ISLAMABAD: Social media users in Pakistan faced problems accessing the popular platform Facebook across multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country on Wednesday.
Social media users are questioning whether the government has imposed a ban on Facebook similar to that on other social media platforms like X.
Down Detector, the Pakistan-based social media platform watchdog, confirmed restrictions on several internet services in Pakistan, coinciding with the ongoing Ashura processions.
In its report, the social media observer added that complaints regarding Facebook’s accessibility started at 12 am on Monday and the complaints surged again by noon on Wednesday.
Global watchdog Netblocks also confirmed that Facebook suspensions were in effect on multiple ISPs in Pakistan. After the disruption of the social media platform, Meta said there are no known issues on its status dashboard despite user complaints.
The service suspension came on Muharram 10 when thousands of processions marking the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) were organized across Pakistan. Strict security has been implemented across Pakistan with mobile signals being suspended in some cities and towns.
Earlier this month, the Punjab government moved to the federal interior ministry to propose a ban on all social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook from Muharram 6 to Muharram 11 based on security concerns. However, the request was rejected.