Pakistanis request Elon Musk to provide Starlink access amid internet shutdown rumours on election day

With the general elections just a day away, rumours are circulating that the government may shut down the internet for political reasons. This fear stemmed from multiple internet blackouts that occurred recently during virtual programs organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

In response to recent rumours of an internet shutdown, Caretaker Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, assured the public on Tuesday that the government has not issued any instructions to suspend mobile or internet services so far.

Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023, widespread protests erupted, prompting the Pakistani authorities to impose a nationwide internet shutdown, specifically targeting social media platforms.

In December 2023, social media access was restricted, with two additional interruptions in January 2024, causing disruptions to political parties' online election campaigns.

Several prominent international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, wrote an open letter to Pakistan's caretaker government on Tuesday, emphasising the need for unrestricted internet access during the upcoming elections. 

"#KeepItOn: Pakistan's caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 general elections,” it stated.

Netizens took to ‘X’ to express their concerns about the potential internet shutdown and requested SpaceX founder Elon Musk to provide Starlink.

Starlink is a satellite constellation that transmits high-speed, low-latency broadband internet from thousands of low-Earth orbiting satellites.

An ‘X’ user reached out to Elon Musk through a detailed post, “In light of these circumstances, I humbly request your assistance in providing temporary access to Starlink satellite internet services for the duration of the upcoming elections, which are crucial for the future of our country.”

The official ‘X’ account of PTI mentioned Elon Musk, requesting access to Starlink for improved internet connectivity in Pakistan during elections. 

Dear @elonmusk

General #Elections2024 in Pakistan are going to be held on February 8th. The Fascist Govt has hinted the internet shutdown on voting day, so we request you to provide us star link access for one day! #StarlinkForPakistan - see trends below in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/7WCM9Mbigk

— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 6, 2024

Another user wrote, “Due to #InternetShutdown PTI has requested #elonmask  to provide a single day acess to #StarlinkForPakistan “

Dear Elon, Internet access for election day Through Starlink .😂🤌#StarlinkForPakistan pic.twitter.com/ado2Z56Ecy

— 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐦 (@Maryam_kehti_ha) February 7, 2024

This is my @Starlink speed in the UK. The people of Pakistan are also requesting Starlink; it’s trending on X with #StarlinkForPakistan. When will we have Starlink in Pakistan, @elonmusk? pic.twitter.com/QiqGsa0VFu

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) February 6, 2024