At a press conference in Islamabad, Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry called on global social media platforms to swiftly address accounts linked to banned militant groups, accusing them of spreading violence, propaganda, and hate across Pakistan.
Militant Groups Exploiting Social Media
Chaudhry highlighted that outlawed organizations, such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), are actively using platforms like X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to promote terrorism. “These groups are leveraging social media to disrupt peace and incite violence in our country,” he stated, urging tech companies to block or remove such accounts immediately.
481 Accounts Linked to Extremism
Deputy Law Minister Aqeel Malik revealed that Pakistani authorities have identified 481 accounts tied to the TTP and BLA. “These accounts are not only promoting banned groups but also spreading hate speech and inciting violence against the state and its citizens,” Malik said. Both Pakistan and the United States designate the TTP and BLA as terrorist organizations, noting their online activities as efforts to radicalize youth and destabilize the region.
Rising Threat of Online Extremism
Pakistani officials warned that the internet has become a new frontier for extremist propaganda. While these groups are prohibited from operating offline, they continue to recruit and spread their ideologies online. “Militants are exploiting technology to evade our laws,” Chaudhry said. “We need robust regulations and prompt action from social media companies to silence these dangerous voices.”
Chaudhry emphasized that national security must not be compromised under the guise of free speech. “Freedom of expression should not be a shield for promoting terrorism,” he asserted.
Pakistan’s Demands
The government is pressing social media platforms to:
- Shut down accounts run by banned groups like the TTP and BLA.
- Remove content that glorifies violence or extremism.
- Collaborate with Pakistani authorities to track and report harmful users.
Authorities vowed to continue monitoring these activities and expect tech companies to play their part in curbing online radicalization.
Conclusion
With 481 accounts under scrutiny, Pakistan is intensifying its efforts to combat the exploitation of digital platforms by extremist groups. The government calls for immediate action from international tech companies to halt terrorist propaganda, safeguard national peace, and ensure a safer online environment.
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