Leader Online Desk: Pakistan has ordered a ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitte) citing national security concerns. The Ministry of Home Affairs today (Dec 17) told the Islamabad High Court that social media platform X has failed to address concerns about its misuse. So it should be banned. 'The Dawn' reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs submitted its report during the hearing on the petition challenging the ban by journalist Ehtisham Abbasi. The next hearing in this case will be held on May 2. (Pakistan blocks X)
The service has been interrupted since the election period itself
On February 8, 2024, former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chatta alleged that the general elections were rigged. Following this, X's service in Pakistan was suspended from February 17. This was condemned by rights organizations and journalists' associations, with the US also urging Pakistan to lift restrictions on social media platforms. On March 20, the Home Ministry had informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the social media platform had been blocked in February pending further orders on intelligence agency reports.
(Pakistan blocks X)
Pakistan's Interior Ministry today (17th) told the Islamabad High Court that it had ordered a temporary ban on social media platform X in February due to national security concerns. Meanwhile, users have been reporting issues using X in Pakistan since mid-February. But the government did not make any official announcement regarding the ban. Finally, the Home Ministry cited the ban on X in court today.
The government explained to the High Court that social media platform X (formerly Twitte) has failed to comply with the Pakistani government's legal directives and address concerns about misuse of its platform. It is necessary to impose the ban,” said Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal, who was present on behalf of the government at today's hearing. He told the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs has filed a report in this matter.
Justice Farooq has clarified to the Islamabad High Court that the hearing in this case will be held on May 2.
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