The persistent disruption of the social media platform X in Pakistan has now extended beyond a month, sparking apprehensions about access to digital communication and the preservation of freedom of expression in the country. Initially blocked on February 17th, X remains inaccessible to users across Pakistan as of March 18th.
During this month-long period, X has sporadically been restored for brief intervals of 10 to 15 minutes, prompting many Pakistanis to turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the restrictions. However, reports indicate that the government is also targeting VPNs, further hindering users’ efforts to bypass the blockage.
Also Read: Islamabad High Court Notices PTA and Information Ministry Over X Ban
When queried by ProPakistani about the status of X, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) redirected inquiries to the Ministry of Interior, adding complexity to the situation. However, attempts to obtain clarification from the Ministry of Interior have been unsuccessful, leaving the accessibility of the platform uncertain.
As the blockage of X in Pakistan enters its second month, concerns have been raised regarding its impact on the IT sector.
Former Minister of IT, Dr. Umar Saif, voiced his personal stance that no platform, such as Twitter or the internet, should be banned in Pakistan. He underscored the necessity of connectivity with the youth and the global community while suggesting the identification and criticism of individuals spreading propaganda through social media to maintain social order.
Former Chairman of PASHA, Barkhan Saeed, noted that the blockage of X has minimal impact on the IT industry, as most companies primarily rely on platforms like Facebook and YouTube for advertisement purposes.
Contrarily, IT expert Maujeeb Zahoor argued that while larger IT companies may not be significantly affected, the blockage raises concerns about freedom of expression and instills uncertainty in the IT sector. He cautioned that unrest among international companies and investors could have long-term ramifications.
IT expert Dr. M Rafi emphasized the substantial impact of the blockage of X in Pakistan, particularly on industries reliant on the internet and social media for marketing and customer engagement. He stressed that social media serves not only as a messaging platform but also plays a pivotal role in business operations, and its disruption is adversely affecting the industry.
