After a 15-month restriction that started in February 2024, access to X/Twitter restored across Pakistan, marking a landmark milestone for digital freedom in Pakistan. Following a period of political upheaval, public uproar, and international pressure in favour of freedom of expression and information, the platform was reinstated.
The prohibition was first put into effect during the general elections of 2024, when there were several claims of electoral fraud. The suspension was due to the necessity to preserve public order and national security, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Critics countered that the action was an attempt to control the narrative and quell dissent at a politically delicate time.
Numerous government personnel persisted in using X over virtual private networks (VPNs) during the prohibition, casting doubt on the uniformity and equity of the regulations. Public dissatisfaction and distrust were further stoked by the ban’s lack of official communication and openness. The suspension significantly impacted many industries, but small companies and media organizations that depended on X for outreach and communication were especially hard hit.
Maintaining awareness and audience engagement has proven to be a huge problem for entrepreneurs such as Shaista Ayesha, who is the CEO of SEED Ventures, a social company situated in Karachi. We do our social media postings through X and connect with other organizations and funders, so there is social media outreach loss and one avenue of strategic visibility gone,” Ayesha told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Amnesty foreign and other foreign groups, together with digital rights campaigners, denounced the ban as a breach of the right to free speech. Amnesty International highlighted in a statement that “the arbitrary blocking of platforms, including the prolonged and unannounced disruption of X since February 17, 2024, serves as a stark example of the escalating digital censorship in the country.” Additionally, the group expressed alarm about the PTA’s “complete silence” on the issue.
Legal cases challenging the ban were brought before several courts and are being heard by the Sindh High Court, ordering the government to reinstate access to X on February 20, 2024. But the site remained accessible to all users, which led to court proceedings as well as public protests in support of digital rights. Around the time of X’s restoration, Pakistan is now navigating complex geopolitical realities, including ongoing tensions with neighboring India. The redesign of the platform is seen by many as a step toward greater transparency and openness in the country’s digital landscape.
The restoration of X is a reminder of the significance of protecting digital freedoms and the necessity of clear, consistent laws that respect individuals’ rights to access information and voice their opinions online as Pakistan goes forward. The episode emphasizes how important social media platforms are to contemporary democracies and the continuous difficulties in striking a balance between security considerations and basic liberties.
The removal of the limitation on X was announced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on May 7, 2025, allowing users to access the website without paying to access VPNs or proxy services. This was seen as an answer to the growing demand regarding digital rights as well as the need to comply with international guidelines regarding the right to freedom of expression.
The decision to allow access back to X will also reflect the recognition by the government of its importance in the facilitation of communications, particularly during periods of crisis. Following recent tensions between the United States and India, the capacity to communicate information quickly and precisely has become increasingly essential.
Furthermore, the restoration of X is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs who rely on social media for marketing and customer engagement. The ban had previously hindered their ability to reach wider audiences and compete in the digital marketplace.
Although X’s unblocking is a big step in the right direction, it also emphasizes the necessity of constant watchfulness to guarantee the protection of digital liberties. The experience acts as a reminder of how crucial responsibility, openness, and the rule of law are to the management of digital spaces.
Pakistan may show its dedication to upholding people’s rights and fostering a welcoming and inclusive online community as it addresses the difficulties of the online world with the return of X.
In conclusion, the restoration of access to X in Pakistan after a 15-month ban is a significant development that underscores the importance of digital freedoms and the role of social media in contemporary society. It reflects the ongoing struggle to balance national security concerns with the fundamental rights of citizens and highlights the need for transparent and accountable governance in the digital realm.