Adil Najam
It seems that YouTube is down in Pakistan. Possibly it is blocked.
Blocking websites is a rather bad habit that the government authorities in Pakistan have gotten into (here and here). This is something that we have written about before. It is silly habit, because technologically it does not work. But, much more importantly, it is a disturbing habit because it points towards a desire by those in authority to “control” the passions of the public. Democracy demands the very opposite – that the people control teh passions of those in power.
But the real question is, that if YouTube is blocked, then why?
There would be those who could imagine that it is because all of the mujras, soft porn and supposedly “sexy” and indecent material that might be “corrupting” Pakistani minds – not that the Pakistani or any human mind really needs YouTube to further “corrupt” our sensibilities!
But this time, the general opinion is that th ban is more “political” than “cultural”. A large number of videos with actual footages of electoral rigging were placed on YouTube and the view is that the “ban” or the “technical difficulties” that have come up are really a way to distract attention in Pakistan away from these videos, at least for the time being.
Here, for example, are two of the video … its being recorded secretly, so you will need to turn up the volume and listen carefully.
NOTE: The original videos we have posted were later removed from YouTube, these are the same videos but re-posted on YouTube later:
A number of other videos of such rigging have since been removed and one cannot be sure how long these will last. Given that this is YouTube, one should also put in a caveat that even though these look quite legit one can never be sure if these are propaganda or counter-propaganda instruments that are staged themselves. Of course some of this is all still in the realm of speculation, and we ask our readers to exercise due caution in the use and interpretation of all this.
The ban – if, indeed, it s not a technical hitch, may or may not be because of the videos. Even if it is not, it is despicable for the same reason previous bans were. And even if it is not, the videos themselves are despicable for all the obvious reasons. All of this will, of course, become all the more despicable if, indeed, there is a real ban or other government interference in this and it is because of these videos.
People in Pakistan have already tried running a tracer on the website; and it shows that the site is blocked at PIE (Pakistan Internet Exchange). The ‘story’ is legit.
I have no such issues with Youtube. And if u have experienced any of our local hospitality emails, you’ll know that they never give out names or emails. Its akin to suicide should a company does so.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a purely politically motivated precautionary measure, nothing religious.
On the rigging, I have however failed to see ballot papers going inside the ballot box. Marking ballot paper receipts with thumbs and fake ids, doesn’t make any sense. Those parts are for reporting. These videos aren’t going to prove anything.
Yep, I agree with fawad, I am also having diffculty in using youtube in USA.
jk, can you please tell us that why there are no names or contacts on this letter, so that this news can be confirmed. Reason is that this letter is fabricated.
Admin, I am a new to this website and I like this website, as it let me interact with other Pakistanis on political, social and other issues. But I will strongly urge you to Please confirm the source before putting it on your website to keep the credibility of this website. Thanks !!!
hello ppl ,,,,,
Youtube is under maintanance…………… its even having buffer and akll problems in Uk and the page not shown errors are here as well …. stop blaming Govt …..
Got an email from Micronet:
Dear Valued Customer:
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (www.pta.gov.pk)
has directed all ISPs of the country to block access
to http://www.youtube.com web site for containing
blasphemous web content/movies.
The site would remain blocked till further orders from
PTA. Meanwhile, Internet users can write to
youtube.com to remove the objectionable web
content/movies because this removal would enable
the authorities to order un-blocking of this web
site.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience.
Best Regards
Manager
Technical Assistance Center
Micronet Broadband Pvt. Ltd.
Islamabad
Blocking any content on the basis of religion or politics is never a good idea. It does not address the issues and leaves an eternal and unhealthy curiosity in the minds of the victims.
If they want to block “blasphemous” content then they should start by blocking google. Plus, blocking content doesn’t really work because there are easy ways to get around these blocks as long as there is a live internet connection.