The Ministry of Interior has categorically stated that X (formerly Twitter) cannot be revived in Pakistan, citing national security concerns amid allegations of content targeting national institutions.
The ministry said this in a written reply sent to the Sindh High Court in the matter of termination of internet and social media application X. A copy of the reply is available from Samaa TV.
Despite legal challenges and public outcry, the government remains steadfast in its stance, saying the ban is necessary to maintain stability.
Responding to a petition filed in the Sindh High Court challenging the ban on X and the internet, the home ministry defended its action, stressing that X posed a threat to national security. He clarified that all legal procedures were duly followed before the ban was imposed, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
“The role of the Ministry of Interior is to protect the rights of the people of Pakistan,” the reply said.
According to the ministry, the X ban does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. It argued that content uploaded to X, especially aimed at national institutions, required decisive action to prevent possible destabilization.
Sensitive reports from security agencies are said to have highlighted X’s role in spreading content that could fuel instability and unrest in the country. “Some elements want to spread instability in the country through X,” the ministry said.
The ministry argued that the ban was a precautionary measure to protect national interests and prevent any threat to public order.
Since February 17, when the PTI called for protests against the then Rawalpindi commissioner’s admission of vote rigging in the February 8 elections, X’s social media platform has been barely accessible.
