Internet shut down in Pakistan following the arrest of former prime minister

Following the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, several regions of Pakistan have been completely cut off from the internet. At the same time, access to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube has been completely restricted. The suspension of all mobile data services was also ordered by Pakistan’s interior ministry.
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Following the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on 9 May, around 11:30 a.m., several regions of Pakistan have been completely cut off from the internet, while access to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube has been restricted. According to the state’s independent telecommunications watchdog, Pakistan’s interior ministry ordered the suspension of all mobile data services as well.

Officials in Pakistan are likely to ‘limit freedom of assembly and the public’s ability to seek information,’ according to NetBlocks tweet. Before access was restricted, videos and news of the fights in riots were reportedly circulating on social media.

Pakistani authorities last blocked internet access on 25 May, the day Khan was ousted from government, and crowds of protesters took to the streets. Paramilitary troops arrested the 70-year-old former leader on 9 May on suspicion of corruption.