TikTok is back in Pakistan and Twitter is throwing a celebration
Posting their videos on social media app TikTok has shot many people to fame and given them the ability to showcase their talents to millions of people across the globe. But when the app was banned in Pakistan, many were left adrift. That ban has now been lifted and the internet is celebrating.
The ban came after complaints against the "immoral/indecent" content TikTok was allegedly promoting, according to the PTA. In the meantime, another video-sharing app, SnackVideo, was launched as an alternative but it failed to reach TikTok's heights.
According to Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, this is a fresh opportunity for self-reflection on the banning culture that has an impact on Pakistan's economic situation.
"The Peshawar High Court has suspended the operation of single bench judgement ban on TikTok has been lifted," he posted on Twitter. "My submission is let's be very careful while taking decisions that may affect the economic future of Pakistan. We need a framework to encourage international companies so to make Pakistan their investment hub."
Twitter is over the moon about the decision to unban TikTok.
Some bid the new app goodbye.
While others were straight-up annoyed
Some reality checks were given
And some fingers crossed
TikTok's popularity in Pakistan can be judged by the fact that Jannat Mirza became the first Pakistani TikTok star to gain a whopping 10 million followers on the application. Famous for her Bollywood lip-syncs and slow-motion transformations, she captivated the audience with her parodies, making professionals from the industry reach out to her with modelling and acting contracts.
Lots of Pakistanis use TikTok and it's not all "immoral" content, as many people assume. The app gives creative minds a space to showcase their work and make people laugh. Here's hoping more people can be back to enjoying harmless fun.