The Jamshoro Times The City of Education
Foreign Minister Defends X Ban
According to a report from VOA, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stood by the government’s decision to limit access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Dar emphasized that such actions are taken in the best interests of Pakistan and are intended to promote the country’s welfare.
Drawing a parallel, Dar likened X’s restriction in Pakistan to the situation faced by TikTok in the US, where there are threats of banning the popular social media app unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company. The US government has cited concerns over data security, alleging that TikTok may be compromising the privacy of American citizens.
Expressing his viewpoint, the Foreign Minister questioned the double standards observed by certain countries regarding app bans, highlighting the need for each nation to make decisions based on its unique circumstances and considerations.
Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court issued a directive on Wednesday, granting the government a one-week deadline to lift the ban on X. The ban, reportedly imposed by the interior ministry in the interest of national security, public order, and the nation’s integrity, came under judicial scrutiny.
Of particular concern to the court was the lack of justification provided by the ministry for blocking the platform, as well as its failure to follow established procedures for restricting objectionable online content.
In response to the court’s inquiry, the interior ministry defended its decision to suspend X, citing the platform’s absence of local registration as a company and its refusal to comply with requests to remove content deemed derogatory towards the Chief Justice of Pakistan.