Pak PM Congratulates Trump on X Despite Nationwide Ban, Faces Backlash for VPN Use

GG News Bureau
Islamabad, 9th Nov. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sparked controversy after he congratulated Donald Trump on his “historic victory” via X (formerly Twitter) despite the platform being banned in Pakistan.

Sharif’s message, expressing eagerness to “strengthen and broaden the Pakistan-US partnership,” was flagged with a Community Note, which noted that the Prime Minister had accessed X using a VPN—an action prohibited under Pakistan’s legal framework.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan. He is using a VPN to access X, which is unlawful according to Pakistani law,” the note read. The government had blocked access to X in April, citing national security risks, while users had been reporting restricted access since February.

Despite the ban, government officials, including those from Sharif’s party, continue to access X, drawing criticism over perceived double standards. Pakistan’s initial restriction cited non-compliance by the platform with local regulations, as well as concerns over “hostile elements” allegedly destabilizing Pakistan through social media. However, critics argue that the ban is politically motivated, especially in the wake of the 2023 elections that saw the ousting of Sharif’s rival, Imran Khan.

The platform has been a critical medium for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which uses it to communicate with millions of followers. With Khan now in jail, his supporters claim the government’s stance on social media is an attempt to stifle dissent, especially as X remains a powerful platform for opposition voices.