Pakistanis can use X without VPN as ban appears quietly lifted

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has quietly lifted a months-long ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, allowing citizens to access the platform without VPNs or proxy services for the first time since February 2024.

The move comes as tensions with India intensify following cross-border military strikes this week. While Islamabad has not issued a formal statement, the decision appears to reflect a shift in the government’s approach to digital communication during times of crisis.

Access to X was restored late Tuesday night without any official announcement, surprising users who noticed the platform had suddenly become accessible again. By midday Wednesday, users across the country were able to post and view content freely.

The platform was blocked in the aftermath of Pakistan’s February general elections, which were marred by widespread allegations of vote rigging and sparked public protests. The government cited national security and public order concerns at the time, saying the restrictions were necessary to prevent the spread of unrest.

Over the past few months, the Lahore High Court has repeatedly questioned the legality and rationale of the ban. In April, it gave the federal government a final deadline to explain the process and criteria used to impose the restriction. The court noted that while specific content can be filtered or taken down, a complete shutdown of an entire platform is unjustified.

Despite those legal challenges, the ban had remained in place—until now.

The timing of the decision coincides with escalating hostilities between Pakistan and India. On Tuesday night, India reportedly launched missile strikes, which Pakistan condemned as a “cowardly act.” In response, Pakistan claimed it had shot down several Indian aircraft and captured soldiers.

The reactivation of X may serve multiple purposes: enabling the government to communicate directly with the public, allowing real-time updates during a national security crisis, and reducing the spread of misinformation through unofficial channels.

Interestingly, throughout the ban, high-profile Pakistani politicians, celebrities, and content creators—including the Prime Minister—continued to post on the platform regularly, often via VPNs. Their ongoing presence underscored the difficulty of enforcing such digital blackouts and the platform’s enduring influence.

While the government has not clarified the reasons behind the sudden policy reversal, lifting the ban suggests a more pragmatic approach to managing information flows during a time of heightened regional tensions.

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