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Which websites are blocked in Pakistan?

Published in Internet Censorship 2 mins read

Determining an exact and comprehensive list of websites blocked in Pakistan is difficult because the specific websites blocked can change frequently and are often not officially and publicly documented in a single, central location. However, some prominent examples of blocked websites and platforms include:

  • Imgur: Image sharing platform, blocked due to pornography.
  • ImgBox: Blocked for an unspecified reason.
  • uTorrent: Torrent client, blocked due to copyright concerns and potential for illegal file sharing.
  • TikTok: Social media platform, intermittently blocked due to concerns about "immoral" and "indecent" content.

It's important to note:

  • Dynamic Censorship: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is responsible for blocking websites, and their actions can be influenced by current events, government directives, and public complaints. This means the list of blocked sites is not static.
  • Lack of Transparency: The PTA's blocking decisions are not always transparent, making it difficult to ascertain the precise reasons behind website bans.
  • VPN Usage: Many users in Pakistan circumvent website blocks using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), which can mask their location and allow access to blocked content.
  • Contextual Blocking: Sometimes, specific URLs or sections within a website are blocked, rather than the entire domain.
  • Social Media: Social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), have faced temporary bans or restrictions in the past, often due to content deemed blasphemous or harmful to national security.

Due to the dynamic nature of internet censorship in Pakistan, it is always best to consult recent news reports and relevant organizations for the most up-to-date information.