning web utilization. Moreover, they search clarification on the authorized foundation for latest platform blockages and a dedication to uphold Pakistan’s worldwide obligations concerning freedom of expression and entry to info