KARACHI – The Ministry of Interior on Monday termed X, previously known as Twitter, as threat to national security and refused to restore it.
The ministry revealed its stance in its response to the Sindh High Court, which is currently hearing a case regarding the closure of X in Pakistan.
The Ministry of Interior has labeled the social media platform X as a threat to national security, asserting that its restriction does not infringe upon Article 19 of the Constitution. The ministry affirmed that reinstating X is not feasible at this time.
The ministry submitted that restrictions on X were implemented based on intelligence reports, citing intentions of certain elements to destabilize the country through X. It emphasized that the ministry’s primary responsibility is safeguarding the rights of Pakistani citizens.
The ministry clarified that all legal procedures were followed before imposing restrictions on X, emphasizing that such measures do not violate freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19, albeit subject to lawful constraints.
In its response, the Ministry of Interior also clarified that X has not entered into any formal agreements (MOUs) with Pakistan. It reiterated that the decision to restrict X was necessary to uphold national laws, emphasizing that the action was taken in the interest of national security and dignity.
Highlighting global practices, the Ministry of Interior pointed out that numerous countries impose restrictions on social media platforms. It emphasized that, apart from the temporary suspension of X, no other viable solution was available.
Moreover, the ministry informed the court that X, as a foreign entity, had been repeatedly reminded to comply with Pakistani laws. It noted that X was permitted to operate under assurances of compliance and execution of MOUs.
On February 17, the Ministry of Interior had issued directives for the immediate shutdown of X in Pakistan.
