Interior Ministry Cites National Security Concerns Behind Prolonged X Ban
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard a petition on April 17 challenging the ban on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with the Interior Ministry stating that the platform’s failure to address concerns about misuse led to its disruption.
Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, representing the ministry, submitted a report justifying the ban, stating it was necessary for national security and maintaining public order. The report emphasized that X had not cooperated with the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Wing (FIA CCW) in addressing requests to block accounts involved in defamatory campaigns against the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The ban on X was enforced on February 17, following allegations of rigging during the February 8 general elections. The report noted that hostile elements on X were attempting to create chaos and instability, leading to the decision to block the platform. The report asserted that X’s failure to establish a legal presence in Pakistan and its refusal to engage with Pakistani authorities warranted regulatory measures, including the ban.
The Ministry maintains that the ban is within its rights under Article 19 of the Constitution, which allows for reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech in the interest of national security and public order. The IHC Chief Justice, Aamer Farooq, presiding over the hearing, had previously summoned the Interior Secretary for documentary evidence supporting the ban. The IHC adjourned the hearing until May 2, seeking further clarification.
Simultaneously, the Sindh High Court (SHC) held a related hearing on the same matter, where a two-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to explain the reasons for the shutdown. The court directed the Interior Ministry to explain or rescind its February 17 letter instructing the PTA to block X and summoned a response by May 9.
Twitter’s Global Government Affairs team has also issued a statement acknowledging the ban on April 18 and said, “We continue to work with the Pakistani Government to understand their concerns.”
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