Twitter rejects govt's request to block Khadim Rizvi's account

Shireen Mazari confirms that Twitter turned down the request


News Desk November 04, 2018
TLP chief had criticised state institutions in a tweet. PHOTO: AFP

Federal Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari said on Sunday that the popular micro blogging website Twitter had refused to comply with the government's request to block Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) central leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi's accounts.

Mazari said in a tweet that, "Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was asked to do this by the relevant minister on Friday and I am shocked it hasn't happened as I was present when PTA bureaucracy was finally found available and tasked!"



However, after checking with the information minister, Mazari clarified that Twitter had refused to comply with government's request to block the TLP chief's Twitter account.



Maulana Rizvi had critisised state institutions including the government, military and the judiciary on numerous occasions, most notably after a failed round of negotiations between the TLP and the government on Thursday. The TLP chief claimed in a tweet that was removed from the social media platform that the protesters were threatened with "direct shooting," and urged the protestors to embrace martyrdom, and not bend to any threats.

Law and order should be maintained: DG ISPR

On Friday, DG Inter Services Public Relations Major General Asim Ghafoor elaborated that the army wanted to peacefully control the prevailing situation in the country. However, he added, that the army would play its constitutional role if requested by the government.

He also urged protesters to refrain from making statements against the country’s legal structure, the armed forces and the Constitution.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also dismissed social media reports of an operation against the protesters. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader said the government is the guarantor of public’s lives and freedom.

The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called of its countrywide protest sit-ins late Friday night following reaching of an agreement with the federal and Punjab governments.

TLP calls off countrywide protest sit-ins

“I am thankful to all Muslims who have played their part to ensure respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” said the TLP chief while urging his followers to disperse peacefully.

The TLP took to the street after the acquittal of Aasia Bibi by the Supreme Court on October 31, paralysing the major cities of the country. In his immediate reaction, Prime Minister Imran Khan had warned the protesters not to incite people to violence or else the state would perform its duty to protect the life and property of its citizens.

The TLP protesters stayed put disregarding the warning and staged new protests after Friday prayers, bringing the life to a standstill.

COMMENTS (1)

Naeemullah | 5 years ago | Reply If you can’t do anything about this guy, why do you expect others to do anything. Very strang behaviour of this government. Please wake up.
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