On Friday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned due to national security concerns rather than to suppress freedom of expression.
In March, the Interior Ministry officially acknowledged to the Sindh High Court (SHC) that X was blocked in February based on intelligence agency reports, confirming the platform’s disruption in many areas of the country since February 17.
During a July senate panel, Tarar stated that the caretaker government banned X over compliance issues. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari later indicated in August that the ban might be lifted if appropriate social media regulations were established.
Earlier this month, two lawyers representing the telecom regulator provided contradictory statements in an SHC case about whether X had been restored. Today, in an interview with Voice of America, Tarar clarified that the caretaker government implemented the ban before the February 8 general elections due to compliance-related issues.
Tarar emphasized that separatists and terrorists, including the so-called Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), misused the platform to promote anti-state activities and broadcast their actions live without restriction. He stressed that this misuse could not be permitted.
The ban on X is currently sub judice, with the Interior Ministry having submitted a response to the court. Tarar urged that as Pakistanis, they could request X’s management to remove terrorist content.
He highlighted the necessity of regulating social media to prevent its misuse by terrorists, suggesting that a web management system is already in place and calling for the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. This institution would address public complaints regarding digital rights violations.
The federal cabinet has discussed a draft for the Digital Rights Protection Authority but has deferred it, seeking input from all stakeholders, including media organizations, journalist unions, and political parties, to ensure effective future legislation.
As a political worker, Tarar believes that the ban on X should be lifted if compliance issues are resolved. He suggested that dialogue between Pakistani authorities and X could lead to a mutually acceptable solution, allowing the platform’s reinstatement.
