Pakistan unblocks Wiki days after blasphemy ban

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday unblocked the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, days after restricting the website for blasphemous content.

Malahat Rab, a spokesperson for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), told dpa on Tuesday that “Wikipedia has been unblocked as per the directions of the prime minister.”

Sharif ordered authorities to unblock the website late Monday after a ministerial committee examined the controversial decision and noted that “the unintended consequences of this blanket ban outweigh its benefits.”

The premier also created a ministerial committee “to explore and recommend alternative technical measures for removal or blocking access to objectionable content posted on Wikipedia and other online information sites.

“According to a notification issued by the office of the prime minister, the recommendation would be necessary in view of our social, cultural and religious sensitivities.”

The block on Wikipedia last week triggered an outcry and a large number of people condemned the move on social media.

YouTube and other sites have also faced periodic blocks in Pakistan over content deemed to be blasphemous, immoral or indecent.

Video-sharing platform, TikTok, was banned several times for failing to moderate content in the past.