Ban on X imposed due to national security issues, not to curb freedom of expression: Tarar

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on Friday that the social media platform X was banned due to national security concerns, not as an effort to suppress freedom of expression, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

In March, the interior ministry openly acknowledged that it had officially banned X (formerly Twitter), informing the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the platform was blocked in February following reports from intelligence agencies.

Since February 17, many parts of the country have experienced disruptions in accessing X.

In July, Tarar explained to a senate panel that the caretaker government had banned X over “compliance issues.” In August, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari suggested that the government could lift the ban if proper rules and regulations for social media were established.

Earlier this month, two lawyers representing the telecom regulator offered contradictory views in the SHC regarding whether X had been restored.

In a recent interview with Voice of America, Tarar rejected claims that the ban was unannounced, clarifying that the caretaker government imposed it before the February 8 general elections due to compliance-related concerns.

“Separatists and terrorists exploited the platform to work against Pakistan, and we could not allow that,” Tarar asserted. He pointed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), labeling them as terrorists, and accused them of using X to promote their anti-state agenda.

He further revealed that these groups even broadcast their terrorist activities live on X without any oversight.

Tarar mentioned that the ban on X remains under judicial review and that the interior ministry has already submitted its response to the court.

“As citizens of Pakistan, we can ask X’s management to remove the anti-state content uploaded by terrorists,” he emphasized.

He condemned the misuse of social media platforms by terrorists, calling it unjustified. He advocated for a system to regulate social media, noting that a web management system was already in place. “There’s no harm in ensuring cyber and data security through such a system,” he added.

Tarar expressed the need for a body similar to the Digital Rights Protection Authority, where individuals could file complaints. Although the federal cabinet had considered the creation of such an authority, the decision was deferred. The cabinet instructed that suggestions be taken from all stakeholders, including media outlets, journalist unions like the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, and political parties to ensure effective legislation for the future.

As a political worker, Tarar voiced his belief that the ban on X should be lifted, contingent on the platform resolving its compliance issues.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on Friday that X, a social media platform, was banned due to national security concerns. He clarified that the ban was not meant to restrict freedom of expression, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

In March, the interior ministry admitted it had officially blocked X (formerly Twitter). The ministry informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that this action was taken in February based on reports from intelligence agencies.

Since February 17, access to X has been disrupted in many areas across the country.

In July, Tarar told a senate panel that the caretaker government banned X over “compliance issues.” In August, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari suggested the ban could be lifted if proper social media rules were established.

Earlier this month, two lawyers representing the telecom regulator offered conflicting views in the SHC on whether X had been restored.

In a recent interview with Voice of America, Tarar dismissed claims that the ban was unannounced. He clarified that the government imposed the ban before the February 8 general elections due to compliance issues.

“Separatists and terrorists used the platform against Pakistan,” Tarar said. “We could not allow that.”

He identified the so-called Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as one of the terrorist groups. According to Tarar, they used X to promote anti-state activities.

“These terrorists even broadcast their acts live on X without oversight,” he added.

Tarar noted that the matter is sub judice and the interior ministry has filed its response in court.

“As Pakistanis, we can ask X’s management to remove anti-state content uploaded by terrorists,” he said.

He criticized the misuse of social media by terrorists, calling it unjustified. He stressed the need for a system to regulate social media. “There is no harm in ensuring cyber and data security,” he added.

Tarar also proposed the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. He argued that people should have a platform to file complaints. Though the cabinet considered the draft for this authority, it deferred the decision. The cabinet urged stakeholders, including media outlets, journalist unions, and political parties, to contribute to the legislation.

Tarar concluded by saying that the ban on X should be removed, provided the platform resolves its compliance issues.

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