Wikipedia blocked then restored

The whimsical kneejerk decisions taken by arbitrary decision-makers, who are oblivious to the harms of such process, go on unhindered making a mockery of themselves and reputation of their institutions. The recent shortsighted and pointless decision was of the banning of Wikipedia blocked then restored by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. Wikipedia is a website used by millions across the world to obtain information and banning it would be tantamount to depriving Pakistanis from this potent source. As is the wont, the reason cited for this illogical action was cloaked in the tried-and-tested formula of objectionable content. Wikipedia was warned to remove all such material in 48 hours, and since it was obvious that such arbitrary order could not be complied with, therefore, the regulator went ahead and banned it. This ban was no different than many such restrictions applied in the past implying that the arbitrary decision makers have learnt nothing from the past. It is a pity to observe the utter lack of evolving maturity in state institutions that are still dominated by individuals who have neither the understanding nor respect for the thought-process of the globalised world. They have simply not understood that previous such actions as banning Facebook and YouTube were ultimately reversed with Pakistan losing its face. TW

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