Elon Musk's X banned over national security concerns, says Pakistan
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed by Pakistan's Ministry of Interior today, that the ban on X was due to the platform's failure to address misuse concerns. The report was presented by Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, in response to journalist Ehtisham Abbasi's petition against the ban. This update comes two months after X's services were disrupted in the country.
Allegations of election fraud trigger ban
The ban on X was implemented on February 17, following allegations by former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha, that top Pakistani officials were involved in election fraud during the general elections. The ban has been criticized by human rights organizations and journalist groups, while internet service providers have reported losses due to service disruptions. The US has also urged Pakistan to lift restrictions on social media platforms.
Ban on X preceded new government
On March 20, the interior ministry revealed to the Sindh High Court (SHC), that X was suspended in February, pending further orders based on intelligence reports. The disclosure came after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar admitted that X was "already banned" when the new government took over from the interim administration. This was doe despite no official announcement of such a ban.
HC demands justification for social media disruption
In a previous hearing, the IHC dismissed a report on digital media blackouts, and demanded documentary evidence justifying the disruption of X. "Elections have concluded. Let's finish this now. Let the interior secretary come, then we will see. If the secretary is unable [to give reasons], then I will summon the prime minister," warned IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq.
X also faced scrutiny in India
In related news, X has also come under scrutiny in India, where the Election Commission issued orders to remove posts containing political speech from elected politicians, and political parties. Despite complying with these orders, X disagreed with these actions and argued that "freedom of expression should apply to these posts and political speech in general." The affected users were notified by X, which also made the takedown orders public in a bid for transparency.
