Pakistan’s Senate Information Committee discussed the ongoing ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar informed the committee that the caretaker government imposed the ban due to “compliance issues.”
The Ministry of Interior has submitted its reasoning behind the ban to the high court, which will determine the platform’s future.
The decision sparked debate among senators, with concerns raised about the spread of misinformation online. Committee Chair Senator Ali Zafar stressed the importance of freedom of expression, while others, including Senator Irfan Siddiqui and Senator Jam Muhammad, called for measures to combat fake news and promote responsible use of social media platforms.
Former information minister Pervez Rasheed voiced concern about the spread of online propaganda and offensive language. The discussion also touched on the rise of digital crimes, with the minister urging action to address them.
Separately, Minister Tarar highlighted the need to promote entertainment within Pakistan, emphasizing initiatives to bolster the film industry.