Since last night, Facebook (Meta) has been restricted in Pakistan, causing users to experience difficulties accessing the social media platform across various internet service providers (ISPs).
This restriction comes amid the observance of Ashura, a significant day in the Islamic calendar when authorities often impose mobile service restrictions for security reasons.
According to NetBlocks, a global internet tracking agency, the restrictions on Facebook are in effect on multiple providers in Pakistan. This adds to the ongoing ban on X (formerly known as Twitter), which has been in place since February 17, 2024. The timing of the new restriction coincides with Ashura, a day marked by processions and gatherings, during which the government typically restricts mobile and internet services to maintain public order and security.
Users are unable to log into their Facebook accounts and are experiencing problems loading the news feed.
Website outage tracker Downdetector is showing hundreds of disruption reports from all over the country.
The restriction has sparked widespread frustration among users who rely on Facebook for communication, news updates, and social interaction. Many have turned to other social media platforms to express their concerns. Additionally, some users are experiencing issues with other Meta-owned apps, such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s largest province Punjab had proposed a ban on all social media platforms due to security concerns during Ashura and to control the dissemination of hate material and misinformation in a bid to avoid sectarian violence.
After this, last week the Interior Ministry announced that no decision was made regarding an internet shutdown during Muharram.
The spokesperson of the Interior Ministry clarified that it had not yet made any decision on the requests submitted by the provinces concerning the internet shutdown during Muharram after reports emerged that the request for an internet shutdown during Muharram was rejected.
ProPakistani reached out to the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) for their official comment on the matter. Their viewpoint will be shared upon arrival.
Security concerns
Security concerns
عجب تماشا لگا رکھا ہے اس ملک میں۔
ہر چیز میں بس عوام کو تنگ کرنا، پریشان کرنا۔
نالائق، نا اہل، نکمے، کام چور، حرامخور، جاہل، سست ادارے۔
please block it permanently, we van live without facebook
Yeh log awam ko rozgar de nahi sakty ulta cheen lety hain. jinka business hi social media platforms se chal raha hai woh log in sab harqton se shadeed mutasir hoty hain. Inki apni jabain to bhari vi hain samny waly ka kiya