Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif Sends Congratulations to Donald Trump on X, Sparks Community Reaction
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Donald Trump on his “historic victory” in securing a second term as US President. However, the message, posted on X (formerly Twitter), immediately sparked controversy due to Sharif’s government imposing a nationwide ban on the platform.
Sharif’s post, which expressed his desire to “strengthen and broaden the Pakistan-US partnership,” was flagged with a Community Note. The note highlighted that Sharif was accessing the platform through a VPN, which violates Pakistan’s national regulations.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan. He is using a VPN to access X, which is illegal according to Pakistani law,” the Community Note read.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry had blocked access to X in April due to national security concerns, with users facing difficulties accessing the platform since mid-February. Despite the ban, Sharif and other officials have reportedly bypassed the block using VPNs. Several Pakistani leaders, including those from Sharif’s party, continue to use the platform freely, disregarding the restrictions.
The ban has sparked debate, with the government initially citing the platform’s failure to adhere to local laws, including the controversial 2021 Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules. The government also expressed concerns about “hostile elements” using social media to destabilize Pakistan. However, critics believe the ban is politically motivated, especially amid allegations of election rigging.
Sharif’s political rival, Imran Khan, has been one of the most prominent social media users in Pakistan, particularly on X, where his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has amassed millions of followers. Khan, now in jail, has claimed that his ousting in 2022 was orchestrated by the military and that the 2023 elections were manipulated to prevent his return to power. Some believe the government’s restriction of X is an effort to silence dissenting voices, especially as the platform has become a critical outlet for opposition views.
Critics argue that the Interior Ministry overstepped its authority by imposing the ban without the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the official body responsible for regulating online content under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. The true motivation behind the ban, they suggest, is to pressure X to comply with local censorship demands, as seen with other platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
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