ISLAMABAD: Government has option to block social media platforms at any time, said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Comments followed alleged vandalism and violence by supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on May 9. Government had then responded by blocking not only social media platforms but also internet services across country for nearly four days.

Khawaja Asif noted that social media was regulated in China and Europe and said that it was used to incite people to violence. Minister praised punishment imposed on officers dismissed by Army following incidents on May 9. Providing rationale for blocking services, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had also claimed that PTI’s work was done entirely online so it was decided to block internet services.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 28 2023

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