Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Justifies Government’s X Restriction

Pakistan’s interim government implemented a ban on accessing the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, two months ago, and current officials have informed the court about this decision.

In response to complaints from social media users in the country, numbering 240 million, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the action to restrict access to this social site. He justified the move by citing Pakistan’s national interests, drawing a parallel with the situation involving TikTok in the United States. In that case, the American government threatened to ban the app unless it severed ties with its Chinese parent company due to concerns about data security.

Read more: IHC Informed: X Banned Due To Unresolved Concerns

Dar questioned the double standard whereby other nations can ban certain apps, while Pakistan’s ban on Twitter faces scrutiny.

Recently, the Sindh High Court issued a one-week deadline to the government to lift the ban. This ban, imposed by the interior ministry in the name of national security, public order, and the integrity of the nation, was criticized by the court for the ministry’s failure to provide sufficient reasons and adhere to established protocols for controlling harmful content shared on the platform.

X, the social media giant owned by Elon Musk, stated that it is collaborating with the relevant authorities in Pakistan to address their concerns.