‘X’ Restoration in Pakistan Faces Deadlock, Immediate Return Unlikely

The immediate restoration of the social media platform ‘X’ in Pakistan remains improbable, as negotiations between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the platform’s overseas management have failed to yield a resolution.
According to inside sources, the PTA has resolved not to independently reinstate the service without explicit directives from the government or the courts.
PTA officials confirmed to Samaa TV that despite numerous exchanges of correspondence, ‘X’ has declined to register in Pakistan or adhere to local regulations. The regulatory body maintains that the platform’s operational policies clash with Pakistani legal frameworks, preventing a potential agreement.
The PTA further disclosed that the platform was blocked on February 17, 2024, following instructions from the Ministry of Interior, citing concerns over illicit online content. Despite repeated requests to remove or restrict such content, ‘X’ neither complied with these demands nor submitted a formal appeal for service resumption.
Furthermore, the PTA clarified that the Ministry of Interior has not issued any directives regarding the re-establishment of ‘X’, reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding the timeline, or even the possibility, of the platform’s return to accessibility within Pakistan.