JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 08, 2024 at 10:44 pm | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI—The Federal Ministry of Interior on Monday defended the ban imposed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating it is constitutional due to violations of the country’s laws. The ministry asserted that there was no other option but to implement it.
In its response to the Sindh High Court, which is hearing a petition to lift the ban on X, the ministry maintained that the ban does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution. The ministry argued that the request to open X is inadmissible, highlighting that hateful content against the country's institutions has been uploaded on social media, particularly X.
The ministry emphasized its responsibility to protect the rights of the people of Pakistan and stated that all legal requirements were met before imposing the ban. According to the ministry, Article 19 of the Constitution permits freedom of expression but it also allows for certain restrictions as per the law.
Furthermore, the ministry's response noted that X is a foreign company that has been repeatedly asked to comply with local laws but has no agreement with Pakistan. The ministry claimed that some elements aim to spread instability in the country through X.
The response also referenced similar actions taken in the past, such as the ban on TikTok and other social media platforms. These platforms were later reopened after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure compliance with Pakistan's laws.
The Sindh High Court's review of the ministry's response and the petition to lift the ban on X is ongoing. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for the regulation of social media in Pakistan.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.