Pakistan Restores Access to Social Media Platform ‘X’ After Over a Year

Islamabad – The Government of Pakistan has lifted the ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after more than a year, restoring access in the wake of escalating tensions with India. The platform was blocked in February 2024 amid concerns over national security and the spread of misinformation during a period of political unrest.
The decision to lift the ban was announced during a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan. The committee condemned the recent Indian aggression and lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces and Air Force for their successful defense efforts.
Senator Palwasha Khan stated that the ban on X was lifted as part of efforts to manage the “narrative war” during the current conflict with India. She emphasized that India had targeted civilian areas, including the elderly, women, and children, and called for a firm response that would deter any future attacks.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the committee that X was unblocked late at night. The original restriction had been imposed by the government due to concerns over the spread of false information and sensitive content on social media, which officials said posed a threat to national security.
The restoration of X is seen as a strategic move to counter misinformation and present Pakistan’s perspective during a time of heightened regional tensions.