he struggle for Pakistan’s 4.5 million X users for their digital freedom of expression continues with the blocking of the social media platform completing one year. However, the government also continues to struggle to control dissent. In the process, it has taken several measures to control digital spaces through policies and laws that have invited local and international criticism.

On February 17, 2024, the government blocked X after the social media platform was flooded with posts making rigging allegations in the general elections that were held on February 8, 2024. As of February 26, the ruling coalition is celebrating its one-year in power, claiming successes on economic and political fronts in the country and provinces. However, the blocking of X remains a big question mark on the democratic credentials of the ruling parties.

The Interior Ministry justifies the ban on X by citing security issues and the platform’s cold shoulder to requests by authorities to remove content. After banning X, the government appeared to have sensed that the measure was not enough to control dissent. It then took another controversial step. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issued a directive asking all VPNs to register their services by November 30, 2024, warning that unregistered VPNs would be blocked after the deadline.

Interestingly, the Council of Islamic Ideology declared the use of VPNs contrary to Islamic shariah. The CII chairman, Dr Raghib Naeemi, in a press statement, said that platforms facilitating access to controversial, blasphemous or anti-national content should be prohibited.

The decision faced strong opposition from various segments of the society. The Pakistan Software Houses Association said that such restrictive policies could be disastrous for the IT sector in Pakistan and might result in financial losses estimated at $300 million. PASHA said that VPNs were essential tools for businesses, freelancers and educational institutions to ensure digital safety and access to global markets.

The Law Ministry, in the wake of concerns and criticism, reviewed the legal framework and opined that legal grounds to ban VPNs were insufficient. Consequently, the PTA announced on December 1, 2024, that it would not proceed with the ban, allowing both registered and unregistered VPNs to continue operating.

In January 2025, the government made another move in the name of combating fake news, disinformation and propaganda. It enacted the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025. Opposition parties, rights organisations and journalist bodies believe that the law was meant to gag dissenting voices and the media.

Over the past year, the government has made three significant moves restricting internet use. The justifications it gave have varied from security concerns, for which X was banned; to blocking access to blasphemous content, for which a ban was imposed on unregistered VPNs and then withdrawn; and combating disinformation and fake news through PECA. However, all these steps are seen by many as structured attempts to curtail the freedom of expression in violation of international treatise to which Pakistan is a party.

Rights organisations like the Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan have criticised the banning of X. They have called it a sheer violation of the right to freedom of expression, undermining Pakistan’s international commitments.

Amnesty International says that is a vital space for public discourse and dissent. “Its absence has curtailed citizens’ ability to engage in open dialogue and access diverse viewpoints.”

It has pointed out that despite the ban, some government officials and departments have continued to use X via VPNs.

The ruling and opposition parties have had varied responses, indicating diverging views on matters of freedom of expression and democratic norms.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf enjoys a mammoth presence on X. Given their extensive reliance on X for political communication and mobilisation, PTI leaders are very vocal against the ban on X. They have called it a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and suppress information regarding alleged rigging in the February 2024 general elections. They have also labelled the ban as a dictatorial and fascist tactic to curb the right to expression.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which is leading the ruling coalition, had strongly resisted the PTI government’s attempt to enact PECA in 2021. However, it is now defending the ban on X. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar now says that the decision has been made in the interest of national security. He maintains that such measures are necessary to maintain public order and protect national interests.

Pakistan Peoples Party, the second major component of the ruling coalition, has not reacted directly to the ban on X. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has advised the government to give up efforts to control digital spaces and instead focus on enabling rather than restricting access to information and communication technologies. Though he has not directly addressed the ban on X, his stance on related issues indicates a preference for open and unrestricted internet access. In November 2024, he had criticised the government’s decision to block VPNs.

The government’s interventions to address issues like dissent, fake news, disinformation and security concerns have failed to serve the desired purpose. Instead of taking controversial steps like banning digital platforms, the government should work out a plan for across-the-board media and information literacy.

The author is a senior journalist, teacher of journalism, writer and analyst. His X handle: @BukhariMubasher