One year after Pakistan banned X (previously Twitter), there is no sign of lifting the ban. The platform is inaccessible to the public, but government agencies utilize it for official conversations using VPNs.
The ban took effect in February 2024, shortly after the general election. Claims of election manipulation and controversial statements by officials, including former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha, implicating top electoral and judicial institutions were the tipping point.
A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said the ban was imposed to limit PTI influence on social media. Despite widespread demand, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has not set a platform return date. Some provincial ministers indicated lifting the prohibition may require new Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act social media laws.
The prohibition has been criticized by civil society and media groups for violating constitutional rights and international law. They demand its immediate revocation, claiming it violates free speech.
The prohibition was justified by national security and the platform’s claimed failure to prevent libelous information in Pakistan. The government maintains the move was required to protect public order, but critics point out enforcement inconsistencies.
X was used by nearly 4.5 million Pakistanis, and its loss has impacted internet discourse. The government takes special efforts to enforce the ban, but calls to restore public access to the site rise.
