SHOCKING Cyberattack CRIPPLES X in Pakistan: Govt Keeps Platform Banned!

Explosive Cyberattack Triggers Global X Outage; Pakistan’s Ban Enters Second Year

In a dramatic twist, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) faced a massive cyberattack on March 10, 2025, triggering outages across Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Elon Musk, X’s CEO, called it a “coordinated assault” potentially involving state-backed actors, while Pakistan’s government—which has kept the platform banned since February 2024—remained silent on restoring access despite mounting pressure.

Global Outage Chaos: 40,000+ Reports Flood Downdetector

At 3:02 PM local time, Downdetector recorded 65 outage reports from Pakistani users struggling to access X. By 9:32 PM, this surged to 109 reports, with Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi hit hardest. Globally, the disruption peaked at 40,000+ complaints in the U.S. and 10,800+ in the UK, paralyzing communication for millions. Musk later confirmed the platform was battling a “large-scale cyberattack,” emphasizing the assault required “significant resources” and hinted at possible nation-state involvement.

Anonymous sources in internet infrastructure revealed waves of denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks began around 9:45 UTC, flooding X’s servers with malicious traffic. While DDoS attacks aren’t sophisticated, they can cripple platforms by overwhelming systems—a tactic often used to silence dissent or disrupt communication during crises.

Pakistan’s X Ban: A Year of Contradictions and Censorship

Despite the global outage, X remains officially banned in Pakistan since February 2024, when the caretaker government blocked it following explosive allegations of election rigging by former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha. Over 4.5 million Pakistani users lost access, though government agencies like the Prime Minister’s Office continue posting updates on the platform—a hypocrisy critics call “digital dictatorship.”

A PML-N leader, speaking anonymously, admitted the ban aims to curb the opposition PTI’s “keyboard warriors,” who dominate online discourse. Information Minister Atta Tarar refused to provide a timeline for restoring X, even as civil society groups decry the ban as a violation of Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees free speech.

Musk’s Cyberattack Claims: A Cover-Up or Reality?

Musk’s assertion of a cyberattack sparked skepticism. While NetBlocks confirmed the outage wasn’t linked to country-level internet shutdowns, experts question why X’s infrastructure couldn’t withstand the assault.

“Either a large, coordinated group and/or a country is involved,” Musk posted, promising an investigation.

Cybersecurity analysts speculate rivals or governments targeting X’s role in real-time news dissemination could be behind the attack.

Behind the Ban: Election Fallout and “National Security”

Pakistan’s ban on X began as a temporary measure during 2024’s election chaos but hardened into a permanent crackdown. The Interior Ministry cited “national security” and X’s failure to comply with FIA requests to block accounts defaming ex-Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and military leaders.

However, digital rights activists argue the ban stifles accountability:

“When officials themselves use X daily, the ‘national security’ excuse rings hollow,” said Farieha Aziz of Bolo Bhi.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Why is X still banned in Pakistan?

The government claims “national security” and election integrity, though critics allege it’s to silence PTI supporters.

2. What is a DDoS attack?

A denial-of-service attack floods servers with fake traffic, crashing sites. It’s a common tool for hacktivists and states.

3. How many users are affected by the ban?

Around 4.5 million Pakistanis, per pre-ban data. Globally, over 50,000 reported outages on March 10.

4. Is X legally challenged in Pakistan?

Yes! Multiple petitions in Sindh and Islamabad High Courts argue the ban violates constitutional rights.

5. Does the government use X despite the ban?

Ironically, yes. Ministries and PMO continue official posts on X, undermining their own restrictions.

Digital Rights Under Fire: The Fight to #RestoreX

Advocates warn Pakistan’s ban sets a dangerous precedent.

“Shutting down platforms isn’t just about censorship—it’s economic sabotage,” said journalist Asad Hashim.

Noting freelancers and businesses rely on X for income, experts believe Pakistan’s targeting of X reveals fears of its unparalleled reach in political mobilization.

Will X Return to Pakistan?

No signs point to restoration. As the U.S. and UK recover from outages, Pakistan’s users remain locked out, relying on VPNs—a risky, expensive workaround. For now, the government’s stance remains: control over chaos, even if it means flouting the Constitution.

Musk’s cyberattack saga may fade, but the battle for Pakistan’s digital soul rages on.