Mobile internet, social media blocked as violence rages in Pakistan

Internet

In the aftermath for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest, the Interior Ministry instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block mobile broadband services across the country.Twitter, Facebook and YouTube were blocked at the Interior Ministry’s request, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said.

It is not clear how long access will be restricted, he said.

The blockade began on Tuesday after videos of violence and attacks on military facilities began circulating on social media.

The authorities also closed educational institutions in major cities including the capital.

Khan was arrested the previous day on corruption charges, sparking violent protests across the country that already faces extensive political and economic problems.

Pakistan has been grappling with political instability since Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote.

(dpa/NAN)