Over the past few years, TikTok has taken the world by storm, with short-form videos dominating social media platforms and influencing youth culture in unprecedented ways. In Pakistan, however, this seemingly innocent digital playground has become a battleground of societal values, censorship, and surprising political involvement—especially from the military. What began as a platform for lip-syncs, dance challenges, and comedy skits has evolved into a hot-button issue in a country grappling with issues of morality, national identity, and authority. One of the most controversial aspects? Dance trends—particularly those that have been banned. And at the heart of the crackdown lies an unexpected enforcer: the Pakistani military.

The Rise of TikTok in Pakistan

TikTok quickly found a massive audience in Pakistan, especially among the youth. With affordable smartphones and expanding internet access, millions of young Pakistanis turned to TikTok not just for entertainment, but also as a way to express themselves in a society that often polices behavior, especially for women and marginalized communities.

Dance challenges became especially popular, offering creators a way to showcase talent, gain followers, and sometimes even land endorsements. But these videos didn’t sit well with more conservative factions of society. Traditional norms around modesty, gender roles, and public behavior soon clashed with the platform’s viral nature.

The Wave of Bans and Restrictions

As dance videos continued to trend—often featuring young women dancing in public spaces or individuals performing to Western or Bollywood tracks—government bodies began taking notice. Between 2020 and 2023, TikTok was banned multiple times in Pakistan, usually with vague explanations such as “immoral content” or “indecency.”

However, behind these bans was more than just a concern for public morality. Many insiders and analysts pointed to deeper layers of control, involving not only religious or political forces but also institutions like the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and, more surprisingly, the military.

The Military's Role: Beyond the Barracks

While it may seem odd for a military force to be involved in moderating dance videos, the situation in Pakistan is anything but typical. The Pakistan Army has long maintained significant influence over civilian affairs, including media regulation, foreign policy, and national security. In recent years, this influence has extended into digital surveillance and social media governance.

According to local journalists and whistleblowers, certain units within the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)—the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces—have taken an interest in controlling online narratives, particularly those they consider damaging to the image of the country or its armed institutions. TikTok, with its massive reach and ability to create viral sensations overnight, became a point of concern.

Dance trends, especially those filmed near military sites, historical monuments, or by uniformed individuals (military personnel or impersonators), were flagged and quickly removed. In some cases, creators were questioned or warned about the content they posted. There were even rumors of shadowy "digital monitoring cells" working in tandem with PTA and military intelligence to track and report viral videos deemed inappropriate or politically sensitive.

Cultural Sensitivities and the Clash of Generations

To understand the full impact of the military’s involvement, one must consider Pakistan’s complex cultural landscape. The country sits at the crossroads of modernity and tradition, where urban youth are increasingly globalized, but conservative rural norms still wield substantial influence.

In this context, TikTok’s dance trends have come to symbolize a generational divide. For many young people, dance videos represent freedom, creativity, and visibility in a society that often suppresses self-expression. For older or more traditional viewers, these videos represent a breakdown in societal values—and some view the military as the final line of defense against that perceived moral decay.

The military’s heavy-handed approach to social media censorship, particularly of dance content, is not just about morality; it is also about control. In a digital age where viral videos can spark protests, question authority, or even damage international relations, controlling platforms like TikTok has become part of a broader strategy to regulate public opinion and maintain a status quo.

High-Profile Incidents and Backlash

Several high-profile cases have drawn media attention and criticism from human rights groups and digital rights activists. In one instance, a female TikToker was arrested after filming a dance video in front of a government building, only to be released without charges after public outcry. In another, a group of young men was detained for mimicking military drills in a comedic dance video.

While such actions are often justified under the pretext of national security or public order, critics argue they reflect a growing trend of surveillance and authoritarianism. Civil society organizations like Bytes for All and the Digital Rights Foundation have called for transparency and legal reform, citing the military’s unofficial role in digital censorship as a major concern for democratic freedoms.

TikTok’s Response

TikTok, for its part, has tried to walk a delicate line. The platform has frequently complied with content takedown requests from Pakistani authorities, including those likely influenced by military input. In some cases, it has even employed local content moderation teams familiar with Pakistani cultural norms.

At the same time, TikTok has emphasized its commitment to creative expression and user safety. The company has introduced more robust moderation tools and educational campaigns aimed at encouraging “responsible” content creation. However, these efforts have not always been enough to stave off bans or satisfy the military’s standards for content control.

The Future of Digital Expression in Pakistan

As TikTok continues to grow and evolve, so too will the dynamics of control and resistance. For now, dance trends may continue to be suppressed, especially those that challenge societal norms or brush up against politically sensitive topics. But the underlying tension between youth expression and institutional control is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads: embrace the digital age with all its messiness and freedom, or clamp down in an effort to preserve traditional power structures. The military’s involvement in banning dance videos is just one chapter in a larger story about how countries with authoritarian leanings adapt—or fail to adapt—to the unstoppable momentum of globalized, user-generated content.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only. The views and interpretations presented do not represent any official stance and are based on publicly available information and media reports. Readers are advised to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.