Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate restoration of popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia that was banned by telecom regulator last week for not “blocking/removing sacrilegious content”. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority banned Wikipedia for not “blocking/removing sacrilegious content” within 48-hour deadline given in move that was widely condemned. Prior to ban, PTA had degraded Wikipedia services countrywide for not complying with its directives.

A handout issued by Prime Minister’s Office said that matter was placed before premier. Statement said that PM then constituted committee comprising law, economic affairs and information ministers for “Preliminary examination of matter”.

“Blocking the site in its entirety was not suitable measure to restrict access to some objectionable content,” PMO statement said. “Unintended consequences of this blanket ban, therefore, outweigh its benefits.”

Based on body’s recommendations, PM Shehbaz ordered immediate restoration of website and also constituted separate cabinet committee headed by IT Minister Aminul Haque and comprising law, information, commerce and communication ministers. PMO handout defined Cabinet committee’s terms of reference, saying that it would “Review suitability” of PTA’s move to block Wikipedia.

Statement said committee would also give other recommendations with objective of controlling unlawful online content in “Balanced manner”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 07 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.