Mobile internet blackout enters 4th day; PTA awaits instructions on restoration

Mobile internet blackout enters 4th day in the country on Friday.

Mobile internet services and major social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, remain blocked in the country for a fourth day in the aftermath of the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The telecom regulator blocked mobile broadband services across the country on May 9 on the directives of the interior ministry.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday said that the Ministry of Interior had issued orders to suspend mobile internet service and it had not received any fresh directives in this regard from the authorities.

PTA added that mobile internet service across the country will remain suspended until further notice.

However, broadband internet service was available to the users.

On the other hand, GSMA (an industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide) has written a letter to the IT minister, urging the government to lift the suspension of internet services!

In a letter written to IT Minister Syed Aminul Haque, GSMA expressed concern over the impact internet restrictions are having on citizens and businesses in Pakistan.

“In today’s digital societies, individuals and businesses rely on connectivity for their livelihoods and access to essential services and information. Prolonged restrictions can also have far-reaching effects on citizens’ health, education social, and economic welfare.

“In addition to the harm imposed on businesses, restrictions can have a knock-on credit and investment plans, ultimately damaging the country’s reputation for managing the economy and foreign investment,” the letter says.