Summary:
- Event: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. presidential victory via a post on X (formerly Twitter), despite the platform being banned in Pakistan.
- Community Note: A community note flagged that Sharif used a VPN to access X, violating his own government’s law. This sparked a wave of online mockery, with users pointing out the irony of the situation.
- Background: Pakistan imposed a ban on X in April, citing national security concerns related to anti-national activity. The ban had sparked political debate, with accusations that it aimed to suppress opposition voices.
Key Reactions:
- Social Media Backlash: Users ridiculed Sharif, calling his use of a VPN hypocritical. Some highlighted the irony by tagging Elon Musk and noting Pakistan’s censorship.
- Political Criticism: Opposition voices claimed the restriction on X aimed to curb dissent, with former PM Imran Khan’s supporters vocalizing their discontent, especially as Khan has a large following on the platform.
Pakistan’s Censorship Efforts: The Pakistani government has a history of regulating social media platforms, citing national security but often facing criticism for silencing opposition. Similar bans were previously imposed on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, requiring compliance with local content regulations.
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