Islamabad, In a recent statement, Farhatullah Babar, the President of the Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former senator, has vocally criticized the handling of social media platform “X”‘s suspension by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the interior ministry. Babar’s remarks emphasize the need for a significant overhaul within the PTA and the immediate reinstatement of access to “X”.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the acknowledgment by the interior ministry of its role in suspending “X” came after persistent denials and has highlighted concerns about transparency and accountability within the government. The ministry’s admission in the Sindh High Court, revealing that the suspension was advised by intelligence agencies, has sparked debate over governance practices that seemingly bypass democratic rights and oversight.
The scenario is further complicated by the PTA chief’s admission of confusion within the organization, despite clear directives from the interior ministry regarding “X”‘s suspension. This confusion and apparent lack of initiative to resolve the issue, particularly in light of court orders demanding the platform’s restoration, underscores perceived deficiencies in the PTA’s operational clarity and adherence to legal standards.
Further controversy stems from unresolved allegations made by a bureaucrat against prominent judicial and electoral figures, which preceded the platform’s suspension. The lack of investigation into these claims, coupled with the absence of accountability for the suspension’s authorization, raises serious questions about procedural integrity within the government.
Babar’s call for a PTA shakeup and the restoration of “X” reflects broader concerns within Pakistani civil society about the balance between national security, governmental transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights. The situation remains a focal point for discussions on governance, with the PPP spotlighting the need for reform and responsive action to uphold democratic principles and freedom of expression.