News channels, Facebook, Twitter remain suspended in Pakistan

Private news channels and certain social media remain suspended in Pakistan for a second day on Sunday as the Islamabad operation against agitators is underway, reports Dawn.

There is no word as yet from official quarters on when the suspension will be lifted.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Saturday afternoon issued a notification prohibiting live coverage of the operation to end the Faizabad sit-in, following which most private news channels were taken off-air in Islamabad and other parts of the country.

The Pemra notification ordered channels to abide by Clause 8 (8) of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015, to show "utmost sensitivity" and refrain from coverage of the operation.

"This channel is suspended on orders of Pemra," read a message appearing on multiple news channels.

Additionally, Facebook, YouTube, DailyMotion, Twitter and Instagram were also blocked in some parts of the country.

A Pemra spokesperson said that news channels will resume broadcasts once the Interior Ministry issues directives to this effect. He added that there is no information on how long the suspension will last.

A Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) source told DawnNews that various social media sites were blocked on the Interior Ministry's orders in light of the sensitive security situation in the country.

The PTA source said that internet services in Faizabad and the surrounding areas have also been suspended.

Meanwhile, citizens have expressed anger over the suspension of services, with many accusing the government of clamping down on the media.