Social media services restored across Pakistan after temporary suspension

Access was restricted to 'maintain public order and safety'

ISLAMABAD:

Social media services in the country have been restored after a temporary suspension was ordered by the interior ministry earlier on Friday.

Services were fully restored around 4 pm. 

In a letter sent to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the interior ministry had asked for "immediate action" to be taken.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

"I am directed to refer to the subject cited above and state that complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and Telegram) may be blocked from 1100hrs to 1500hrs on 16th April 2021 across the country," stated the short letter sent to the PTA chairman by the ministry. The letter was also marked 'Most Immediate'.

"In order to maintain public order and safety, access to certain social media applications has been restricted temporarily," said the PTA.

Press Release: In order to maintain public order and safety, access to certain social media applications has been restricted temporarily.

— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) April 16, 2021

Read More: PM Imran constitutes committee to review social media rules

The government did not cite a reason for the temporary suspension, however, the suspension comes days after the country was rocked by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) protest. The protest erupted after the party's chief was arrested earlier this week.

The government on Thursday decided to approach the apex court seeking the dissolution of the TLP after the federal cabinet outlawed the group under the country’s anti-terrorism law.