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The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, found himself in a comical predicament after his congratulatory message to US President-elect Donald Trump on X, a platform banned in his own country, highlighted his use of a VPN to access it. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on the internet, with users quick to point out the hypocrisy of Sharif's actions, adding fuel to the already heated online debate surrounding the ban on X in Pakistan.
Sharif's tweet, posted on November 6th, expressed his congratulations to Trump on his victory, stating his commitment to strengthening the Pakistan-US partnership. However, a community note attached to the tweet revealed the truth behind the access: Sharif had utilized a VPN to bypass the ban on X in Pakistan. This revelation sparked a wave of mockery and criticism directed towards Sharif, with users highlighting the incongruity of banning a platform while simultaneously using it for political purposes.
The ban on X in Pakistan, enforced earlier this year, was justified by the government on national security grounds, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claiming that militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were utilizing the platform to spread “anti-national activities”. The government's decision to ban the platform, however, has faced backlash from both citizens and international observers. Critics argue that the ban serves to stifle freedom of expression and limit access to information, while proponents argue that it is a necessary step to protect national security.
Sharif's use of a VPN to access X, while the platform is officially banned in Pakistan, has amplified criticism of the ban itself. The public perception of the ban, already shaky due to concerns about freedom of expression, has been further eroded by Sharif's own actions. Users on X have pointed out the absurdity of the situation, with some labeling Sharif as a “puppet” and others highlighting the hypocrisy of his actions. This incident, while seemingly small, has the potential to further erode trust in the government and ignite a larger debate about freedom of expression and the role of social media in Pakistani society.
Source: Shehbaz Sharif Uses VPN To Congratulate Trump Due To X Ban In Pakistan, Users Mock Irony