Because of the authorities’ lack of collaboration with the FIA, the interior ministry justified the closure of “X.”

“X, formerly known as Twitter, is not registered in Pakistan nor has it complied with the country’s legal framework, failing to comply with government directives regarding the platform’s misuse,” according to a report from the Interior Ministry.

The report emphasized the instances in which ‘X’ officials failed to cooperate, expressing their disdain for demands made by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing.

The study claims that the platform’s interim closure and other regulatory actions were warranted due to the non-cooperation of X officials.

The Ministry of Interior explained that maintaining law and order and national security was the key reason behind the decision to close “X” on February 17, 2024, which was made in response to intelligence agency recommendations.

Concerns about the indiscriminate dissemination of false information and extreme beliefs via social media platforms were highlighted in the report, with “X” being used by hostile actors to undermine peace and stability.

In response to possible questions about free speech, the report clarified that “X” was closed with the express purpose of encouraging social media usage that complies with Pakistani law.

The research drew comparisons with past incidents, like TikTok’s temporary ban, and emphasized how important it is for platforms to follow national laws.

The Interior Ministry emphasized the government’s dedication to defending national security interests when it claimed that the closure of “X” did not violate Article 19 of the Constitution.

The report echoed the government’s position on preserving regulatory measures to ensure the proper use of social media platforms by pleading for the dismissal of the petition against the closure of “X.”