Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday accused the government of “unacceptable” censorship after authorities apparently blocked national access to YouTube to prevent a rally speech from being broadcast live.
Khan, despite his ouster in April, remains widely supported and has staged mass rallies across the country calling for snap elections and railing against the government.
His speeches often garner top television ratings, with highlights trending on social media in Pakistan.
However, as of Tuesday night, YouTube was down across much of the country as Khan spoke at a rally in Peshawar, with London-based internet outage monitor Netblocks confirming the disruption.
“Access was restored after the speech was completed,” Netblocks told AFP.
YouTube has not commented on the matter, while a representative from Pakistan’s telecoms authority said they “had no idea”.
Last month the government’s media regulator banned the live broadcast of Khan’s speeches on the grounds that they would spark riots, but this week the Supreme Court ruled the order was illegal.
However, no television station will broadcast Tuesday’s speech.
On Wednesday, Khan accused the government of censoring him, saying the move would damage the country’s reputation.
“They are imposing a complete blackout of my speeches not only from the mainstream media but also by blocking YouTube,” he tweeted.
“This fascist government of cabal of crooks and their backers is willing to harm Pakistan’s interests simply for fear of the rising popularity of (his party) PTI. Absolutely callous and unacceptable.”
Last month, ARY News, a pro-Khan television station criticizing the current government, was shut down, but a court last week also ruled the verdict unlawful.
Another private TV station, Bol News, was suspended last week – allegedly for operating under an expired license – and later insisted it was “punished for showing what the government doesn’t like”.
Freedom of expression activists have long criticized the insidious censorship and control of Pakistan’s internet, print and electronic media.
“It’s digital martial law,” said Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist.
Khan is expected in court on Thursday for a hearing on one of several cases and charges against him since he was ousted from office by a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.
The country has a long history of rulers using the police and courts to repress their political opponents, and current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also has several pending cases from his days in the opposition.
Pakistan’s political crisis comes as the country grapples with the worst flooding in its history, with some 33 million people affected by record-high monsoon rains that have submerged nearly a third of the nation.
