Over the past ten years, social media has drastically changed Pakistan’s social, political and cultural scene. With over 70 million active users, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube have become key spaces for political discussions, social activism and communication. In a country where traditional media faces political pressure and censorship, social media gives people a platform to express their opinions, challenge authority and discuss issues that affect their daily lives. Research indicates that 53.7% of Twitter users in Pakistan log in more than four times daily with 32.9% spending over four hours on the platform each day. With millions of active users, Twitter serves as a digital battleground where political parties, activists, journalists, and the general public engage in debates, mobilize support, and challenge narratives. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team explores the role of Twitter in political discussions in Pakistan.

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The Growth of Social Media in Pakistan

By 2024, Pakistan had around 124 million broadband users and over 187 million mobile subscribers, showing a huge increase in internet and mobile phone use. Many Pakistanis now depend on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for communication, news and discussions. With over 60% of the population being young, social media has become a powerful tool for raising awareness and holding the government accountable. The rise in social media use is also driven by affordable smartphones and low-cost mobile data, making it easier for millions to stay connected. Studies have shown that 57% of Pakistani youth believe Twitter brings political parties and politicians closer to voters, enhancing political awareness.

Twitter as a Platform for Political Dialogue in Pakistan

Here is the list of some Twitter as a platform for Political Dialogue in Pakistan, mentioned as:

Twitter’s Role in Pakistani Politics

Politicians in Pakistan actively use Twitter. Each politician has supporters and opponents who shape their political journey. A study by Khan et al. (2020) analyzed the Twitter support networks of three key politicians: Imran Khan, Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The study found that Imran Khan has the strongest support base and the highest presence on Twitter compared to MNS and BBZ. He is also the most well-known among them and uses Twitter in a controlled manner. In February 2024, access to Twitter was blocked in Pakistan around the time of the general elections, citing national security concerns. This action was perceived by many as an attempt to suppress dissent and control political discourse.

Amplification of Political Voices

Twitter is often the first source of breaking news including political developments, protests and policy announcements. This immediacy makes it a main tool for staying informed. During political crises or emergencies, Twitter serves as a real-time communication channel for updates and responses from both government and opposition figures. Pakistani politicians including Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto and others, actively use Twitter to communicate directly with the Pakistani public, bypassing traditional media. This allows them to control their messaging and reach a broader audience. Twitter provides a platform for activists, journalists and political analysts to share their views, critique policies and engage in debates, often influencing public opinion.

Public Engagement and Mobilization

Hashtags like #GoNawazGo, #Tabdeeli and others have been used to mobilize public opinion and organize protests. These movements often gain traction quickly, demonstrating the platform’s power in rallying support. Twitter is particularly popular among Pakistan’s youth, who use it to engage in political discussions, express dissent and advocate for change. Twitter can create echo chambers where users are exposed primarily to viewpoints that align with their own, reinforcing existing biases and contributing to political polarization. This platform is also a breeding ground for misinformation and fake news which can distort political discourse and influence public opinion negatively.

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Political Engagement and Social Media

Social media has changed the way people in Pakistan engage with politics. Traditional media like newspapers and TV channels, often face restrictions from the government, businesses or political groups. In contrast, social media allows more open and independent discussions on political issues. The 2018 general elections marked a turning point in how political parties used social media. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf made social media a key part of its campaign, connecting directly with voters through Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. With over 19 million followers, Imran Khan’s Twitter account has been a powerful tool for influencing public opinion and discussing national issues without relying on traditional media.

Other major parties like the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) also use social media to gain support and criticize opponents. Political hashtag trends such as #GoNawazGo during Nawaz Sharif’s government and #AbsolutelyNot during Imran Khan’s removal in 2022, show how social media influences public opinion. Beyond political parties, social media has given ordinary citizens a platform to hold the government accountable. Many people use Twitter to demand transparency, expose corruption and criticize policies. For example, in 2021, activist Alamgir Khan’s #FixIt campaign highlighted Karachi’s poor infrastructure and sanitation issues. His movement, supported by viral videos on Twitter, pressured authorities to take action, proving the power of social media activism.

Accountability and Transparency

Ordinary citizens use Twitter to report on political events, share videos and hold leaders accountable. This form of citizen journalism can sometimes bring issues to light that might otherwise be ignored by mainstream media. Twitter allows for real-time scrutiny of government actions and policies, enabling a more informed and engaged citizenry. Pakistani political issues often gain international attention through Twitter with global leaders, organizations and media outlets engaging with and amplifying local narratives. The Pakistani diaspora uses Twitter to stay connected with political developments back home and to influence opinions both domestically and internationally.

Regulatory and Political Challenges of Twitter in Pakistan

Pakistani government has occasionally attempted to regulate or censor Twitter, citing concerns over misinformation and national security. This has sparked debates about freedom of speech and digital rights. Twitter’s own policies and algorithms also play a role in shaping the visibility and reach of political content, sometimes leading to controversies over bias and fairness. Here is the list of Challenges and Legal Framework Governing Twitter’s Political Role in Pakistan, mentioned as:

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