U.S. Condemns Pakistan's Internet Shutdowns Amid Election Controversy

Washington urges Islamabad to restore social media access, as internet users turn to VPNs to bypass restrictions.

The U.S. State Department condemned internet shutdowns in Pakistan, urging the government to lift restrictions on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).
Internet users in Pakistan are increasingly turning to VPNs to bypass the social media platform X's blockade, following a contentious national election and allegations of ballot fraud.
Pakistan's internet disruptions, unexplained by authorities, cast doubts on the rule of law and hinder the country's digital economy ambitions.
Pakistan blocks X for the sixth day, with activists and the U.S. criticizing the shutdown amid political instability and accusations of election rigging.
The United States, Britain, and the European Union have expressed concerns about Pakistan's electoral process, urging an investigation into fraud claims.