What's happened
The Pakistani government has imposed an internet shutdown and restricted social media access ahead of planned protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This follows a recent surge in sectarian violence and ongoing political tensions surrounding Khan's imprisonment and numerous criminal cases against him.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Pakistani government announced the internet shutdown on the banned platform X, stating that services would remain operational elsewhere in the country. The Interior Ministry cited intelligence reports of potential unrest, with police sealing off key roads to prevent gatherings. AP News highlighted that this is the second such shutdown in two months, indicating a pattern of suppressing dissent. The Independent also noted that the government is targeting social media platforms to disrupt communication among Khan's supporters, who rely heavily on these channels to organize protests. This situation underscores the ongoing political tensions and the government's efforts to control the narrative surrounding Khan's imprisonment.
How we got here
Imran Khan, ousted in 2022, has been imprisoned for over a year on multiple charges, which his party claims are politically motivated. Recent violent incidents have heightened security concerns, prompting the government to restrict gatherings and communications.
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