The Interior Ministry on Monday defended the ongoing ban on social media platform X, declaring access to it was a “threat to peace and national security,” as it is used to spread “misinformation and incite violence.”
Banned since Feb. 17, X is only accessible in Pakistan through the use of VPNs. However, despite the official ban, the platform continues to be used by authorities, including government officials, to disseminate information to the public.
In a reply provided to the Sindh High Court (SHC) during proceedings on a petition seeking the reversal of the ban, the Interior Ministry said “hostile” elements on X have “nefarious intentions to create an environment of chaos and instability” to destabilize the country and trigger anarchy. It alleged that certain elements were using X to boost a “defamatory campaign against state institutions,” adding they were spreading misinformation and inciting violence, posing a “threat to the peace and security of the nation.”
As such, read the response, the ban on X is essential to disrupt such activities and prevent them achieving their desired objectives. Citing Article 19 (freedom of information) of the Constitution, it said the ban on X did not curtail freedom of expression or restrict access to information. Rather, it emphasized, it aimed to ensure responsible use of social media platforms in accordance with the laws of the land.
“Citizens of Pakistan are encouraged to express their views within the bounds of law and respect for societal norms, without resorting to hate speech, incitement to violence, or dissemination of false information,” it said, lamenting X did not adhere to Pakistani laws and had not addressed concerns raised by the federal government.
As a foreign entity that was not registered in the country, X is subject to the country’s regulatory framework, it said, noting it had failed to establish any legal presence in the country or engage in meaningful cooperation with authorities. It recalled that TikTok was similarly banned and allowed to resume its services only after it signed an MoU and agreed to comply with national laws.
Additionally, the Interior Ministry sought the dismissal of the petition in the “national interest,” maintaining no fundamental rights had been infringed.