ISLAMABAD: The government may ban social media platforms that refuse to cooperate with authorities, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Thursday. He stated that investigations into several online activities remain active.
X faces criticism over limited cooperation
He noted that X, used by about 4.5 million people in Pakistan, has shown the least cooperation among major platforms. Pakistan blocked X in February 2024, nearly ten days after the general elections. Malik said the government contacted X, yet the platform failed to respond adequately.
Debate over PTI founder’s account continues
He said investigations into the X account of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan are ongoing. He added that any action would follow clear findings. Khan earlier faced questioning by FIA officials over allegedly anti-state posts. A petition later filed in the Islamabad High Court sought a probe into who operated his account during his imprisonment.
Minister cites global precedence for platform bans
Malik criticised X for double standards. He said the platform quickly removes posts on Palestine but delays responses in Pakistan. He stressed that the government issued multiple reminders to platforms, warning that non-cooperative behaviour could lead to bans. He referenced Brazil, where authorities blocked X after it failed to follow court orders. Brazil earlier fined X $5.2 million and removed disputed content. The platform had 22 million Brazilian users before its suspension on August 30.
Government demands local presence and accountability
Malik said the government again issued reminders today, stressing concerns over terrorism, misinformation, and disinformation. He said authorities asked platforms to open local offices, yet some companies have not replied. He stated that several platforms are cooperating well but X remains the least responsive.
Imran Khan’s ongoing legal challenges
Khan, jailed since August 2023, is serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case and faces additional terrorism-related trials linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.
