Pakistan Urges Social Media Platforms to Combat Militant Content

On December 11, 2025, Pakistan's Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry urged major social media platforms, including X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, to take decisive action against accounts linked to militant groups. During a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry warned that failure to comply could result in stricter government measures or legal action. He highlighted the presence of numerous accounts operating from Afghanistan and India that disseminate extremist content, which he claims supports outlawed militant organizations such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is currently acting as "a wall between terrorists and the world," emphasizing the potential threat these groups pose beyond its borders.

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Pakistan has experienced a resurgence of violence attributed to the TTP and BLA, particularly since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Many TTP leaders have found refuge in Afghanistan, leading to accusations from Pakistan that both Afghanistan and India are providing support to these militant factions. Chaudhry reported that Pakistani investigators have identified at least 19 accounts linked to militants operating from India and 28 from Afghanistan, some allegedly connected to the Afghan Taliban government.

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Chaudhry criticized X for its limited cooperation compared to other platforms like Telegram, which he noted has responded positively to Pakistan's concerns. He called for social media companies to establish local offices in Pakistan to enhance coordination and compliance with national laws. Barrister Aqeel Malik, the Minister of State for Law, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that if platforms do not cooperate, Pakistan may consider adopting measures similar to those taken by Brazil, which has imposed fines for non-compliance.

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Malik pointed out perceived double standards in content moderation, noting that while posts related to Palestine are swiftly removed, requests from Pakistan regarding terrorism-related content are often neglected. He emphasized the need for social media platforms to apply consistent standards in moderating content that threatens national security.

Pakistan signals tougher action toward non-compliant social media platforms

The Pakistani government has not yet taken legal action against X but has indicated that it may consider such measures if cooperation does not improve. Malik suggested that the government could pursue international legal avenues if necessary. The potential for a ban on non-compliant platforms remains a serious consideration, as Pakistan seeks to curb the spread of extremist propaganda online.

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• “Kabul is not only sheltering militants but, in some cases, elements of the Afghan government are providing patronage to individuals spreading hate material and terror content against Pakistan.” — Talal Chaudhry, Deputy Interior Minister

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• “He said, if these platforms can auto-delete child pornography, why they cannot use the same technology to auto-delete terrorist content.” — Talal Chaudhry, Deputy Interior Minister

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• “We have asked them to open offices here in Pakistan, but there has been no response.” — Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law

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As Pakistan intensifies its efforts to combat online extremism, the government is pressing social media platforms to take responsibility for the content shared on their networks. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the operational landscape of social media in Pakistan and the broader fight against terrorism.

Pakistan signals tougher action toward non-compliant social media platforms