Rights activists say Pakistan retains tight control over social media platforms in the country, but the state telecoms regulator has described as "entirely false" claims shared online that they ordered administrators of WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook groups to remove foreign members. The supposed order circulating on social media bears no resemblance to the agency's genuine statements.
"The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a letter. WhatsApp group admins should immediately remove foreign members," reads an Urdu-language X post shared on December 1, 2025.
The purported letter, which carries the PTA's logo, is attached to the post. It asks Pakistani administrators of WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook groups to review if they have any foreign members.
It says: "All admins are directed that they should check for the presence of foreigners in their groups. If they find any, they should remove them immediately. Compliance is essential to protect private data and keep information secure."
Violators could be slapped with fines or jail terms, it adds.
Pakistan criminalised online disinformation In January, passing legislation dictating punishments of up to three years in jail and prompting journalist protests accusing the government of quashing dissent (archived link).
The law required social media platforms to register with a newly established regulatory body, with non-compliance potentially leading to temporary or permanent bans.
But no...
Rights activists say Pakistan retains tight control over social media platforms in the country, but the state telecoms regulator has described as "entirely false" claims shared online that they or...