Govt Warns of Possible Social Media Bans as X Continues Non-Cooperation: Aqeel Malik

Web Desk (MNN); Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Thursday that the government could consider imposing bans on social media platforms that fail to cooperate with Pakistani authorities.

Speaking on Dawn News’ programme Doosra Rukh, the minister addressed a question about a potential ban on PTI founder Imran Khan’s X account. He said investigations were still underway and noted that the government had repeatedly contacted X, but the platform remained the “least cooperative” among major networks.

Barrister Malik criticised X for operating with “double standards,” saying, “Posts about Palestine are deleted and accounts suspended within 24 hours. But here, we are dealing with terrorism-related content.”

He added that platforms have been warned that non-cooperation could lead to strict action, similar to measures taken in Brazil, where X was blocked for failing to comply with court orders and fined $5.2 million.

X—used by about 4.5 million people in Pakistan—was previously blocked in February 2024, days after the general elections.

Malik said the government had again issued reminders to all platforms, stressing that social media was being exploited for terrorism, misinformation and disinformation. He noted that while some platforms were collaborating responsibly, X had shown minimal cooperation.

He said Pakistan has repeatedly asked major social media companies to open local offices, but there has been no response from X.

Regarding Imran Khan’s X account, Malik said that any action would be announced once the investigation produces more evidence. Earlier, in October, FIA officials questioned Imran in Adiala Jail over alleged “anti-state” tweets and remarks on foreign policy.

A petition filed in the Islamabad High Court in September also sought an inquiry into who has been operating Imran’s official X account during his imprisonment. Imran has been jailed since August 2023 in the £190 million corruption case and faces multiple other terrorism-related charges linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.