Freedom Network declares ban on ‘X’ unannounced censorship

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Freedom Network called undeclared ban on ‘X’ social networking platform, which is down in Pakistan since 17 February for unknown reasons, a direct state-led censorship to deny citizens right to express.

The X down comes ban on mobile phone and mobile internet on election day 8 February 2024 which was shocking to disallow voters to use the technology in easily moving to polling stations.

“No other is responsible for this undeclared censorship to down X than the federal caretaker government which is proving to be violating fundamental rights of citizens of this country,” the award-winning Freedom Network said in a press statement to join chorus for allowing citizens to access the platform.

The media watchdog organization said: “The public access to the social networking platform must be restored without any further delay as the ban goes contrary to the caretaker government’s plans to digitalize the country”.

Freedom Network “urges the authorities to stop violating digital rights of public any longer,” the press statement said. X is inaccessible since Saturday when former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Chattha resigned over what he said alleged “election rigging” in Rawalpindi division.

Media reports suggested the platform “remained sporadically accessible in some cities” while reports said that it was not accessible in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.