WEBDESK: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has asked the Pakistani government to explain why its institutions continue using banned X (formerly Twitter) despite ongoing restrictions. The court has directed the interior ministry and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit reports on the matter and present relevant records at the next hearing on March 20.
The platform was blocked in February 2024 following allegations of election rigging in the country’s general elections. Access to banned X was restricted after former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha accused top officials of manipulating election results. While most users in Pakistan struggle to access the platform, some continue using it through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, a member of the bench, questioned who was responsible if X was still accessible despite being blocked in the country.
Petitioners challenging the ban argue that it violates the right to information under Articles 19 and 19-A of the Constitution. They have urged the court to lift all restrictions on social media platforms and declare the government’s actions unlawful saying that access to information was a fundamental right of every citizen
The LHC’s decision to seek clarity on the issue is seen as a significant step in addressing concerns over digital censorship. Whether the ban on X will be lifted remains to be seen, but for now, the court is demanding answers from authorities regarding the continued use of banned X by government institutions.
