Pakistan blocked X due to 'misuse'; court finds it laughable.

Pakistan has officially acknowledged the widely speculated shutdown of the social media platform X, attributing it to national security concerns. The decision, made in February, was confirmed by Pakistan's interior ministry in a court submission on Wednesday. The move follows a period of restricted access to the platform, which began in mid-February coinciding with calls for nationwide protests against alleged electoral irregularities by the party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The interior ministry cited the platform's failure to comply with lawful directives and address concerns regarding its misuse as the primary reason for the ban. Despite purported attempts by Pakistani authorities to engage with X on resolving critical issues, the social media company was perceived as uncooperative, prompting the temporary blockage. The ministry emphasized that the decision was taken to safeguard national security, uphold public order, and preserve the nation's integrity.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

However, the suspension of X faced criticism from the Sindh High Court (SHC), which directed the government to restore access to the platform within a week. SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi expressed skepticism over the decision, questioning its efficacy and potential repercussions on Pakistan's international image.

The suspension of X coincided with revelations of vote manipulation in the February 8 polls by a senior government official, prompting outrage and calls for protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Reports indicated widespread disruptions in accessing X across major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

While mobile internet services were suspended nationwide on polling day due to security concerns, the United States State Department refrained from directly commenting on the issue. Nonetheless, the State Department expressed support for internet access globally, without specifically addressing the situation in Pakistan.

The development underscores the complex interplay between national security imperatives, freedom of expression, and the role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse in Pakistan.

#PakistanSocialMediaBan #XPlatformShutdown #NationalSecurityConcerns #FreedomOfExpression #InternetAccessRights #PakistanDigitalRights #SHCCourtDirective #ImranKhanPartyProtests #SocialMediaCensorship #GlobalInternetAccess #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn

The shift to e-hail taxis has greatly enhanced sustainability and traffic flow in Dubai....Read More.

The emirate's dedication to top global living standards and environmental excellence is evident in its ongoing leadership in sustainable urban development...Read More.