PM Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates Trump on X, Receives Community Note
New Delhi: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating Trump’s “historic victory” in his bid for a second term as U.S. President. However, the message quickly drew attention, as it was posted on a platform that Sharif’s own administration has banned in Pakistan due to national security concerns.
Sharif’s post, in which he expressed his hope to “strengthen and broaden the Pakistan – US partnership,” was promptly flagged with a Community Note. The note highlighted that the Prime Minister was using a VPN to access X, a method that breaches Pakistani law. It read, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan. He is using a VPN to access X, which is unlawful according to Pakistani law.”
In April, Pakistan’s interior ministry announced that access to X had been blocked over national security issues, with widespread connectivity issues reported since mid-February. Despite this ban, government officials, including Sharif, appear to be circumventing the restriction by using VPNs. Many politicians, including members of Sharif’s own party, have continued using the platform, ignoring legal restrictions.
The ban on X has been controversial, as the government initially cited the platform’s non-compliance with local regulations under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules of 2021. Officials also claimed that “hostile elements” were using social media to destabilize the country. Critics, however, view the restriction as politically motivated, especially following accusations of election manipulation.
Political opposition leader Imran Khan, who has millions of followers on X, has been vocal on social media, alleging that his removal in 2022 was backed by the military and that recent elections were skewed against his party. Observers believe the restriction on X aims to stifle dissent, as the platform has become a primary channel for political expression.
The Ministry of Interior’s decision to restrict access has also raised legal concerns, with critics arguing that only the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has the authority to regulate online content under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016. Many believe the ban is an attempt to coerce X into complying with local censorship demands, following the government’s actions with platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Image Caption: Screenshot of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s congratulatory post to Trump, marked with a Community Note on X.
