Lahore High Court has intensified its scrutiny of the government’s ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), demanding a comprehensive report from the Interior Ministry and PTA. The court has also ordered officials to disclose which government institutions continue to use the platform despite its restriction. The move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle questioning the legality and enforcement of the social media ban.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, took up the petitions challenging the blockade and directed the PTA to clarify the legal status of X in Pakistan. The court summoned a senior PTA official to present all relevant records and provide a detailed explanation at the next hearing, scheduled for March 20. The decision to summon officials reflects growing judicial concerns about the transparency and consistency of the government’s digital policies.
During the hearing, Justice Ali Zia Bajwa raised a critical question regarding the enforcement of the ban, asking who should be held responsible if the platform remains accessible despite government restrictions. In response, the PTA’s legal counsel admitted that users were still able to access X by bypassing the restriction through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The revelation has prompted further judicial inquiry into the effectiveness of the ban and the measures taken to uphold it.
High Court has now ordered the PTA to submit a report detailing how X remains operational in Pakistan despite being blocked and whether there is a legal framework governing such restrictions. The court also emphasized the need for clarity on whether any exceptions have been made for certain government institutions, which may still be using the platform while it remains inaccessible to the general public.
Petitioners challenging the ban argue that it violates Articles 19 and 19-A of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of speech and access to information. They maintain that the government’s move to block X constitutes an infringement on citizens’ fundamental rights, restricting their ability to engage in political discourse, express opinions, and access crucial information. The petitioners have urged the court to strike down all official notifications related to the ban and restore access to the platform.
As digital freedom continues to be a contentious issue in Pakistan, legal experts and rights activists are closely monitoring the case. Many view the High Court’s involvement as a crucial step in determining the extent of government control over online spaces. The court’s ruling on March 20 could have far-reaching implications for digital rights, online expression, and the role of the state in regulating social media platforms.
