Pakistan orders temporary suspension of Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram following violent protests
The Pakistani government has ordered the temporary suspension of social media and messaging platforms following days of violent anti-French protests.
The interior ministry has asked Pakistani telecommunications authorities to block Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram few hours.
The reason for the ban was not announced, but was introduced a day after a recommendation from the French Embassy in Pakistan that French citizens and companies temporarily leave the country.
Political parties often use social media to organize demonstrations, especially after Friday prayers. In the past, Pakistani authorities have temporarily banned social media and suspended mobile services in a bid to quell mass protests.