Information minister defends X ban over national security concerns

Tarar calls for a Digital Rights Protection Authority where complaints regarding digital content can be addressed

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar clarified on Friday that the ban on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, was imposed due to national security concerns, not to limit freedom of expression, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

In March, the interior ministry admitted to the Sindh High Court (SHC) that X had been officially blocked in February based on intelligence reports. Access to the platform has been restricted in various parts of Pakistan since February 17.

Tarar explained that the caretaker government banned X before the February 8 general elections due to “compliance issues,” refuting claims that it was an unannounced ban. 

He stated that separatists and terrorists, particularly from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), were using X to promote anti-state activities, including broadcasting terrorist acts live. “Separatists and terrorists were using the platform against Pakistan, which could not be allowed,” Tarar said.

He added that the matter of the X ban is currently sub judice and the interior ministry has submitted its response to the court. 

“As Pakistanis, we can request the management of X to remove anti-state content uploaded by terrorists,” he urged. He further highlighted the misuse of social media platforms by terrorists and the need for a system to regulate such content. 

“There must be some system to regulate social media. A web management system was already in place,” Tarar said, noting that ensuring cyber and data security is essential.

He suggested the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority where complaints regarding digital content could be addressed. While a draft proposal had been considered by the Federal Cabinet, it was deferred to gather input from stakeholders, including media organisations and political parties.

Tarar concluded by expressing his personal belief that the ban on X should be lifted, provided compliance issues with the platform are resolved.