Facebook, Twitter remain blocked across Pakistan for second day in a row

Social networking websites were blocked following crackdown on Faizabad protesters

Social networking websites continue to remain blocked in Pakistan for the second consecutive day on Sunday following the government's crackdown on the Faizabad protesters a day earlier.

Hours after police and paramilitary forces launched a crackdown on protesters on Saturday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was ordered to block popular social media networking sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and video-sharing websites YouTube and Dailymotion.

Besides, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) shut down the transmissions of all private news channels, accusing them of violating media regulations by airing live coverage of the operation.

However, TV channels were allowed to resume their transmission on Sunday.



The PTA said social networking and video-sharing websites would remain blocked in the country until the law and order situation improved.

However, the telecom watchdog added that there had been no instructions to block cell phone services so far.