PTA once again blocks video-sharing app TikTok on eid

ISLAMABAD (92 News) -The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) once again blocked popular video-sharing application TikTok across the country.

According to a statement on its official Twitter handle, in the light of relevant provisions of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, PTA has blocked access to TikTok App and website in the country.

Explaining the reason behind the decision, it said: “The action has been taken due to continuous presence of inappropriate content on the platform and its failure to take such content down.”

The latest suspension, which coincides with Eidul Azha celebrations, came nearly three weeks after the Sindh High Court (SHC) recalled its June 28 order placing a ban on TikTok.

Earlier on June 28, the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday banned popular social media platform TikTok across the country over immoral content.

The SHC heard a petition seeking a ban on TikTok. The court ordered a nationwide ban on the social media app. The ban will be applicable till at least July 8, which is the next date of hearing.

Petitioner's counsel Barrister Muhammad Asad adopted the stance that immoral and un-Islamic material was being placed on TikTok, complained to PTA but no action was taken on it.

The Sindh High Court issued notice to the attorney general of Pakistan (AGP). The court sought reply from the parties by July 8.

Earlier on April 1, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) directed to lift the ban on popular video-sharing social networking service TikTok, directing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure non-access to unethical and objectionable material keeping in view the provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

Earlier, on March 11, 2021, a ban had been placed on TikTok. As per the orders of the PHC, the PTA had issued instructions to the internet service providers to lift the ban on the TikTok app.