ISLAMABAD:
In a broad crackdown on the digital presence of proscribed organizations, Pakistan has blocked hundreds of social media accounts and reported over 850 others to global platforms for action, as part of an intensified effort to combat online extremism.
The government said the move is part of a “decisive effort to curb online terrorism,” targeting digital operations run by banned groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF)—organizations outlawed by the United Nations, United States, and United Kingdom.
According to official data, the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have flagged more than 850 accounts linked to these groups. Of these, 533 accounts—collectively followed by over 2 million users—have already been blocked, while enforcement action is pending against the remaining profiles.
The reported accounts were found across major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp. The PTA has formally requested these platforms to share data relevant to the investigation and has conducted meetings with their representatives to expedite the process.
Cooperation from the platforms has varied. Facebook and TikTok complied with over 90 percent of the requests, while Telegram—despite being banned in Pakistan—cooperated fully. In contrast, X and WhatsApp responded to only around 30 percent of the government’s requests.
Officials note that while Pakistan’s electronic and print media remain free of terrorist propaganda, social media continues to serve as a tool for extremist groups to “spread fear, incite violence and recruit followers.”
To address this, the government has made a three-point demand to international platforms:
Permanently block all accounts linked to terrorists.
Immediately delete related content using advanced AI tools.
Ensure fast, direct communication with Pakistani authorities.
The crackdown reflects a growing urgency within Pakistan to combat online radicalization and prevent digital spaces from being exploited by extremist networks.
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