Pakistan blocks access to Elon Musk’s social media platform X, here’s why

Pakistan blocks access to Elon Musk’s social media platform X, here’s why

Social media platform X has been blocked temporarily in Pakistan. According to a report by Reuters, the interior ministry of Pakistan confirmed that it is blocking access of users to the Elon Musk-owned social media platform. “It is very pertinent to mention here that the failure of Twitter/X to adhere to the lawful directives of the government of Pakistan and address concerns regarding the misuse of its platform necessitated the imposition of a ban,” the interior ministry said in a written submission to court.

However, according to a report by Geo News, Sindh High Court in Pakistan has asked the government to revoke the ban on the popular social media platform.

The shadow ban had initially come into effect in February, around the country’s general elections. According to several reports, the elections were marred by controversy, with allegations of vote manipulation and protests led by the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Legal representatives challenging the ban have argued that the disruption of platform X violates the citizens’ right to free speech and access to information. Users have been complaining about restricted access to X in the last few months.

“The Sindh High Court has given the government one week to withdraw the letter, failing which, on the next date, they will pass appropriate orders,” Moiz Jaaferi, a lawyer challenging the ban, according to a report by AFP.

In March, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) had informed the court that the social media platform had been banned after directives from intelligence agencies and the interior ministry of Pakistan.

X’s Global Government Affairs division said that it will work with the Pakistan government to resolve the situation. “We continue to work with the Pakistani Government to understand their concerns,” said the company in a post on X.