Saima Syed (DG, Strategic Communication Division, Foreign Office): This is a concerning development in which India blocked the twitter handles of Radio Pakistan as well as of Pakistan’s foreign missions abroad. Overall, India has withheld eighty social media accounts, of which four are twitter handles of Pakistan’s embassies in Iran, Turkiye, Egypt and the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. Being an international company, Twitter has its own code of conduct and values and freedom of expression and access to information is critical for public’s right to know the truth. This step is against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well. Through these oppressive measures India cannot hide truth to reach people. 

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): This step is typical of India’s hostile attitude towards Pakistan. India has been doing such tactics in the past. Blocking of twitter account as well as broadcast of Pakistani programs is a mean step of New Delhi. It is a violation of free access to information which every country is supposed to provide. This oppressive tactic of Modi led government is continuity of earlier steps against Pakistan.

Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi (IR Expert): Under Modi government, Hindutva policy has officially been promoted in the country and incidents of persecution of minorities, especially Muslims, have risen. India revoked independent status of Kashmir in 2019 and human rights violations in the held territory have increased since then. Recently, BJP leaders gave blasphemous remarks against holy personalities of Islam and this received worldwide condemnation. In the new step, India has blocked twitter accounts of Pakistan’s foreign missions abroad to hide information about its human rights violations against Muslims. However, the ugly face of India has been exposed before the world. India will no longer be able to continue its persecution of Muslims due to more awareness about it in the world.

Dr. Rasheed Ahmad Khan (IR Expert): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is very dedicated and serious in turning around economy of the country. Political stability and economic growth are essential for each other. After No Confidence Motion against the former Prime Minister, the PML-N led coalition government came into power to improve the economic situation of the country. Track record of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reflects that he is capable to take the country out of economic crises. Overall, people of the country have recognized that tough decisions are essential to support the weaker economy. It also shows that people have confidence and trust on Prime Minister. The current environment is more favorable to current government as IMF seems willing to restart its program and other friendly countries have also indicated to assist Pakistan.