ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2024 — Pakistan’s interior ministry confirmed the long-suspected shutdown of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) due to national security concerns. Users in Pakistan have faced disruptions since mid-February, but the government had not officially acknowledged the ban until now. The interior ministry cited X’s failure to address government concerns regarding platform misuse as the reason for the ban. X, with over 20 million followers, is a significant communication channel for political figures, including jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The decision aims to uphold national security and maintain public order. Despite the ban, some officials continue to access X via VPNs. Another court has ordered the government to reconsider the ban within a week.
Background
The ban on X coincided with the February 8 national election, which Imran Khan’s party claims was rigged. Although candidates backed by Khan won most seats, they fell short of a simple majority. Social media platforms play a crucial role in organizing protests and disseminating information, contributing to political instability in Pakistan. The government’s decision was based on confidential reports from intelligence and security agencies.
Khan’s Influence
Imran Khan, a former cricketer, remains a prominent political figure despite his imprisonment. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleges that the military orchestrated his ouster in 2022. Khan’s rivals, including former Premier Shehbaz Sharif, are attempting to form a coalition government. Sharif replaced Khan after a no-confidence vote. Khan’s convictions, which occurred just before the election, are seen by his supporters as politically motivated efforts to keep him out of office.
Freedom of Expression Concerns
Human rights activists demand full internet restoration and social media access. The U.S. State Department expressed concerns about freedom of expression and urged Pakistan to lift restrictions on X. The outage significantly hinders democratic processes and media freedom. While the ban persists, the government must balance security concerns with citizens’ rights.
