An important ally of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the government to end a two-month ban on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. The ally stated on Friday that the ban violates the citizens’ right to freedom of speech and expression.
The ban on X was implemented in mid-February after the party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a nationwide protest against alleged election rigging following the February 8 vote that brought Prime Minister Sharif to power.
“We demand that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lift the ban on X, also known as Twitter, immediately to prevent any further violation of human rights,” said Farhatullah Babar, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, a key member of the coalition government formed by Sharif in March.
Babar is known for his advocacy of human rights and his efforts to protect civil rights and minorities during his three-decade political career.
The reasons given by Sharif’s government for the ban varied in public statements before eventually stating in court that the ban was imposed to uphold national security, public order, and the nation’s integrity.
The Interior Ministry claimed in court that the lack of cooperation from Twitter/X authorities in addressing content violating Pakistani laws and values justified the need for regulatory measures, including the temporary ban.
The Sindh High Court ordered the government to lift the ban following petitions from human rights defenders, giving a one-week deadline for its removal. Despite previous court orders to restore access to X, the ban remained in place.
Many Pakistanis use X, with Khan’s party relying heavily on it. The party claims the restrictions were meant to silence its voice on social media.
Some people have been using VPN software to bypass the government’s block on X, leading to intermittent access to the platform. However, human rights activists are calling for a complete end to the ban.
Babar’s remarks came after X stated it was in contact with Pakistan, working to understand the government’s concerns. The company’s Global Government Affairs department posted a brief statement on Twitter.
Pakistan has expressed concerns about social media being used to defame its institutions, often referring to the military and judiciary. Khan, ousted in April 2022, has been critical of both institutions.
Babar highlighted a perception that powerful forces in Pakistan were behind the ban, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to dispel this impression by lifting the ban on X using whatever power he has.
The United States has also called on Pakistan to lift restrictions on X.