On Monday, the Pakistani government announced a “legitimate” ban on the social media platform X due to national security concerns. This announcement was included in the interior ministry’s written response to the Sindh High Court (SHC) in relation to several petitions challenging the ban and the intermittent suspension of Internet services.

Authorities have blocked X, formerly known as Twitter, since February 17, following widespread protests over alleged vote rigging in the recent general election. Digital rights activists have criticized the shutdowns as violations of civil liberties in Pakistan, which has a population of over 241 million.

Read more: Interior Ministry Ordered to Revoke Closure Notice: Twitter Drama

The interior ministry defended the ban, asserting it does not violate Article 19 of the constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. They stated, “The decision to impose a ban on Twitter/X is a legitimate exercise of the Government’s authority to regulate social media platforms. It addresses genuine concerns related to national security and public safety while promoting responsible and lawful communication.”

Pakistani authorities have faced challenges regulating social media through various laws, with critics accusing them of suppressing dissent. In May, the government established the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to investigate electronic crimes, which activists view as another effort to stifle online criticism.

The NCCIA, approved by Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar’s caretaker government, took over cybercrime investigations from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). While the government claims this move aims to protect digital rights, promote responsible Internet use, and prevent hate speech and disinformation, activists argue that new laws and amendments are used to curb online dissent and restrict freedom of speech.