Social media blackout in Pakistan over violence fears
By Asianet Newsable English | First Published Apr 16, 2021, 2:28 PM ISTThough no official reason has been given for imposing the ban, media reports have linked it to the Pakistani government's decision on Thursday to ban the radical Islamist party, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, under the Terrorism Act.
Pakistan has blacked out social media platforms in the country for at least four hours.
Though no official reason has been given for imposing the ban, media reports have linked it to the Pakistani government's decision on Thursday to ban the radical Islamist party, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, under the Terrorism Act.
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Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan's supporters have been clashing with the law enforcement agencies for the last three days.
Pakistani forces are expecting massive protests after Friday prayers this afternoon by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan's supporters.
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan has been protesting against France since President Emmanuel Macron threw his weight behind satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammed.
On Tuesday, Saad Rizvi, leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was detained and later arrested for instigating his supporters to a march to Islamabad to demand the expulsion of the French ambassador by April 20.
Rizvi's arrest triggered violence. Thousands of Rizvi's followers have vowed to die in order to protect the honour of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
French advisory to citizens
In an email on Thursday to French citizens, the French embassy said that in light of the serious threats to French interests in Pakistan, French nationals and companies were being advised to temporarily leave the country.
"The departures will be carried out using existing commercial airlines," the advisory said.
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