As Pakistan gears up for the general elections scheduled for February 8, concerns about internet freedom and fair campaigning have emerged once again. The recent incident involves severe disruptions to major social media platforms during a virtual rally organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This is the second such occurrence in two weeks, highlighting potential challenges to open online communication and information dissemination in the lead-up to the elections.
On the evening of the virtual rally, users across Pakistan reported difficulties accessing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The outage began before the event had even started, affecting the livestream broadcast of PTI speeches. Alp Toker, Director of Netblocks, an organization monitoring cybersecurity and internet governance, confirmed the nationwide restriction of social media platforms, describing the disruptions as “remarkably systematic” and consistent with previous incidents during PTI events.
This is not the first time Pakistanis have experienced internet disruptions coinciding with opposition rallies. Similar incidents occurred on January 7 and December 17, aligning with virtual events organized by PTI, including a fundraising telethon. Critics argue that these disruptions raise concerns about the government’s commitment to free and fair elections and the right to access information.
The PTI, reacting to the confirmation of internet restrictions during its virtual rally, expressed dissatisfaction with the caretaker government. In a statement, the party said, “Shame on the caretakers that are causing damage to Pakistanis only.” The PTI has faced challenges in its election campaign, with key leaders, including Imran Khan, being barred from standing for election. In-person campaigning has also been hampered by a government crackdown, forcing party leaders to either defect or go underground.
Imran Khan, despite being incarcerated, remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and enjoys significant popularity. A Gallup Pakistan survey conducted in December affirmed Khan’s status as the nation’s most popular politician. However, the restrictions on opposition leaders and disruptions to online events are raising questions about the fairness of the upcoming elections.
The intentional disruption of social media platforms is a matter of concern for several reasons. In the digital age, social media plays a crucial role in political campaigning, allowing parties and candidates to connect with voters, share their messages, and mobilize support. Any attempt to curtail online communication can be seen as an infringement on the right to freedom of expression and an impediment to a transparent electoral process.
The disruptions also highlight the broader issue of online censorship and control in Pakistan. Internet freedom has been a contentious issue in the country, with reports of content restrictions, blocking of websites, and periodic interruptions to online services. As Pakistan navigates its democratic process, ensuring a free and open digital space is essential for citizens to make informed choices and participate actively in political discourse.
The international community is closely monitoring developments in Pakistan, particularly with regard to the conduct of elections. Any perceived irregularities or restrictions on political activities, including online events, can impact the credibility of the electoral process. As the country moves closer to the polling day, calls for a level playing field, free expression, and equal opportunities for all political actors are likely to intensify.
The recent internet disruptions during PTI’s virtual rally in Pakistan raise concerns about the fairness of the upcoming general elections. With social media playing a pivotal role in political communication, deliberate interruptions to online events can impact the democratic process and citizens’ ability to engage with political discourse. As Pakistan strives for democratic stability, ensuring internet freedom and equal opportunities for all political parties is essential for a transparent and credible electoral process.