X ban ‘legit’ for national security, govt tells SHC

The federal government claimed that the suspension of social networking platform X’s services did not violate Article 19 of the Constitution since all relevant legal requirements had been met in its submission to the Sindh High Court (SHC).
The Interior Ministry’s statement to the SHC on Monday stated, “While Article 19 enshrines fundamental right [of freedom of speech and expression], it is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law and in the interest of public order, morality, sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.”
The government’s move coincides with a number of petitions against the country’s ongoing ban on the social networking platform and sporadic suspension of internet service being submitted at the Supreme Court.