IT was a year ago when, in the tumultuous aftermath of the 2024 elections, the state banned X. Today, it remains banned — for seemingly everyone except government officials, who continue to use the platform via VPNs. The ban represents not just a violation of constitutional rights, it is also an example of the phrase ‘rules for thee, not for me’ in action. The government’s justification has seen dramatic swings from ‘national security concerns’ to an admission by a ruling party member that the ban aims to control the PTI’s social media presence. This has exposed the political motivations behind what should be matters of public policy and free expression. Unfortunately, this is not our first foray into digital censorship. The YouTube ban of 2012-2016 is a painful reminder of how such restrictions hobble society’s advancement while failing to achieve stated objectives. That ban cost our creative industry millions in lost revenue, stifled digital literacy, and forced Pakistanis to seek technological workarounds — much as they do today with X.

The economic impact of the X ban extends far beyond its reportedly 4.5m local users. Small businesses have seen their digital reach curtailed. Journalists and academics find themselves cut off from global discourse. Tech startups, already struggling in a challenging economy, face another barrier to growth. Most concerning is the message this sends to the international community. As nations worldwide embrace digital transformation, Pakistan appears intent on retreating into digital isolation. This not only damages our reputation but also deters potential investors and partners who value digital freedom and transparency. The government’s suggestion that X might be restored after implementing new social media rules under Peca is cold comfort, given the already restrictive nature of our cyber laws. What Pakistan needs is not more digital restrictions, but an open digital ecosystem that serves all citizens, and not just those in power.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025