Pakistan to introduce local version of Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed that a comprehensive strategy should be prepared within three days to curb character assassinations through social media.

He has directed officials of Interior Ministry to evolve such a system in consultation with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.  

The Minister directed that the system should not curb freedom of expression but at the same time no one should misuse this right.

He directed that management of social media companies should be contacted to introduce local version of Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

He said it should also be ensured that spread of controversial material regarding some one's character should be effectively prevented.

The minister expressed his annoyance over refusal to provide required information from Facebook administration. The United States government was also contacted in that regard.

“It seems that social media is working under Freedom to Lie rather than freedom of expression,” he said.

Chaudhry Nisar said it was regrettable that Facebook Administration and American officials were not realizing sensitivity of the matter.

He said neither a foreign company under its policies and freedom of expression would be allowed to make any high profile personality controversial, nor any one had the right to use social media for character assassination.