On Friday, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaulah Tarar, addressed the ongoing ban on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), emphasizing that the measure stems from serious security concerns within the country.
Speaking to Voice of America in New York, Tarar clarified that the decision, initiated by the previous interim government, should not be viewed as an infringement on freedom of expression.
In his remarks, the Information Minister highlighted the alarming ways in which X has been exploited by separatist and terrorist groups to spread anti-state propaganda. “Terrorists broadcast their terrorist activities on social media,” he stated, underlining the urgent need for responsible oversight. He emphasized, “It is our duty to protect the integrity of the state and its citizens,” stressing that maintaining national security is paramount.
Additionally, Tarar called for a robust mechanism to regulate social media use in Pakistan. “As Pakistanis, we can request the management of X to remove anti-state content uploaded by terrorists,” he urged, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a safe online environment.
