Pakistan

Banned: Facebook, YouTube, Wikipedia... Google?

Express May 20, 2010

KARACHI: Online sources confirmed on Thursday night that search engine Google was blocked on some ISPs in Pakistan during the day.

After the Lahore High Court ordered the PTA to shut down Facebook on Wednesday, reports have been coming in on Twitter of "Access Denied" messages when trying to open Google.

While there is no official confirmation regarding a block on Google, the PTA claims up to 450 websites posting blasphemous material have been blocked so far. The PTA has also encouraged the general public to report any such sites at a toll free number and via email, which may be the cause behind other popular sites being banned.

Earlier, the PTA also shut down YouTube and Wikipedia, an action which drew mixed reactions from the public.

COMMENTS (56)

CAz | 14 years ago | Reply Well here We Go.. once Again Pakistan Manages To make A mockery of Itself on The World Stage... And Its People Mislead In the Name Of The Holy Cause... ...In No Way Do i..Support The Blasphemous Materials.. Freedom Of Speech... Is Just An Excuse Here To Ridicule Muslims... but ..You Cant Give Someone Death Threats..(Given To Comedy Central Producers) And Not Expect Them To Retaliate.. Why Are Other muslim Nations Silent Cause They have Common Sense..Unlike Us Paki,s Sadly... Ask Yourselves What Channel Banned Bollywood When they Were using Our Gods Name In Their songs Not A Single One.. People just Play on Their Hatred... Its A Stupid Decision To Ban Facebook... Youtube And Wikipedia... people should Have Enough Sense To Boycott Such things... What Muslim Would Even Open the Page With the Blasphmous Material.. once again how Stupid Can We Get... and Muslim Power..u Gotta Be Kidding Me... We Are Not Even United How can u Estabilish Muslim Power.. We Are Miles Behind Europe And The US.. Even Behind African Countries Such As Nigeria...In Pakistan We Dont Have The Basic Necessities Of life... Sure you Can Dream Of Muslim Powers in your Sleep.... Wake Up People God Wants Spiritual truth Not Fake Religious minds

Asad | 14 years ago | Reply Wikipedia is working now.

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Qadeer | 14 years ago | Reply its very good that fb has banned bcoz we cant bear insult of our beloved holy prophet {pbuh}

Hassaan | 14 years ago | Reply After 31st May Facebook will be back again. Will we be using it again?

shady | 14 years ago | Reply if you have such a problem with blasphemous content: DONT LOOK AT IT

Sana Khan rajput | 14 years ago | Reply PPL Who are showing anger on PTA are either ignorant or black-sheeps. Youtube contains sacrilegious content about Muslims and our Prophet. Shame on all of you who are dying for youtube. And same is the case with wikipedia. however we can suggest PTA to ban only those pages that are containing objectionable content rather than banning the entire site.

Sana Khan rajput | 14 years ago | Reply It is an appreciative step of PTA to block all the cursed websites. Google is not banned. And if they ban google then alternatives are available such as yahoo, aol,ask etc. Youtube must be banned forever because Youtube repeatedly displaying sacrilegious content and if you ppl remember then Youtube was banned in 2008 for the same shameful and objectionable content that they are showing again. Fcaebook should also get banned forever. We can sacrifice our livers for Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) so why not these evil sites????

Raees Shafiq | 14 years ago | Reply Hi Why the facebook, Wikipedia and Youtube is banned i wanna know what happned in Lahore High Court

BJ | 14 years ago | Reply Commented by FB "Why not ban the entire internet???!!! I see that happening too." If you don't have anything to do on internet rather then browsing silly sites and reading these stupid articles about blah blah so get you *** off from the front of the computer.Why are you asking to shut the internet down, even though it won't. We people have much work to do here on the internet. We communicate with others, earn and do our business online. Rather then indulging in these hatred things which you people make.

Rohan | 14 years ago | Reply This is SOOO unfair!! At this moment, I'm REALLY angry at those racists who came up with Prophet Caricatures! They were the ones who started this whole thing, and who are the ones to suffer?? We are the ones who suffer!! The ones who were being attacked are the ones banned from Facebook and Youtube etc. This is REALLY making me angry! But if we look at the bright side, I think theres an advantage aswell, The people who own Youtube and Facebook will start taking serious action against those racists! But I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible, because right now, I'm having my summer vacations and I'm pretty sure most of you are aswell, and I don't want these to be ruined! I hope there is a quick proper solution to this.

Stupid PTA | 14 years ago | Reply Facebook ‘Draw Mohammad Day’ a Victory for Muslims – Cartoonist Molly Norris Apologizes. Source: http://thecurrentaffairs.com/facebook-draw-mohammad-day-a-victory-for-muslims-cartoonist-molly-norris-apologizes.html

King Wardak | 14 years ago | Reply Great step from the side of Pakistan governament. Facebook and relevent sites should be blocked forever in all Islamic Countries. They are of no worth, however, they waste time. In fact, youtube was also publishing these contents so it is also logical, but somehow people study and they need it. Wikipedia is one of the best encyclopedias ever found on the net. So it is better to unblock the Wikipedia. It is useful. I urge all of the Islamic Countries to block facebook so they can gain no money from us. Long Live Islam.

jawad afzal | 14 years ago | Reply Another good news that PTA is also banned Twitter which is a good thinking.

