Following the recent elections in Pakistan, there have been widespread claims of election irregularities, leading to public protests. In response, Pakistani authorities have imposed internet shutdowns and blocked access to social media platforms, including Twitter, for the third consecutive day. This move has sparked international concern, with the U.S. State Department (@StateDept) condemning the internet shutdowns and urging the Pakistani government to lift these restrictions. The issue has attracted attention from various quarters, including U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen), who emphasized the need for a credible investigation into the allegations of fraud and electoral interference, stating it as a prerequisite for ongoing IMF negotiations. The situation has raised questions about Pakistan's adherence to international norms of free speech and democracy, with calls for the U.S. and its allies to demand the restoration of internet access and uphold basic standards of democracy.
The U.S. government "condemned internet shutdowns in Pakistan, including restrictions on social media platforms, and urged the Pakistani government to lift such restrictions." They were imposed "after protests following claims of election irregularities." https://t.co/FnPVqGxpSb
NEW: US Sen. @ChrisVanHollen calls for "credible" investigation in Pakistan, says necessary for IMF negotiations Letter to @PakinUSA's @Masood__Khan: "Pakistani authorities must fully investigate the allegations of fraud and electoral interference [or] a new government will… https://t.co/YXwyW5wNpP
The U.S. State Department condemns internet shutdowns in #Pakistan, including restrictions on social media platforms, and urged the Pakistani government to lift such restrictions.
US Condemns Internet Shutdowns In Pakistan, Urges To Lift Social Media Ban https://t.co/cYcgsMv2vz https://t.co/lijI0jwWcg
NEW: US calls on Pakistan to lift X (Twitter) restrictions https://t.co/jChbsmrEoF
The US often says elections should adhere to "international norms" But when it comes to the US ally Pakistan, @StateDeptSpox only calls for investigations of rigging to be "in accordance with Pakistan's own laws and procedures" Good Qs by @JazzyARY https://t.co/Zw6NaNsF5I https://t.co/Jw674LgmfQ
"I don't have any updates on whether [internet freedom] has been raised" with Pakistan's regime -@StateDeptSpox to @AFP's @shauntandon on growing calls from Congress for @State_SCA to speak out about Twitter (US has sanctioned officials in other countries over similar acts) https://t.co/bowf0JwfgO https://t.co/TFDqDNt25y
Pakistanis use Twitter to expose post-election interference. But now, Pakistani authorities are blocking Twitter access for the third straight day. @StateDept should demand authorities restore access to Twitter. Our allies should meet basic standards of free speech & democracy. https://t.co/dMuCFIofaC