Less Than 2% of Pakistanis Use X (Formerly Twitter)
Pakistan’s IT Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, recently highlighted that restrictions on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have had minimal impact on the general population. With less than 2% of Pakistanis actively using the platform, the government views the decision as a minor disruption.
Reason for Restrictions
The platform faced temporary shutdowns due to concerns over national security and the dissemination of sensitive information. The Ministry of Interior initiated these actions to prevent misuse during critical periods.
Public and Media Reaction
While the general public has largely remained unaffected, journalists and content creators reliant on X for real-time updates and audience engagement have voiced concerns. Many have migrated to alternative platforms like Threads and Mastodon to maintain their digital presence.
The Bigger Picture
The government’s decision underscores the need to balance national security with the freedom of information. It also highlights the limited penetration of certain global platforms in Pakistan’s digital landscape, paving the way for localized alternatives to thrive.