"Blunt Attack" On Freedom Of Expression: Amnesty On Pak Internet Suspension

In a statement, the UK-based international rights watchdog's South Asia office urged the Pakistan authorities to "urgently lift the blanket restrictions on access to the internet".

Amnesty International on Thursday described Pakistan's decision to suspend mobile internet services throughout the day as the country held its general elections as a "blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly".

In a statement, the UK-based international rights watchdog's South Asia office urged the Pakistan authorities to "urgently lift the blanket restrictions on access to the internet".

Livia Saccardi, Interim Deputy Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said, "The decision to suspend telecommunications and mobile internet services on an election day is a blunt attack on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."