Pakistan signals possible social media bans amid friction with tech platforms

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan may consider banning additional social media platforms as frustration grows over what officials describe as a lack of cooperation from major tech companies, according to comments by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik reported by Dawn.

The warning comes as X remains inaccessible in Pakistan after its suspension in February 2024, shortly after the general elections. The platform, used by an estimated 4.5 million people in the country, is under renewed scrutiny amid investigations into activity linked to the account of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.

Authorities say they have repeatedly reached out to global platforms to comply with national security and misinformation-related requests, including calls to open local offices. While some companies have responded, officials claim X has shown minimal cooperation.

Pakistan’s stance mirrors regulatory action in Brazil, where X was blocked in August 2024 after failing to comply with court orders aimed at curbing disinformation. The company faced fines and was required to remove content considered misleading.

In Islamabad, the pressure on X intensified after a petition asked the Islamabad High Court to investigate who has been operating Khan’s account during his incarceration. Cybercrime agencies have been tasked with reviewing the posts, which critics argue could inflame tensions or undermine state institutions.

Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 in a corruption case valued at 190 million pounds, also faces ongoing trials under the Anti Terrorism Act related to the May 2023 unrest.

The government has not detailed what steps it may take if cooperation from platforms does not improve, but officials have indicated that stronger enforcement, including potential bans, remains an option.