Pakistan Confirms Temporary Shutdown of Social Media Platform X Over ‘Security Concerns’

Islamabad: Pakistan confirmed the temporary shutdown of social media platform X on Wednesday, citing national security concerns. The blockage, initiated in mid-February, coincided with nationwide protests organized by the party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, alleging election irregularities.

The Interior Ministry, in a written court submission, acknowledged the shutdown, attributing it to X’s failure to comply with government directives and address misuse concerns. The ministry accused X of reluctance to cooperate in resolving critical issues.

Following more than two months of disruption, the Sindh High Court instructed the government to restore access to X within a week. Failure to comply would result in further legal action, according to lawyer Moiz Jaaferi.

Disruptions in accessing X were reported in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, with mobile internet services nationwide suspended on polling day due to security reasons.

The US State Department expressed support for internet access rights without directly addressing the situation in Pakistan.