Internet Shutdowns

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet Services

  Islamabad and Rawalpindi

  Local authorities ordered Internet Service Providers to suspend mobile data services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on 18 March as part of actions to quell civil unrest during a planned protest in the region. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact citizens' ability to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country or other countries.

  Pakistan

  • Start 18 March 2023 10:00 UTC
  • End 18 March 2023 11:45 UTC
  • Total Duration 1 hour

April 2021

• Past

  Service blocking

  Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram

  On April 16, 2021, Pakistan’s government ordered the country’s telecoms agency to temporarily shut down social media and instant messaging platforms after violent anti-France protests. The move was made amid fears that a radical group could use social media to perpetuate violent protests. The platforms that were unavailable included Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram. Social media access was restored in Pakistan after four hours of blockage.

  Pakistan

  • Start 16 April 2021 00:00 UTC
  • End 16 April 2021 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 0 minutes

July 2020

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Sindh (Karachi)

  Pakistan

  • Start 13 July 2020 14:00 UTC
  • End 13 July 2020 16:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 hours

October 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet Services

  Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  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. The News also reported on various planned road-blocks and other measures that might adversely affect citizens’ mobility.

  Pakistan

  • Start 22 October 2019 00:00 UTC
  • End 23 October 2019 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 1 day

September 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet Services

  Faisalabad, Jhang, Multan, Rahimyar Khan, Lahore Karachi & Islamabad

  As the Shias will observe their most important ritual, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on Sunday said mobile phone services would remain suspended on the Monday and Tuesday, besides heightening security in specified areas of all cities across the country

  Pakistan

  • Start 8 September 2019 00:00 UTC
  • End 10 September 2019 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 days
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Internet Services

  Azad Kashmir

  In parts of Azad Kashmir, internet access has been cut as of 7th of September 2019 amid protests against India’s revocation of Article 370. Data show that PTCL networks were shut in Kashmir on multiple dates through August and the longest of these disruptions continues at the time of writing.

  Pakistan

  • Start 7 September 2019 00:00 UTC
  • End 7 September 2019 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 0 minutes

August 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Internet Services

  Azad Kashmir.

  Pakistan has shut down internet access in Azad Kashmir as of amid widening protests against Article370 revocation;

  Pakistan

  • Start 15 August 2019 00:00 UTC
  • End 15 August 2019 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 0 minutes

March 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet services

  Islamabad & Rawalpindi

  The internet shutdown in Islamabad in March 2019 occurred during Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23. The government suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as part of security measures. These actions aimed to ensure public safety during large gatherings and parades, a common practice in the region during national events to minimize potential threats. The disruption affected residents' access to communication, navigation tools, and digital services, significantly impacting daily life and business activities​

  Pakistan

  • Start 23 March 2019 00:00 UTC
  • End 23 March 2019 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 0 minutes