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Pakistan on Friday called on major global social media companies to block hundreds of accounts it claims are operated by banned militant organizations. Officials say these accounts are being used to spread extremist propaganda and glorify violent acts within the country.
Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — both banned in Pakistan and listed as terrorist organizations by the U.S. — are exploiting platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram to promote violent ideologies.
Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry urged tech firms to shut down not only the accounts run by these groups but also those operated by their supporters.
Deputy Law Minister Aqeel Malik, who also addressed the media, said Pakistani authorities had identified 481 social media accounts linked to the TTP and BLA. He stated that these accounts were being used to incite violence and spread hateful content.
So far, none of the platforms have publicly responded to Pakistan’s request.
Pakistan itself has previously restricted access to platforms like X, citing the need to curb online dissent — especially from backers of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other opposition voices.
The government’s appeal comes amid a recent spike in violence across the country, much of which is attributed to the TTP, BLA, and Islamic State group.
While the TTP is a separate entity from the Afghan Taliban, its operations have intensified since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Militant groups frequently use social media to claim responsibility for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.