Stupid PTA | 14 years ago | Reply I think there should be a law of how much a Pakistani Brand can spend on Internet Advertising on Non-Pakistani Websites. Just like there was a Ban on brands to advertise on Indian Tv Channels. Makes Sense? Guys please comment on this one.

faizan | 14 years ago | Reply @nina: good point. I think sometimes we should look beyond our comforts. I welcome Facebook and Youtube ban. But something is bugging me. Why the hell are other Muslim countries Silent. As far as wikipedia is concern, i think its a wake up call for all Muslims. We do not have a single Intellectual or research site. No Muslim is thinking of starting something like this. We are busy kissing west A S S. In this situation, i think of great Muslim reformer ; Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. We Muslims need our own encyclopedia and social networking site. Its not impossible.

Stupid PTA | 14 years ago | Reply @A.F. They earn from our local companies like Telenor, Ufone, Mobilink, Zong, PIA, Habib Bank etc advertising on their websites and targeting Pakistani audience... Pakistani Brands are pouring in Millions of dollars to target Pakistani youth on YouTube and Facebook. If that amount is spent on Pakistani sites, it may result in a lot better way and Pakistani internet scene can enter into a new prosperous future.

Nina | 14 years ago | Reply Most of us are grateful to the govt for banning these websites, now let's see if our govt can ban drone strikes by the USA against our fellow Muslims.

A.F. | 14 years ago | Reply at Shabah... How will the ban stop their revenue?

Osama | 14 years ago | Reply To everyone who keeps asking: The reason Wikipedia has been blocked is because you can see some of the pictures that were drawn in the contest of the Holy Prophet and read messages that poke fun at the Holy Prophet. Thus until that page is not brought down, which should be soon now, wikipedia remains banned.

Khalid Patel | 14 years ago | Reply I wonder why the Pakistan government has not taken any signaficant action other than banning the site, being an ally of US in war on terror isn't Pakistan still not in position to ask US authorities over the issue and register its codemnation. If this is the democracy, a government run by people elected by people then why is so the peoples voice is not been interpreted officially by this PEOPLES PARTY GOVERNMENT.

Stupid PTA | 14 years ago | Reply I agree with @A.F., what the hell is PTA doing? what are they thinking while blocking everything? Blocking Facebook was on Principal and was OK, but why are they blocking Youtube, wikipedia and even Google Search? They will only cause harm to Pakistanis who use these resources heavily to make money and run their families in these tough times. Govt organizations never miss a chance to prove themselves Stupid as anything...!!! May Allah help us.

COMSAT Abbottabad BCS-6 girls | 14 years ago | Reply Excellent step taken by the government to bann facebook but wikipedia and youtube should be allowed because it is helpful with our studies.

A.F. | 14 years ago | Reply PTA has gone bonkered. Facebook ban seems logical though im very against it, only relevant link should have been blocked but why wikipedia?

Shabah | 14 years ago | Reply To Wakeup, Banning FB and YT will force people like you to stop clicking on these websites and help them generate revenue :)

munazza | 14 years ago | Reply this is good step to block facebook.but i don't understand that why wikipedia & u tube r blocked?becoz wikipedia is the worlds largest free encyclopedia and most informative web.it should not be blocked.i request to pta to unblock wikipedia & u tube.

Azeem | 14 years ago | Reply Facebook Kal Bhi Zinda Tha.....Facebook Aaj Bhi Zinda Hai

jia | 14 years ago | Reply A very wise step! May Allah reward them!

Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Why download.com is now banned in pakistan.

Ain | 14 years ago | Reply Banning facebook and other sacrilegious sites is a very bold step taken by the Pakistani government. Although it gets a bit annoying not to be able to log into facebook, but considering the current circumstances the least we can do is to boycott all the sites that offend our beliefs and are a psychological torture in the name of 'freedom of speech'.

Asfandyar Khan | 14 years ago | Reply So u ban the english wikepedia...what about all the other languages where the search "Muhammad" brings out pictures of The Holy Prophet PBUH ( naozobillah).... This is not the solution.....This is brushing it under the carpet

Mig | 14 years ago | Reply Blocking Facebook is understandable ... But wikipedia is source of information ...so is with youtube... atleast they shud put off ban on wikipedia and youtube.

