Twitter Already Banned When New Government Took Over: Information Minister Tarar
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has acknowledged that the social media platform Twitter was already banned when the new government took over from the caretaker setup. He stated that there was no official notification for the clampdown on Twitter. Access to Twitter has been disrupted in many areas of Pakistan since February 17th, when former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha accused the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Justice of Pakistan of being involved in rigging the February 8th general elections. Similar disruptions were also observed during the general elections.
Tarar had previously pushed back against the disruption and claimed that Twitter was still working, calling on those questioning otherwise to present a notification for the ban. However, in an interview with media platform World Echo News, Tarar contradicted his own statement, saying, “Twitter was already banned when we came into government. There is no official notification for it, but obviously, everyone can see that its signal and frequency are not working as normal and it is being used through virtual private networks. This is correct.”
Tarar suggested the need for a charter on the “dos and don’ts of the red lines that should not be crossed.” He added that political parties should discuss issues such as misogynistic abuse of women, cursing, and mockery of martyrs. He stated, “I think there is a need for a charter, and it will be a good thing if it happens.”
The minister was also questioned regarding press freedom, particularly the recent arrest of journalist Asad Ali Toor. He stated, “I am a political activist at the ground level and have always been present with you. I would want that I fully perform my role regarding freedom of expression and journalism.”
When asked about the Punjab government’s plans to bring a law tackling “fake news” and whether the federal government intended to bring something similar, Tarar said it would be better for political parties to decide matters between themselves on tackling the issue of “fake news” instead of the state sorting out the matter. He also said talks could and should be held with the Sunni Ittehad Council and praised the conduct of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for creating an atmosphere of conciliation. Tarar added, “I think, hopefully, matters will be able to proceed positively with them.”
Meanwhile, PTA spokesperson Malahat Obaid told Dawn.com to direct questions to the Interior Ministry regarding the disruption of Twitter. She stated, “We can’t say anything on this matter now because we don’t know. We will share with you if any statement comes.” When questioned why the ministry should be approached when the internet falls under the PTA’s domain, she said, “Because the instructions are from the government” and declined to answer whether the Interior Ministry had written to the authority to curtail access to Twitter.
Government Urged to Restore Twitter
Amnesty International has called for the immediate restoration of the social media platform Twitter. In a post on Twitter, the human rights group said it had signed a joint statement with 28 civil society organizations for the restoration of Twitter and urged Pakistani authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and access to information under the country’s international human rights commitments.
The joint statement signed by Amnesty International and civil society organizations called for the immediate restoration of the platform. It expressed profound concern over the increasing instances of internet shutdowns and social media platform blocking, specifically in the lead up to and following the general elections in Pakistan. The statement highlighted that these actions not only infringe upon the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and access to information but also set a troubling precedent of throttling genuine political discourse, including the plurality of voices in the country.
The arbitrary blocking of platforms, including the prolonged and unannounced disruption of Twitter since February 17th, is a sobering illustration of growing digital censorship in the country, the statement said. The joint statement was signed by Amnesty International, Pakistan Bar Council, PFUJ, AGHS, Bolo Bhi, Media Matters for Democracy, Digital Rights Foundation, Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development, Human Rights Watch, Freedom Network, Pakistan Press Foundation, Bytes for All, HRCP, Women Democratic Front, Access Now, AWP, Aurat March, Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan, Alliance for Diversity and Pluralism in Media in Pakistan, Pakistan Digital Editors Alliance, Pakistan Digital Media Association, Progressive Students Federation, Joint Action Committee for Refugees, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, Zuka Books, and Reporters Without Borders.
