News Brief

Pakistan Bans Social Media Platform X Ahead Of Its Majority Owner Elon Musk's India Visit

Nayan Dwivedi

Apr 18, 2024, 12:06 PM | Updated 11:57 AM IST


Islamabad High Court
Islamabad High Court

In a recent development, the Pakistan government has defended its decision to ban the popular microblogging site Twitter, now known as X within its borders, citing national security concerns.

The move comes after the social media platform purportedly failed to address issues regarding its misuse, prompting the government to take action.

Interestingly, this development comes amid the upcoming visit by Elon Musk to India. Musk is the majority owner of the microblogging website.

Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, is poised to announce a substantial investment of $2-3 billion in India, primarily for constructing a new EV factory.

Also, Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, has recently cleared a significant regulatory hurdle by receiving in-principle approval from India's telecom ministry.

Also Read: ISRO To Continue Chandrayaan Missions Until Indian Astronaut Lands On Moon, Says Chairman S Somanath

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was hearing a petition filed by journalist Ehtisham Abbasi, who challenged the disruption in access to Twitter/X since 17 February.

Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, representing the government, submitted a report to the IHC, asserting that Twitter's failure to adhere to lawful directives and address concerns regarding platform misuse necessitated the ban.

According to the government's report, the decision to impose the ban was made in the interest of upholding 'national security', maintaining public order, and preserving the integrity of the nation.

It mentioned that certain hostile elements operating on Twitter had nefarious intentions to create chaos and instability, aiming to destabilize the country.

Also Read: Nestle Accused Of Adding Sugar In Baby Foods Sold In India But Not In Europe, UK: Here's The Company's Response

Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.


Get Swarajya in your inbox.


Magazine


image
States