The Internet Movie Database (IMDb), a widely used online entertainment news portal, has allegedly been banned in Pakistan.
A senior PTA official has confirmed the ban on IMDB – says PTA is only enforcing directive passed by govt committee
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) November 21, 2013
Owned by Amazon.com, IMDb is a prominent source of reliable news and box office reports regarding films, television programmes and video games from all over the world. The portal is ranked number 7 on the “Top 10: Must-know Entertainment Websites” by askmen.com. With 4.7 million fans on its Facebook page and a massive 995,279 followers on Twitter, the website is widely viewed across the globe. Termed as “the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content” on the website, IMDb has a great following here in Pakistan, as well.
After a ban on YouTube that has lasted over a year, the restrictions on the access to IMDb come at a time when Pakistani films are gaining momentum and international recognition. While the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not confirmed an official ban and any reasons for doing so are unknown, users in Pakistan remain unable to access it.
PTA official declined to give specific reason for ban on IMDB – said is placed for 3 reasons: "anti-state", "anti-religion", "anti-social"
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) November 21, 2013
Tough luck, fellow Pakistani entertainment enthusiasts.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2013.
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