PTA seeks closure of Imran Khan’s X account for years, court questions inaction

WEB DESK: Over the past three and a half years, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has repeatedly requested the social media platform X to block the account operated in the name of PTI founder Imran Khan, but the efforts have largely gone unheeded.

According to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), PTA first contacted X on August 21, 2022, seeking account closure. The platform did not respond. Another request was sent via email on April 18, 2024, citing court orders and Khan’s convictions in the Toshakhana, cypher, and unlawful marriage cases, but again there was no reply.

Limited Compliance on Tweets

In its latest attempt on November 27, 2025, PTA requested X to remove 47 specific tweets from Khan’s account. Out of these, only one tweet was blocked. The report highlighted challenges with regulating over-the-top (OTT) platforms and social media services operating outside Pakistan, noting that these companies are not bound by the country where users access their content. While regulators can request complaints to be addressed through official channels, selective blocking is often impossible due to the use of secure networks, though total access can be revoked “on a best-effort basis.”

Court Questions Access and Oversight

The IHC examined the matter on Wednesday, raising concerns about restrictions on Khan’s counsel and family in meeting him during his incarceration. The court criticized the PTA’s response as “unsatisfactory.” Adiala jail authorities previously confirmed that the former premier had no access to mobile phones or prohibited devices and that the X account was not being operated from within the jail. The petition challenging the alleged “inflammatory posts” remains under consideration, highlighting the ongoing tension between social media regulation and legal oversight.