Pakistan Defends Ban on Social Media Platform X, Citing Security Concerns
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry is standing firm on its decision to block X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The ministry submitted a written response to the Sindh High Court (SHC) rejecting calls to lift the ban.
Reasons for the Ban:
- National Security: The ministry claims X allows content targeting Pakistani institutions, posing a security risk.
- Foreign Company: They argue X, being a foreign company, hasn’t complied with Pakistani laws despite warnings.
- Content Moderation: Classified intelligence reports reportedly show X spreading content that could incite instability.
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Government’s Stance:
- Legality: The ministry insists the ban followed proper procedures and doesn’t violate free speech rights due to the alleged content targeting national institutions.
- Preventative Measure: They view the ban as necessary to safeguard national interests and maintain public order.
Context of the Ban:
- The X ban coincides with difficulty accessing the platform in February 2024.
- This timeframe aligns with protests called for by the PTI party following allegations of election rigging.
Unresolved Issue:
The debate over the X ban continues with legal challenges and public criticism despite the government’s justifications.
