Over 500 social media accounts 'linked to banned militant groups' banned in Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan has blocked over 500 social media accounts linked to banned militant groups after reporting over 850 accounts on different platforms in a nationwide crackdown.

The accounts, allegedly linked to proscribed groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) — all banned by the United Nations, United States and the United Kingdom as well — had a combined following of over two million.

Pakistan reported over 850 social media accounts and around 533 of them were blocked. The newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) coordinated the action, reporting accounts across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram and WhatsApp.

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Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja secured direct cooperation from Telegram officials as well despite the app being banned in Pakistan.

The government has also appealed for international cooperation to prevent extremist propaganda online.Pakistan travel guide

Facebook and TikTok acted on over 90% of the removal requests, while X and WhatsApp showed 30% compliance.

Officials warned that while mainstream Pakistani media remains free of extremist content, militant groups are still using online platforms for recruitment and incitement.

Islamabad urged global platforms to permanently block terrorist-linked accounts, deploy AI-based removal systems, and maintain direct contact with Pakistani authorities.