ISLAMABAD: Twitter late Sunday suspended the account belonging to the head of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, Khadim Rizvi, following tweets that incited violence and hate speech.
Pakistan has been roiled by protests after the controversial acquittal of a Christian woman on blasphemy charges, with TLP supporters bringing major cities to a standstill and demanding people be held accountable for the Supreme Court’s decision.
Rizvi used his verified Twitter account to threaten the lives of the judges involved in the order as well as incite violence against those he said were complicit in the ruling, such as the head of Pakistan’s powerful military General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
His calls for violence led to his account being reported but one Pakistan-based NGO said his tweets did not break the rules.
“Tweets from Maulana Khadim Rizvi’s account so far have been merely political expression, challenging state authorities and narratives, which at times touch the boundaries of being offensive but not violating the international principles of free speech and community guidelines of Twitter platform,” said Shahzad Ahmed, founder of Bytes for All.
Last Saturday prominent author Ayesha Siddiqa asked the human rights minister to intervene.
“Madame Minister @ShireenMazari1 shouldn’t your ministry at least write to Facebook and twitter to block Khadim Rizvi and his accounts? How can any one threaten the state and its institutions.”
Mazari replied that government efforts were under way to have the account removed through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
“PTA was asked to do this by the relevant minister on Friday and I am shocked it hasnt happened as I was present when PTA bureaucracy was finally found available and tasked!” she said.
The information minister said Twitter had refused Islamabad’s request, Mazari later tweeted.
Lawyer and human rights activist Nighat Dad urged her 39,000 followers to submit examples of Rizvi’s calls for violence or hate speech.
“Humans of twitter please send us any tweets of Khadim Hussain Rizvi inciting violence and hate speech,” she said. “Shukria!! Take screenshots also send URLs of certain tweets. DMs are open.”
On Monday Rizvi’s page read: “Account Suspended. Twitter suspends accounts that violate Twitter rules.”
The suspension was welcomed by many, including Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith who tweeted: “Something good happened today. Well done Twitter,” with a screenshot of Rizvi’s suspended account notice.
Dad also celebrated the suspension. “Okay great humans of twitter seems Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s twitter handle is gone.”
But Twitter user Muhammad Tayyab protested the account’s temporary closure. “You cant stop us from our mission. We will defend the cause of Namoose Risalat and Khatme Nabuwat on every platform. #KhadimHussainRizvi,” read the tweet.
Another Twitter user, Labbaik Media, challenged the suspension. “What hate content was tweeted by Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s account? Tell me!”
Khadim Rizvi’s Twitter account suspended
Khadim Rizvi’s Twitter account suspended
- Twitter initially refused suspension demands
- Ministers were fighting to have his account blocked
Pakistan explores new food export routes, protections for farm supply amid Middle East conflict
- Senior ministers review alternative sea routes, new markets amid the war in Iran
- Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for its imports and exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reviewed the supply of perishable food items and fertilizer stocks on Monday, according to the state media, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies critical to the country’s trade and agriculture.
The meetings, chaired separately by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, came as tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran have raised concerns about the security of key maritime routes and energy markets that underpin Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for both fuel imports and exports of agricultural and food products, making disruptions in the region particularly sensitive for the country.
Dar chaired a meeting of the PM’s Committee to review the supply and export of perishable food items, examining steps to maintain domestic availability while ensuring timely exports of surplus produce.
“In the light of evolving regional trade dynamics and disruptions to some traditional routes, the committee explored alternative export pathways, sea routes, and potential new markets,” Radio Pakistan reported after the meeting.
Officials also discussed proposals from exporters and emphasized improving storage facilities, logistics and market access while assessing global demand and pricing trends to support export competitiveness.
In a separate meeting in Islamabad, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would ensure stable fertilizer availability despite regional uncertainties.
“Agricultural productivity and food security will remain protected despite external challenges,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee.
He stressed the need for close coordination among manufacturers, distributors and provincial authorities to maintain uninterrupted fertilizer supply across the country.
The committee also reviewed fertilizer pricing and distribution mechanisms to prevent artificial shortages and hoarding, officials said, adding that authorities would monitor prices closely to ensure farmers have access to affordable inputs.
