Why Is X (Twitter) Still Restricted in Pakistan?

As of March 2025, X (formerly Twitter) remains blocked in Pakistan, despite court orders demanding its restoration. The platform has been inaccessible since February 17, 2025, coinciding with the controversial general elections that saw widespread allegations of vote rigging and result manipulation .

Government's Stance on the Ban

The Pakistani government has not provided a clear explanation for the ban, but according to the Ministry of Interior, the restrictions were imposed due to "security concerns and the spread of misinformation". However, critics argue that the real reason behind the ban is to suppress political dissent, as opposition parties—particularly PTI—used X to share election-related grievances .

Legal Battles & Court Orders

The Sindh High Court (SHC) had ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to restore access to X, but the order was ignored.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has also issued notices to PTA and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the suspension.

A contempt case is ongoing against PTA for failing to implement the court orders .

Impact of the Ban

Economic Losses: Businesses relying on X for marketing and customer engagement are suffering.

Internet Censorship: This is part of a broader pattern of digital restrictions in Pakistan, with multiple internet shutdowns occurring in the past year .

Public Response: Many Pakistanis are using VPNs to access X, but VPNs are not easily accessible to everyone .

International Criticism: The U.S. State Department and human rights groups have condemned the ban, calling for its removal .

Conclusion

The X ban in Pakistan seems to be politically motivated, as it coincided with election disputes. Despite legal interventions, the government continues to restrict access, raising concerns over freedom of speech and digital rights. Until the courts enforce their rulings, X is expected to remain blocked in Pakistan