According to a report, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has justified the government’s move to limit access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Dar argued that such measures are in Pakistan’s best interests and are aimed at promoting the country’s welfare.
Dar drew a comparison between the restrictions imposed on X in Pakistan and the looming threat of a ban on TikTok in the US. The US is considering banning the popular social media platform unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company. This action is purportedly driven by concerns over data security, with the US alleging that TikTok is engaged in the unauthorized collection of private American data.
The Foreign Minister said:
may I ask those countries that they also have put [a] ban on certain apps … so, one country is OK, and Twitter banned in Pakistan is not OK? Surely, the country will take its own decision in the light of different reasons, which were the basis of — you know — putting it off [suspending it].
In a recent development, the Sindh High Court has issued a directive, stipulating that the government must lift the ban within a week. The ban, reportedly enacted by the interior ministry citing concerns over national security, public order, and the nation’s integrity, came under judicial review.
Notably, the court highlighted the absence of reasons provided by the ministry for the platform’s blockade and its failure to adhere to established protocols for restricting harmful online content.
The Interior Ministry defended its decision to suspend X by informing the high court that the platform had failed to register locally as a company and had ignored requests to take down content that disparaged the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
