ISLAMABAD, April 17 (Reuters) – Pakistan’s interior ministry stated on Wednesday that it restricted access to social media platform X during February’s election due to national security concerns, confirming suspicions of a long-speculated shutdown.
Reports of users encountering difficulties with X, formerly known as Twitter, in Pakistan surfaced since mid-February, although no official announcements were made by the government.
The interior ministry referenced the shutdown in a written court submission on Wednesday.
“It is noteworthy to mention here that Twitter/X’s failure to comply with the lawful directives of the government of Pakistan and address concerns regarding the misuse of its platform necessitated the implementation of a ban,” stated the report, as seen by Reuters.
According to the report, X exhibited reluctance in resolving the issue. X did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Wednesday.
“The decision to enforce a ban on Twitter/X in Pakistan was taken to safeguard national security, maintain public order, and uphold the integrity of our nation,” the report added.
Access to X has remained restricted since the Feb. 8 national election, which the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s party alleges was rigged.
Khan’s party stands as the most active user of social media platforms among Pakistan’s political parties, particularly after traditional media outlets began censoring news about the ex-cricket star and his party ahead of the polls. Khan boasts over 20 million followers on X, making him the most followed Pakistani.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi often emphasizes his penchant for thinking big, dreaming big, and acting big.
Khan claims that Pakistan’s military orchestrated his ousting as prime minister in 2022 and aided his opponents in forming the current government, despite candidates supported by his party securing the most seats in February’s polls. The military refutes these allegations.
