NextFin News - On December 11, 2025, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, publicly warned that the government might ban social media platforms that do not comply with regulatory demands. Speaking during an interview on Dawn News in Islamabad, Malik underscored the government’s frustration with platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), which hosts roughly 4.5 million Pakistani users but has shown minimal cooperation with authorities. The warning follows the blocking of X in February 2024 shortly after Pakistan’s general elections, triggered by concerns over content related to terrorism and misinformation.
Malik emphasized that the government’s demands include social media companies opening local offices in Pakistan to enhance oversight and improve responsiveness to regulatory inquiries. He criticized perceived double standards in content moderation, citing the rapid removal of posts related to Palestine juxtaposed against delayed actions on terrorism-linked content. The minister also pointed to international precedents, mentioning Brazil’s Supreme Court blocking X for similar non-compliance, which led to significant fines and mandated content removals.
Investigations continue around the use of the X platform by prominent political figures, notably PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. The government is probing allegedly inflammatory posts made from Khan’s official X account during imprisonment. Malik indicated that any further restrictions or bans will depend on the evidence gathered in these ongoing probes.
This intensified regulatory posture occurs against a backdrop of rising concerns about social media’s role in national security and political stability. Pakistan’s authorities have repeatedly accused platforms of facilitating misinformation campaigns and terrorism-related communication, prompting calls for stricter local control mechanisms.
The pressure on social media platforms to comply with Pakistan’s demands for transparency and accountability echoes a broader global trend. Countries such as India, Brazil, and several in Europe have enacted or are considering legislation mandating local data centers, legal representation, and faster content takedown capabilities. According to CNBCTV18, platforms that ignore these requirements risk potential bans, large fines, and loss of user base in these strategic markets.
From an analytical perspective, Pakistan’s move to possibly ban uncooperative platforms stems from multiple drivers: the desire to curtail content facilitating extremism, the tactical control of politically sensitive narratives, and bolstering digital sovereignty by localizing data governance. By requiring local offices, Pakistan aims to expedite compliance and enforcement, reducing the jurisdictional challenges posed by foreign tech giants headquartered in the U.S. and Europe.
This regulatory environment poses material operational risks for global social media companies, which must weigh the cost of compliance against potential market exclusion. Pakistan’s population of over 240 million represents a substantial user base, with approximately 80 million active internet users. Exclusion from such a market could impact advertising revenues and user engagement metrics significantly.
Moreover, localized regulations may set precedents impacting Pakistan’s foreign investment climate, particularly in the technology sector. Stricter censorship could deter startups and investors sensitive to digital freedoms and compliance costs. However, it also opens opportunities for regional competitors or localized platforms to fill any void created by banned global players.
Looking ahead, the Pakistan government’s approach signals greater assertiveness in regulating digital spaces under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which often espouses national sovereignty and heightened security measures. The global trend toward platform accountability is likely to accelerate, with emerging markets demanding tailored governance reflecting their socio-political contexts.
Industry observers should monitor Pakistan’s enforcement timeline and any formal bans, as well as responses from major social media companies. Adaptations involving data localization, enhanced content moderation, and government liaison offices will become central to maintaining market access. Meanwhile, implications for freedom of expression versus national security will remain a contentious balancing act in Pakistan’s socio-political landscape.
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