Digital curtain

The erratic blockage of some social media platforms in Pakistan is hindering the people’s right to information and also affecting them financially. Article 19A of the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to access information on all matters of public importance. Furthermore, these restrictions are causing severe damage to online businesses. Many small enterprises and freelancers rely on social media for marketing, client communication, and project management. This on-again-off-again social media blackout also hinders free expression and dialogue, which are core to a functioning democracy.

The digital age has made social media platforms indispensable to the exchange of ideas and opinions. Blocking these platforms restricts the public’s ability to engage in meaningful discourse and hold authorities accountable. It is thus imperative that the government restores full access to these critical platforms. The longer these restrictions continue, the more they undermine public trust and the economy.

Wasif Khaliq Dad

Rawalpindi