Social media suspended in Pakistan, indoors ministry says devoid of citing causes

Social media platforms Twitter, fb, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram have been suspended in Pakistan from 11 am till 3 pm, the interior ministry observed on Friday.

The ministry told Geo news that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had suspended the social media platforms on its instructions.

The instant explanation for the suspension of capabilities changed into no longer clear as of yet.

The motion was taken after a letter changed into despatched to the PTA chairman by means of the indoors ministry. The ministry, in the letter, had requested the PTA to take motion in opposition t the subject "automatically".

"i'm directed to check with the subject mentioned above and to state that complete access to social media platforms could be blocked from 11 am to 3 pm on April sixteen 2021, throughout the nation," Abdul Razaq the part officer of the ministry wrote in the letter.

"it's requested that immediate motion may be taken on the subject depend beneath the advice to this ministry," he delivered.

A PTA reputable, who spoke on the situation of anonymity, informed Geo news: "so as to retain public order and security, entry to definite social media applications has been confined temporarily."

however, in keeping with a number of media reports, social media websites shut down in Lahore as legislation enforcement organizations are expecting TLP rioters to hit the streets after Friday prayers.

The TLP is protesting towards the arrest of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi, who become taken into custody prior this week, and blasphemous caricatures posted in France. The protests have grew to become violent and a number of casualties have additionally been said.

at the least three americans -- including two policemen -- have been killed within the protests, in keeping with Geo information.

The demonstrators have demanded that the French ambassador be sent home and import of items from that nation banned.

in keeping with media reviews, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf executive signed an contract with the TLP in November last agreeing to expel the French Ambassador.

The TLP launched a large protest in November final year towards the cartoons but dispersed after the contract with the govt to expel the Ambassador with the aid of February. The deal became extended until April 20. (ANI)