Twitter, Periscope services disrupted in Pakistan

Published
5
Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks confirmed the disruption to Twitter and Periscope. — AFP/File
Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks confirmed the disruption to Twitter and Periscope. — AFP/File

Popular social networking site, Twitter, was down in Pakistan, from a little after 10pm on Sunday. Despite this, #TwitterDown was the top trend in the country.

Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks confirmed the disruption to Twitter and Periscope "with multiple impact to multiple networks".

A screengrab of the information tweeted by NetBlocks.
A screengrab of the information tweeted by NetBlocks.

In a later tweet, the organisation said: "Our study with the support of @DigitalRightsPK shows the disruption of Twitter and Periscope are still ongoing. Reason unclarified.

Meanwhile, Usama Khilji — director of Bolo Bhi, a Pakistan-based advocacy, policy, and research organisation focusing on digital rights and freedom of expression — urged the government to take notice of the disruption.

"@PTAofficialpk should confirm blocking of Twitter in Pakistan on Sunday May 17, 2020; and cabinet should take notice of this outage of Twitter services for Pakistani citizens," he tweeted.

Speaking to Dawn, digital rights activist and lawyer, Nighat Dad, said: "Initial results from the testing carried out by the Digital Rights Foundation and Netblocks shows that Twitter and Periscope were blocked in Pakistan on several networks."

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...