November 22, 2021
2 mins read

Internet service suspended to muzzle Nawaz Sharif’s speech

After the video call was cut off due to the suspension of internet services, the organisers arranged for a telephonic address by Sharif…reports Asian Lite News

The organisers of a conference in Lahore condemned the alleged “muzzling” of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s speech, as internet services at the venue were reportedly suspended soon after his address began, Dawn news reported.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo began his speech which was relayed from London via video link during the closing ceremony of the keenly watched conference held in Lahore by paying tribute to the late celebrated lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir. But the live stream abruptly stopped shortly after.

Munizae Jahangir, Asma’s daughter and one of the organisers, confirmed to Dawn news that broadband internet services and mobile internet had been suspended soon after Sharif began speaking.

In a statement issued after the event, the organisers regretted what they termed “the state’s high-handedness” for allegedly blocking the former premier’s speech, the report said.



“The internet provider was restrained from providing the organisers with internet services for the conference two hours before the closing and Sharif’s speech was supposed to start,” the statement said.

It adding that cellular internet services were also cut off two hours before the closing session in the vicinity of the Avari Hotel Lahore, the Dawn news report said.

“The organisers of Asma Jahangir Conference 2021, which include the Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Bar Council, and the AGHS, strongly condemn this act and consider it an onslaught on the freedom of expression.”

After the video call was cut off, the organisers arranged for a telephonic address by Sharif, according to their statement.

It quoted Munizae as saying: “We believe in freedom of expression that is why this non-partisan platform is open to everyone and we condemn the muzzling of the closing session where Sharif was going to make an address.”

In his wide-ranging speech, Sharif called for immediately devising a national agenda to pull Pakistan out of its current crises and take it on the path of democracy, reiterating the need to “put our house in order”.

The former Prime Minister once again hit out at the military establishment and criticised interference in judicial and government affairs that he claimed had led to Pakistan’s “downfall”.

ALSO READ: ‘Pakistan on frontlines of Afghan drug trade’

Previous Story

Dubai Records 69% Rise in New Businesses

Next Story

Global Covid caseload tops 257.5 mn

Latest from -Top News

India’s deepest strikes since 1971 

By extending its strike capabilities deep into Pakistan’s heartland, India has redrawn the contours of conventional deterrence in the subcontinent. This could embolden future Indian responses to cross-border terror attacks, but it

PM calls off Europe trip 

The visit was slated to include India’s participation in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 15–16.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his forthcoming visits to Norway, Croatia, and the

UK urges direct dialogue 

Describing the situation as a “serious concern,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged both nuclear-armed neighbours to avoid escalation and prioritise diplomatic avenues.  UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called on India

Trump urges restraint between India, Pak 

Speaking on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Trump said that both India and Pakistan should work the crisis out  US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed his concern over the escalating

Terror hotbeds in Pakistan levelled 

The targets levelled include Markaz Taiba, Sawai Nala camp, Syedna Bilal camp, Barnala camp, Abbas camp, Sarjal camp,  Mehmona Joya camp, Gulpur camp and Markaz Subhanallah    Two weeks after Pakistani terrorists
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Gilgit-Baltistan grinds to a halt amid wheat subsidy uproar

The rallies, organised by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, are an

Zakir Naik Faces Flak In Pakistan

Zakir Naik’s comments ridiculing PIA for levying excess baggage charges