Social media restricted in Pakistan amid protests over ex-PM Khan's arrest: Watchdog

KARACHI, Pakistan

Difficulty in access to social media and disruption in internet services was observed in Pakistan as protests over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan spread nationwide.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks said social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube faced disruption on multiple internet providers in Pakistan on Tuesday.

"NetBlocks metrics confirm the disruption of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube on multiple internet providers ... Additionally, total internet shutdowns have been observed in some regions," it said in a statement.

The spokesman of telecom regulator PTA could not be reached despite repeated attempts.

Khan was arrested in a corruption case on Tuesday as he appeared for hearings at the Islamabad High Court earlier in the day.