Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has raised its concern over suspension of Twitter handles of Pakistani users for allegedly posting views in support of Kashmiri people and against atrocities of occupation forces in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir with Twitter administration. The Authority through a letter has accused Twitter administration of being under the influence of Indian lobbies and blocking accounts of Pakistani users, which is not only against the fundamental rights of users but is also a violation of Twitter's own community guidelines.
The PTA has written a letter to the Twitter administration, stating that prima facie, this action is in violation of the policy and community standards of Twitter, and an attempt to stifle the freedom of expression. According to the PTA's letter, "Pakistan is one of the countries which firmly believe in freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The government of Pakistan also firmly believes not to deprive the public of the benefits attributed to internet, particularly social media.
"The PTA being the sole entity responsible to regulate internet content, has been reporting unlawful content on your platform through the designated email address for its removal/blocking under the section 37 of Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016. So far, the PTA has received numerous complaints (178) of Twitter users about the blocking of their accounts apparently for advocating Kashmiri rights and condemning Indian forces' atrocities in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
"It appears that Twitter administration under influence of Indian lobbies is depriving Pakistani users which is not only against the fundamental rights of the users but is also in violation of Twitter's own community guidelines. Prima facia, biased treatment is being extended to users from Pakistan. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue, the Twitter administration has been asked to expedite restoration of handles as per list with immediate effect."