The government has reiterated that it has no plans to unban X in Pakistan, formerly known as Twitter, citing security concerns. The decision, reinforced in a detailed response to the Sindh High Court (SHC), emphasizes the ministry’s stance on the potential risks posed by the platform. Despite public outcry and legal challenges, the Interior Ministry maintains that X ban is a necessary measure to protect national interests and it might not unban X in Pakistan.
Security Concerns Drive Government’s Decision to not Unban X Ban in Pakistan
In its written response to the SHC, the government firmly rejected calls to restore access to X, emphasizing that the ban is rooted in national security concerns. The ministry highlighted that content targeting Pakistani institutions frequently appears on X, posing a threat to national stability. According to the Interior Ministry, the ban was implemented following proper legal procedures and does not violate the constitutional right to free speech, they argue that the potential chaos and instability caused by such content justify the need for this preventative measure.
Public Outcry
The ban on X has sparked public criticism and legal challenges. Many users and civil rights groups argue that the government’s action infringes on free speech and access to information. However, the ministry insists that its decision is based on classified reports from security agencies, which pointed to X’s role in spreading content that could incite unrest. The government believes that maintaining the ban is crucial for safeguarding public order and protecting national interests.
This stance follows a period when access to X became difficult in mid-February, coinciding with political protests and heightened tensions.
Read more: Pakistan’s X Ban Crosses One-Month Mark
