US call comes amid blockade of X in Pakistan; Global mobile operators body express concern over internet curbs
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: The United States on Wednesday called on Islamabad to “respect freedom of expression and restore access to any social media” platforms including X — formerly known as Twitter.
“So we are concerned by any report of restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of expression and association in Pakistan, including the partial or complete government-imposed internet shutdowns, which includes, of course, on social media platforms. We continue to call on Pakistan to respect freedom of expression and restore access to any social media that has been restricted, including Twitter, I think now known as X,” said State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller in a press briefing to a question about disruptions on social media in Pakistan.
The spokesperson said that Washington has and will continue to “emphasise the importance of respecting these fundamental freedoms during our engagements with Pakistani officials”. He also shared that Washington had communicated its position to Islamabad through official channels.
Global mobile operators body concerned over internet curbs in Pakistan
GSMA, a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, has expressed concern over connectivity and internet services restrictions in Pakistan on Election Day and called it a violation of human rights and freedom of expression, reported The News on Thursday.
A GSMA representative reached out to Caretaker IT Minister Umar Saif to express the organisation’s concerns regarding the restrictions placed on connectivity and internet services in Pakistan during the lead-up to the 2024 General Elections, on election day itself, and the subsequent ongoing decline in the service quality.
According to the publication, the international body stated that these curbs violated individuals’ rights, as outlined in international human rights conventions
