Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Digital Rights Monitor
  • DRM Exclusive
    • News
    • Court Updates
    • Features
    • Comment
    • Campaigns
      • #PrivacyHumSabKe
    • Vodcasts
  • In Media
    • News
    • OP-EDs
  • Editorial
  • Gender & Tech
    • SheConnects
  • Trends Monitor
  • Infographics
  • Resources
    • Laws and Policies
    • Research
    • International Frameworks
  • DRM Advocacy
    • Exclusives
    • Featured
    • Publications
    • Statements
No Result
View All Result
Digital Rights Monitor
  • DRM Exclusive
    • News
    • Court Updates
    • Features
    • Comment
    • Campaigns
      • #PrivacyHumSabKe
    • Vodcasts
  • In Media
    • News
    • OP-EDs
  • Editorial
  • Gender & Tech
    • SheConnects
  • Trends Monitor
  • Infographics
  • Resources
    • Laws and Policies
    • Research
    • International Frameworks
  • DRM Advocacy
    • Exclusives
    • Featured
    • Publications
    • Statements
No Result
View All Result
Digital Rights Monitor
No Result
View All Result

in DRM Exclusive, News

Network shutdowns expected in Islamabad and areas of KPK during JUI – F ‘Azadi March’

DRMby DRM
October 22, 2019

Image Courtesy: Business Recorded

22 October 2019: Mobile phone services including mobile Internet may face suspension in multiple areas including Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before and during ‘Azadi March’ led by opposing political party JUI – F.

According to reports, the Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend mobile phone services including the mobile Internet during the ‘Azadi March’. This was revealed by the leading broadcast journalist Shahzeb Khaanzada in his news show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khaanzada Kay Saath’ on Geo News yesterday. The News also reported on various planned road-blocks and other measures that might adversely affect citizens’ mobility.

Arbitrary suspension of mobile services is a regular occurrence in Pakistan, especially around religious processions and key national events, apparently to avoid potential law and order situations. There is, however, no concrete evidence available to demonstrate the effectiveness of network shutdowns in combating terrorism or any potential law and order situations.

Network shutdowns have also been used as a tool to limit the political mobilisation in political gatherings by various governments in the past, including the 126 days sit-in lead by the now ruling party Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf.

Islamabad High Court, in a judgment in February 2018, declared the arbitrary network shutdowns illegal in Pakistan. The court stated that the federal government cannot give directions for the shutdown of cellular networks without proper prior notification. It termed the suspension of services a violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens of the country. The federal government, however, challenged the decision and was able to acquire an interim stay-order. The case is pending for further hearing.

Previous Post

Twitter to alert govt before suspending ‘official’ accounts

Next Post

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide video streamed live, still available on social media platforms

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
PAKISTAN: Police officers barred from social media activity without approval

Neutrality or Complicity

May 12, 2025
Selective moderation

Selective moderation

May 12, 2025
Pakistan blocks Indian YouTube channels and websites over ‘anti-state propaganda’

Pakistan blocks Indian YouTube channels and websites over ‘anti-state propaganda’

May 7, 2025
No Content Available

Next Post

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide video streamed live, still available on social media platforms

About Digital Rights Monitor

This website reports on digital rights and internet governance issues in Pakistan and collates related resources and publications. The site is a part of Media Matters for Democracy’s Report Digital Rights initiative that aims to improve reporting on digital rights issues through engagement with media outlets and journalists.

About Media Matters for Democracy

Media Matters for Democracy is a Pakistan based not-for-profit geared towards independent journalism and media and digital rights advocacy. Founded by a group of journalists, MMfD works for innovation in media and journalism through the use of technology, research, and advocacy on media and internet related issues. MMfD works to ensure that expression and information rights and freedoms are protected in Pakistan.

Follow Us on Twitter

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • DRM Exclusive
    • News
    • Court Updates
    • Features
    • Comment
    • Campaigns
      • #PrivacyHumSabKe
    • Vodcasts
  • In Media
    • News
    • OP-EDs
  • Editorial
  • Gender & Tech
    • SheConnects
  • Trends Monitor
  • Infographics
  • Resources
    • Laws and Policies
    • Research
    • International Frameworks
  • DRM Advocacy
    • Exclusives
    • Featured
    • Publications
    • Statements