ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have launched a major crackdown on social media accounts linked to banned terrorist groups. They reported more than 850 accounts and blocked hundreds. The goal is to curb online extremism and dismantle militant digital networks.
The government targeted accounts of proscribed outfits on major global platforms. Officials said this step is vital to stop online terrorism. They also urged the international community to act against extremist propaganda worldwide.
The National Cyber Crime Investigative Agency and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) identified over 850 accounts tied to groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). The United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom have already declared these groups as terrorist organizations.
Out of the reported accounts, 533 are already blocked. These accounts had more than two million followers combined. Action is underway on the remaining accounts.
Authorities reported terrorist-linked accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp. They sent data requests to the companies running these platforms. In some cases, they met directly with platform representatives to speed up action.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja held an online meeting with Telegram officials. She secured unusual cooperation from the platform despite its ban in Pakistan.
On July 24, 2025, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and Barrister Aqeel briefed the media. They urged global and local outlets to use AI systems to automatically block extremist content.
Government data shows Facebook and TikTok complied with over 90 percent of the requests. Telegram also cooperated strongly. X (Twitter) and WhatsApp showed weak compliance, acting on only 30 percent of requests.
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Officials said Pakistan’s print and electronic media are free of terrorist propaganda. But extremist groups still use social media to promote violence, recruit members, and spread fear.
