Social media down as PTI holds virtual fundraiser

Internet monitor Netblocks reported a nationwide disruption of social media platforms on Sunday as the PTI held a virtual fundraising telethon, according to media reports.

“Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube,” the internet tracking agency said at 6:13pm.

It added that the incident came as “persecuted former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, PTI, launches its election fundraising telethon”.

Netblocks Director Alp Toker told AFP the disruptions were affecting network providers across the country.

“Such nation-scale social media targeting political activities is almost unprecedented at this scale — Venezuela is one other country that has used similar measures to limit opposition speeches and rallies,” he said.

In a similar incident last month, internet outages were also reported during a PTI virtual power show. The PTI had announced earlier today that it would hold a virtual fundraising telethon and manifesto launch at 9pm.

However, around 6pm users reported being unable to access social media platforms in several areas of the country. They also complained about internet services being slow.