The Interior Ministry of Interior has categorically stated that X (formerly Twitter) cannot be restored in Pakistan, citing concerns over national security amidst allegations of content targeting national institutions.
The ministry said this in a written response it submitted to the Sindh High Court on the issue of the shutdown of internet and social media app, X. A copy of the reply is available with Samaa TV.
Despite legal challenges and public outcry, the government remains steadfast in its stance, asserting that the ban is necessary to maintain stability.
In response to a petition filed in the Sindh High Court challenging the ban on X and internet, the Interior Ministry defended its action, emphasizing that X poses a threat to national security. It clarified that all legal procedures were duly followed before imposing the ban, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
"The job of the Ministry of Interior is to protect the rights of the people of Pakistan," the response stated,
According to the ministry, the ban on X does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. It argued that content uploaded on X, particularly targeting national institutions, warranted decisive action to prevent potential destabilization.
"Content against national institutions is uploaded on social media, especially on X, which is a foreign company and has been told to follow the law several times. The ministry had no option but to temporarily suspend its services," the reply claimed.
Sensitive reports from security institutions reportedly highlighted X's role in disseminating content that could incite instability and unrest in the country. "Some elements want to spread instability in the country through X," the ministry alleged.
The ministry maintained that the ban was a precautionary measure to safeguard national interests and prevent any threats to public order. "The application is inadmissible and should be rejected in national interest," it sought.
Since February 17, when the PTI called for protests against the then-Rawalpindi commissioner's admission of vote manipulation in the February 8 elections, the social media platform, X, has been scarcely accessible.
