Internet blocked yet again

Internet Blocked Yet Again – Pakistani authorities turned off the switch yet again depriving Pakistanis of broadband services nationwide for an indefinite period citing the political disturbances. Access to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube was also restricted across the country. Though Pakistanis are not unfamiliar with the penchant of the state for cutting them off from the world yet such incidences are increasing frequently making it difficult for them to take advantage of the digital facilities. It is reported that telecom operators incurred an estimated loss of revenue to the tune of Rs.820 million with loss in revenue to the government estimated at Rs.287 million. Moreover, the authorities conveniently ignore that such breakdowns violate human rights and in their utility do not prove to very effective instruments of control as alternative digital devices are frequently used to counter such closures. The student community has to face last minute cancellation of examinations laying waste the hard work put in and also tremendous cost incurred in this respect along with the loss of time that could not be made up at all. Such arbitrary closures also earn widespread condemnation of international institutions such as Amnesty International that badly dents the soft image of the country. The Weekender