TikTok Ban in Pakistan: What Happened and Why It Matters
TikTok has faced repeated regulatory pressure in Pakistan, but one of the most discussed actions happened on October 9, 2020, when Pakistan’s telecom regulator blocked the app over concerns tied to “immoral and indecent” content, citing complaints from different segments of society.
A key point many people miss: this was not the first time TikTok was questioned, and it also wasn’t the last. Over time, Pakistan has imposed restrictions and bans on the platform more than once, typically linked to content moderation concerns.
What Happened on October 9, 2020?
According to reporting at the time, the PTA announced the block after complaints about content and stated TikTok had not sufficiently complied with instructions for proactive moderation.
A few days later, Pakistan also indicated the regulator was open to engagement if TikTok introduced a “satisfactory mechanism” to address unlawful content concerns. Reuters
Important timeline detail: the October 2020 ban was lifted within about 10 days, after TikTok gave assurances around content moderation. Al Jazeera
Is TikTok Still Banned Today?
TikTok has not been permanently banned in Pakistan; instead, Pakistan has used temporary blocks / conditional restorations at different points. By 2025, TikTok was still operating in Pakistan while publishing large-scale local removal numbers for policy violations, which indicates active platform operation rather than a permanent nationwide ban. Dawn
Why Do These Bans Happen? The Legal & Regulatory Angle
Pakistan’s internet content regulation is often discussed in the context of PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016) and related rules that empower authorities to restrict or remove online content under certain conditions. Nasir Law Associates
This broad regulatory approach is also why people frequently debate whether such decisions protect society or overreach into censorship.
“Other Apps Were Also Blocked” The Pattern
Your point about other platforms facing restrictions is directionally consistent with Pakistan’s broader enforcement history. Pakistan has previously taken action against major platforms for content concerns, including temporary restrictions on services at different times. AP News
The “Blocked Websites” Claim: What Sources Say
You mentioned “800,000+ websites.” Public reporting and official discussions have cited very large numbers of blocked links/sites over the years (with significant portions related to adult content). Examples include figures reported in Pakistani media and regulator-related discussions ranging from ~831,000 blocked sites (2018-era reporting) to 1.07 million web links referenced in later proceedings.
So, your claim is in the same range as reported figures, but the exact number depends on the year and whether the metric is “sites,” “URLs,” or “web links.”
Should TikTok Be Banned? A Balanced View
This isn’t a yes/no question for everyone; it depends on what problem you’re trying to solve.
Why do some people support a ban
- Concern about content that clashes with cultural/religious norms
- Child safety concerns and harmful trends
- The belief that strong enforcement forces platforms to moderate better
Why do some people oppose a ban
- Bans can punish ordinary users and small creators more than bad actors
- Better enforcement could be targeted (reporting tools, age controls, moderation) instead of blanket blocks
- Concerns about free expression and excessive state control
A more practical middle-ground some people argue for: stronger moderation + clearer enforcement + digital literacy, instead of full shutdowns.
Do you agree with the perspective that TikTok should have been banned earlier, or do you think regulation should be improved without blocking the app? Share your opinion in the comments.
Acha kya keh tik tok band kya hukumat ne.