Pakistan: Journalist questions use of virtual private networks to access ‘X’ despite ban

Islamabad (Pakistan), July 10: Renowned Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has expressed serious concern over the fact that despite the government’s ban on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the country’s prime minister and top ministers are allegedly still accessing the microblogging site using virtual private networks (VPNs).

Mir criticized the government for what he saw as inconsistent policies and their impact on society.

Sharing a video on X, Hamid Mir said, “Isn’t this a big violation of government policy by the government itself? Pakistan government imposed a ban on X many months ago, but why are the Prime Minister and his senior ministers still using X through VPN? What kind of message is this to the people of Pakistan?”

Isn’t this a big violation of government policy by the government itself? Pakistan government imposed a ban on X many months ago, but why are the Prime Minister and his senior ministers using X through VPN non-stop? What kind of message does this send to the people of Pakistan? pic.twitter.com/YwUvhEIKZe— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) July 10, 2024

Pakistani authorities in Islamabad recently informed the Sindh High Court that the decision to ban X is in line with the Pakistani legal framework.

The decision comes in response to a case challenging the ban, which underscores ongoing debates in the country about censorship, freedom of speech and digital rights.

Pakistan has a history of imposing bans or restrictions on various social media platforms. Some lawmakers have advocated for permanent bans, citing concerns about the negative impact on younger generations.

The measures have sparked a wider debate about the balance between security and freedom of speech, particularly in the context of censorship of books and online content deemed sensitive or provocative.

Pakistan has laws against blasphemy, defamation, and national security. These laws are often invoked to justify restrictions on those with dissenting views.

Journalists, writers and activists who criticize government policies or religious institutions often face harassment and legal consequences.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor.

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