In a sweeping effort to address online content deemed offensive or harmful, Pakistan has reportedly blocked millions of social media posts, pages, and URLs upon the directive of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), as reported by HUM News.
Official figures indicate that an average of 829 posts are flagged for removal each day, with a total of approximately 850,000 posts removed across major social media platforms over the last three years.
The PTA has taken these actions in response to rising concerns over content that allegedly violates national values or security. Specifically, over 300,000 URLs have been blocked for carrying inappropriate content, while 9,000 URLs were flagged for contempt toward the judiciary and judges, and more than 100,000 for content targeting defense institutions.
Read More: Ministry of Religious Affairs asks PTA to block ‘pornographic’ content
Furthermore, around 100,000 pages with anti-Islamic messaging or sectarian and hate speech have been taken down in compliance with PTA requests.
Targeted takedowns on leading platforms
On a platform-by-platform basis, the data shows that YouTube had 53,000 posts blocked, while TikTok and Facebook each saw 150,000 removals. Further, approximately 50,000 posts were removed from X (formerly Twitter), and 24,000 from Instagram.
The PTA collaborates closely with social media companies, responding to reports from agencies such as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to implement these content restrictions.
The PTA’s crackdown extends beyond social media posts; the authority recently blocked over 200 unauthorised VPNs and more than 27,000 mobile SIMs suspected of facilitating illicit activities online. This extensive content control underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to manage its digital landscape in line with national security and cultural preservation goals.
