Twitter suspends Khadim Rizvi's account

KARACHI: Twitter has blocked Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s account on a request by the federal government that approached the popular micro blogging website seeking suspension of his account over inciteful speeches during the recent protests.  

The TLP leader’s Twitter account is said to have been suspended over violation of its rules.

Earlier, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari has tweeted: “Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was asked to do this by the relevant minister on Friday and I am shocked it hasn’t happened as I was present when PTA bureaucracy was finally found available and tasked!”

Later, she clarified that Twitter had refused to comply with the government’s request to block the TLP chief’s Twitter account.

Just chkd with info Minister who was informed that Twitter refusing our request! https://t.co/LZhbf6OSj2

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 4, 2018

Khadim Hussain Rizvi had reportedly incited people against state institutions during the protests over acquittal of Aasia Bibi in a blasphemy case.

It is pertinent to mention here that police have booked Rizvi and other TLP leaders on charges of rioting and disrupting peace.

Around 5000 party supporters, including their leaders, have been booked in a number of cases for disrupting peace and blocking roads in various cities and towns of the country.

The protests erupted across the country after the Supreme Court acquitted Aasia Bibi of blasphemy charges on Oct 31. The protests ended after the government reached an agreement with demonstrators on Nov 2.