Karachi: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the government to bring back the social media site X/Twitter. Which used to be called Twitter, right away.
The High Court said that everyone should be able to use the social media platform X/Twitter without any breaks. It also stopped the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) from stopping people from using these platforms again.
As internet watchdog groups began reporting outages on Saturday. Social media platforms like X/Twitter and other remained unavailable to users in Pakistan. This development raises concerns about access to these platforms within the country.
The interim interior minister of Pakistan, when questioned by an international media organization. Stated that he was unaware of any restrictions on social media access. He emphasized his lack of knowledge regarding the outage. Stating that such matters do not fall under the jurisdiction of his ministry. This response suggests a gap in communication or understanding regarding the situation.
The disconnect between reports of outages and the lack of awareness or involvement from the interim interior minister highlights potential challenges in addressing issues related to internet access and regulation in Pakistan. Clarification and coordination among relevant authorities may be necessary to address concerns regarding social media platform accessibility in the country.
The caretaker information minister did not provide any answers regarding the ban on X/Twitter, maintaining silence on the matter. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has remained tight-lipped, offering no clarification on the closure of the social media platform. Despite numerous inquiries, the PTA has only reiterated its role as a regulatory body responsible for implementing government directives.
Net Blocks, a digital rights advocacy group, reported a fresh nationwide disruption to the services of X/Twitter, formerly known as Twitter, in Pakistan. This disruption coincides with a period of heightened tension and protests sparked by allegations of election fraud. The unrest follows the resignation of a senior election official and his public admission of vote manipulation, underscoring the significance of social media in the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion.
The lack of transparency from both the caretaker information minister and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, coupled with the reported disruptions to social media platforms, raises concerns about freedom of expression and access to information in Pakistan. As the country grapples with political turmoil and allegations of electoral malpractice, the role of social media in facilitating dialogue and transparency becomes increasingly crucial.
