The United States has called on Pakistan to uphold freedom of expression and restore access to social media platforms. US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over reports of restrictions on the freedom of expression and association in Pakistan, including government-imposed internet shutdowns.
“We are concerned by any report of restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of expression and association in Pakistan, including the partial or complete government-imposed internet shutdowns, which includes, of course, on social media platforms,” Miller said in a media briefing.
The US is urging Pakistan to respect freedom of expression and restore access to any restricted social media platforms, including Twitter. The spokesperson also highlighted the need for a full investigation into irregularities in the election process in Pakistan.
The mobile internet was suspended on February 8, the polling day, with the country’s caretaker government citing security concerns as the reason for the move. According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, X services have been restricted in Pakistan since February 17.
The US’s call for Pakistan to uphold freedom of expression and address disruptions on social media reflects growing concerns over the state of democracy and civil liberties in the country. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in Pakistan.
The US’s stance on the issue underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights and ensuring transparent and fair electoral processes. As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, the global community will be looking to see how the country responds to these calls for action.
In light of the US’s statement, there is hope that Pakistan will take steps to address these concerns and work towards safeguarding freedom of expression and preserving democratic principles. The coming days will likely see further diplomatic efforts to address the issues raised by the US and other international stakeholders.
