PTA raises concern with Twitter administration over banning of accounts on Kashmir issue

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reached out to Twitter regarding the suspension of accounts which had been raising voices in favour of Kashmiris on the social media platform. Recently, Twitter came under serious criticism for being biased on this issue as it started suspending Pakistani accounts and ultimately, #StopSuspendingPakistanis was the top trend on Twitter in Pakistan.

With PTA formally taking up the issue, the pressure is now on the social media giant to restore the accounts as early as possible. Twitter has long been known for its freedom of speech but the banning of these social media accounts is directly against their terms of service. The regulator has put that into account while formally taking up the issue with the Twitter Team.

Given below is the Press Release:

With reference to recent reports of suspension of number of Twitter handles of Pakistani users for allegedly posting views in support of Kashmiri people and against atrocities by Indian forces in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has raised its concerns with Twitter administration. Prima facie, this action is in violation of the policy and community standards of Twitter, and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression. Any Pakistani social media user suspended by Twitter on this pretext may contact PTA at: content-complaint@pta.gov.pk

It’s a good initiative on PTA’s part since many people were involved in denouncing the atrocities being committed at Kashmir and with the issue being raised at the UN level, the situation is pretty fragile as it is.

Read more: Pakistanis react on Twitter over the suspension of social media accounts posting in support of Kashmir

If your Twitter account has been suspended, you can register a complaint on the email listed above and PTA will formally take it up with Twitter.