Government Bans YouTube to Suppress Evidence of Vote Rigging
Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Pakistan have blocked access to Youtube. While the ban is not universal, two major ISPs, PTCL and Micronet Broadband, are participating.
While it is unclear what role the government has played in the Youtube ban, allegations are stirring that the ban is in response to videos of election rigging that have recently surfaced. Some sources report that the ban has come directly from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, though this report has yet to be verified. The source references an appeal from Micronet Broadband for users to write to Youtube and request that the “offending” videos be removed.
The videos [linked below] depict election officials distributing multiple ballots to each MQM party member—all verified with a single individual’s fingerprint. MQM is a Sindhi party and part of President Musharaff’s dwindling support base.A Youtube ban only adds to concerns about significant restraints on press freedom, imposed in the wake of the November 3 declaration of emergency rule, that have yet to be lifted.