ISLAMABAD, Zubair kasuri PAKISTAN: In a shocking move, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked Facebook in Pakistan, leaving over 44 million users without access to the popular social media platform.
Sources close to the matter have confirmed that verbal orders were received from the government to block Facebook, citing national security concerns and the spread of misinformation. The PTA has initiated the block, but written orders are still pending.
This development comes on the heels of a temporary disruption to Facebook services in Pakistan yesterday, which was reportedly a test run for the full block. The government had earlier blocked X (Twitter) in March, citing similar reasons.
The block has sparked outrage among social media users in Pakistan, who rely heavily on Facebook for communication, news, and entertainment. Many have taken to alternative platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to express their frustration and concern over the government’s move.
The PTA has not issued an official statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that the ban may be related to the government’s efforts to crack down on online dissent and political activism.
As the situation develops, users in Pakistan are left wondering when they will regain access to Facebook and what the future holds for social media in the country.
