X Remains Blocked in Pakistan and PTA Still Doesn't Know Why

X (formerly Twitter) remains blocked in Pakistan since February 17 and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) still doesn’t know the reason behind the suspension. According to PTA Chairman Major (retired) General Hafiz Rahman, the Ministry of Interior has not issued any directives to suspend X in Pakistan.

Speaking to a local media outlet, the chairman stated that social media has always been blocked on the directives of the government and specifically it is the Ministry of Interior that issues such directives to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

He said that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has nothing in writing about the suspension of X and added that the regulator will bring the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Interior to resolve any confusion on the matter.

Chairman Rahman explained that the decision to stop the internet on February 8 was made following a meeting at Aftab Durrani’s office on the morning of the elections. All security agencies were present at the meeting, and there were concerns about security. Therefore, it was agreed to close the internet, and the PTA officially announced this decision on Twitter.

It is pertinent to mention that X has remained blocked in Pakistan for the past month and no government department or the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) knows the reason behind it. Meanwhile, all politicians, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers are using the platform via VPN services.

However, it must be noted that X services are restored for a few minutes at various times before being blocked again and no clear answer has been provided regarding the matter.

While Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) states that it does not block any social media platforms without government directives, it must be mentioned that the regulatory is legally authorized to block or remove access to information on the internet.

As per Section 37 of the Pakistan Cybercrime Law, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, PTA has the “power to remove or block or issue directions for removal or blocking of access to an information through any information system if it considers it necessary in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security of defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court of commission of or incitement of an offence under this act.”