Shehbaz Sharif triggered a debate in public discourse after he wished Donald Trump, the former US President, to enter politics using a VPN because the controversial networking site X – formerly referred to as Twitter – is prohibited in Pakistan. It is kind of ironic socially as people feel that there is discrimination towards the right to access services and the State does not.
In response, the government spokesman explained that the congratulatory message of Prime Minister Sharif was “delivered in the spirit of diplomatic courtesy,” emphasizing the need for preserving foreign relations. Nothing would be said about the access issue except that the “restraining order of X in Pakistan was in the national interest,” stressing issues of misinformation and security.
The newly enforced ban on X in Pakistan, however, faced strong resistance, mainly from journalists, business people, and youths who utilize the service for the reasons mentioned earlier. Many people in Pakistan have strongly criticized it, claiming that it is quite impossible to reach global discussions without a reliable avenue. The opportunities have thus brought debates on internet freedom and whether government officials ought to operate and face the same regulations as the public.
On social media, public reaction has been mixed calling for the ban to be lifted to ensure equal access, while others criticize what they called a “double standard” in leadership. With the issue of internet control still debated, activists for digital rights urge the government to come out clearly on how it is going to balance security concerns with the access of citizens to global platforms. A lot of people hope that someday, these restrictions will loosen up, and everybody will have access to the convenience of freedom to connect and engage without boundaries.
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