YouTube service disrupted in parts of Pakistan

Lahore: YouTube service was disrupted in parts of Pakistan on Tuesday evening ahead of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s address at a party power show in Peshawar, NetBlocks — an organisation that tracks internet outages-- confirmed via Twitter.

Metrics confirm that YouTube is disrupted on multiple internet providers in #Pakistan as former Prime Minister Imran Khan live streams; the restrictions come despite the lifting of PEMRA's ban on Khan's speeches by the Islamabad High Court 

NetBlocks noted that the disruption came despite the Islamabad High Court lifting the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s ban on Imran’s speeches.

“NetBlocks recommends against the use of network disruptions and social media restrictions to limit political speech, given their disproportionate impact to fundamental rights including freedom of expression and freedom assembly,” the organisation said.

Prior to NetBlocks’ confirmation, a number of social media users had reported disruption in the website’s service.

⚠️ Update: Metrics confirm that YouTube is disrupted on multiple internet providers in #Pakistan as former Prime Minister Imran Khan live streams; the restrictions come despite the lifting of PEMRA's ban on Khan's speeches by the Islamabad High Court

? https://t.co/mFBehYjlnY pic.twitter.com/uYnGwbNG6M

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) September 6, 2022

The PTI and party leaders blamed the government for the development, adding that the ban would not be able to stop the party or Imran.