The value of X

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) continues to be blocked in Pakistan, despite mounting legal and public pressure. The Lahore High Court (LHC) is currently hearing petitions challenging the ban, which argue that restricting access to X violates Articles 19 and 19-A of the constitution, guaranteeing freedom of expression and access to information. Last week the court sought a detailed report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Interior regarding the ban’s legal basis. The court has also questioned why government institutions and officials -- including the prime minister -- continue to use X despite its official prohibition. The next hearing is scheduled this week for March 20, raising very faint hopes that some clarity may finally emerge. The X ban was imposed in early 2024 under the caretaker government, though ministers at the time feigned ignorance about its enforcement. When the PML-N government took office, it also avoided addressing the matter directly, pretending that X remained accessible as usual. It was only in April 2024 that the interior ministry finally admitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the ban had been implemented due to X’s alleged failure to curb its 'misuse' and comply with government directives. The ministry justified the decision by citing confidential reports from intelligence agencies, claiming the ban was necessary to safeguard national security, maintain public order and prevent 'hostile elements' from destabilising the country.

Such justifications are unconvincing and reek of political expediency rather than genuine security concerns. If X truly posed a national security threat, why do government officials, including the prime minister, continue to use it actively? If it is such a danger, why are tweets in both Urdu and English still being posted by state representatives? The contradiction is glaring. It is no secret that X was blocked because of the PTI’s significant presence on the platform. Rather than countering the party's digital influence through facts and a coherent counter-narrative, authorities opted for a heavy-handed approach -- blocking the entire platform and restricting access for millions of Pakistani users.

This is a dangerous precedent. Arbitrary social media bans not only violate constitutional rights but also damage Pakistan’s digital economy, restricting online businesses, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens who used to rely on X for information and engagement. Such censorship will also end up isolating Pakistan on the global stage, where digital openness is increasingly considered a hallmark of modern governance. The government’s actions suggest an intent to normalise digital censorship under the guise of security. This is unacceptable. Free speech and access to information are fundamental to democracy, and an open digital space is crucial for political discourse. If the government is truly committed to stability and national integrity, it should engage in democratic debate, address misinformation through transparency, and strengthen public trust. Censorship is not the solution; dialogue and accountability are. The ban on X should not become the new normal. It is time for the government to acknowledge that restricting access to social media platforms does more harm than good. What the government fails to understand is that draconian laws will never stop the free flow of information. People will always find ways to bypass restrictions, whether through VPNs, encrypted messaging apps or other means. If the government persists in its current course, Pakistan will not just miss the digital revolution -- it will be left in the past, struggling to catch up.