Ricky Nastan | 14 years ago | Reply ***Pakistan Governement is I think gone mad! Blocking Facebook is understandable. Blocking Wikipedia Temporarily is also understandable, But Why Google? It should not be blocked and Also Youtube Should'nt be Blocked at all only Specified or Particular URL should Be Blocked! Another Blockade : Second Famous Video Network after Youtube "Metacafe" is also Blocked. This is totally nonsense. We Appeal to PTA and Government to Unblock Youtube and Google as soon as Possible (Specified URLs would Remain Blocked)***

Osama | 14 years ago | Reply @Wakeup. Face-book has lost a lot of revenue from their sponsors/advertisers over this matter. I think it is the least we can do in order to protect our religion and retaliate against the haters. They do not have the guts to come and fight us, so they cower by disrespecting our religion. Pure sissy style.

Hamza | 14 years ago | Reply The hell is wrong with them man. Blocking facebook makes sense (although blocking that page only wouldve been better, because there are several companies in IT sector who're actually earning through Facebook... oh its true..) But as for wikipedia... thats just sickening. Its like closing down the public library on the internet. Wikipedia is one stop shop for most of the students looking for some info regarding their assignements and all. ... i have an idea ... lets burn all our cloths ... put on some good looking leaves and head off to jungles again ... Just like the old times !!

Khurram | 14 years ago | Reply Nice intiative from Pakistan government, first good step of history. Finally, all brothers and sisters efforts resulted as positive. Aplogizies from a cartoon artist: http://thecurrentaffairs.com/facebook-draw-mohammad-day-a-victory-for-muslims-cartoonist-molly-norris-apologizes.html

Hassan | 14 years ago | Reply I totally agree with "WAKEUP".........

Muhammad Ali Paracha | 14 years ago | Reply Blocking fb is still okay…but websites like wikipedia are very helpful, only the links should have been blocked, i am an A level students and have a exam tmrw..wikipedia helped me alot in my previous exams and wud have helped me tmrw aswell..too bad wen it comes to religion are people stop using their bloody heads…blocking the link only wud have been just fine...and i agree, its only a matter of time till the whole internet is blocked...infact blocking youtube is a blessing for PPP, all their scandals are now safely hidden.

wakeup | 14 years ago | Reply To one of replies. In what way banning these websites protect Islam? This is not a service to Islam. This is senseless. Just by closing your eyes things don't get right. Pagans and Non-Muslims will continue to do this until the worlds ends or they end. In simple words the only way to stop this is to bring Muslims to power to rule the world, which in current circumstances where people think that banning stuff is enough, i don't see it coming.

THE SHAZ | 14 years ago | Reply why has wikipedia been blocked? i completely support the ban on youtube and espacially facebook but blocking wikipedia makes no sense at all !!!

AZ | 14 years ago | Reply i just wonder why have they blocked wikipedia which is actually a good source of information and education

Muhammad Az | 14 years ago | Reply It's a good step to discourage such a idiot people who try to play with the emotion of the Muslim Uma. I am realy very happy on this tremendous step of our reputable PTA. ALLAH is One

Shah Hayat Ahmad | 14 years ago | Reply Actually Google was banned earlier around 830ish in the evening. They've unbanned it abhi - Wikipedia has been repeatedly going through the ban/unban statuses - guess it'll take a while before they finalize the list of sites that are actually to be banned.

Ali Raza | 14 years ago | Reply This isnt the solution by banning corporate websites atleast Government of Pakistan should sended a proper notice to the owner's of Facebook or Youtube.Banning Youtube had really effected most Paki Internet users & GOogle shouldnt be blocked It is the world's leading Search engine. Are we really moving backwords :(

fk | 14 years ago | Reply Google is NOT banned in Pakistan. It is completely working. Only youtube and facebook are banned due to the protests of general population.

Dania | 14 years ago | Reply GOOGLE??? WHY GOOGLE????

Maham | 14 years ago | Reply i think whats happened is completely just. We are protecting our religion and atleast we're doing something. you people might not care about your religion or family but we do. And unlike others we're taking a step to prevent disrespect, so i completely understand why you're so afraid of us.

omair habib | 14 years ago | Reply its a good step from pak government...

sikandar | 14 years ago | Reply i think banning the complete sites is not the answer they should ban the specific urls or ips ! google , wikipedia and youtube should not be banned at all ! but specific url or pages should be banned !

Adnan | 14 years ago | Reply No electricity here so why whine about Internet? Let's enjoy old traditional days when ppl used to water in real farms rather in farm ville and used to sit on chowks with pals rather than joining "e-groups"

ezine.pk | 14 years ago | Reply Well they could have easily blocked the specific pages from wikipedia. It is much easier for content to be removed from wikipedia if it is sacrilegious.

Sikander | 14 years ago | Reply Google is working now..

MH | 14 years ago | Reply Google is blocked. No doubts. They will cut off Pakistan completely in a couple of hours.

omer | 14 years ago | Reply i think banning facebook and wikipedia is a good step because they are playing with the emotions of muslims.but i dont understand why youtube is banned?

Arsalan | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistanis can’t use FB until May 31. Excellent opportunity for Hindustanis to block water to all Pak farms on Farmville.

King of Kash | 14 years ago | Reply Make it illegal to use computers of any kind !

FB | 14 years ago | Reply Why not ban the entire internet???!!! I see that happening too.

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