Pakistan issues diktat for social media platforms, warns of potential ban if…, says ‘X shows least cooperation in…’
Barrister Aqeel Malik, on his appearance at the Dawn News Programme, reported that the social media platforms were reminded to comply with the regulations.
Pakistan’s warning: The popular social media platform X was banned in Pakistan in February 2024. The ban followed just 10 days after the general elections. Now, the Minister of State for Law and Justice in Pakistan, Barrister Aqeel Malik, said that the country may ban social media platforms that fail to comply with regulatory authorities, according to a report by Dawn. Malik appeared on the programme of Dawn News and was questioned about the government’s consideration to block the X account of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan.
What did Barrister Aqeel Malik say?
Barrister Aqeel Malik, on his appearance at the Dawn News Programme, reported that the social media platforms were reminded to comply with the regulations. He was asked about the consideration of the government to block Imran Khan’s X account. He stated that an investigation is underway to investigate the matter. He added that the government authorities have directed the social media platforms for compliance. According to Malik, X is the least-cooperating platform in this regard.
He highlighted the platform’s hypocrisy stating that X must go against its selective enforcement, mentioning, “Posts related to Palestine are removed, and accounts blocked, within 24 hours. Here, we are talking about a matter of terrorism.” Exemplifying Brazil’s issue, he added, “Brazil’s courts had issued orders, which were then accepted, and a fine of USD 5.2 million was paid. All content taken out of context was removed.”
Who is Imran Khan?
The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, was the former prime minister and cricketer of Pakistan. He was removed from the office in 2022 after the passing of a no-confidence motion. He has been imprisoned since August 23 under multiple charges. One such case reported by Dawn comes under the Anti-Terrorism Act in concern with the May protests of that year.
Imran Khan’s Interrogation
According to the reports, PTI founder Imran Khan was interrogated during his imprisonment. The interrogation was done to enquire about his anti-state tweets and comments by the authorities of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Later, a petition against Khan was taken to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
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