Lahore High Court Seeks Report on ‘X’ Usage from Interior Ministry and PTA
The full bench has adjourned the hearing until March 20.
Lahore, March 14, 2025 – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to submit a report regarding the usage of ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) and has requested a detailed briefing on the operations of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Additionally, a responsible officer from the PTA has been summoned to present relevant records.
A three-member full bench, led by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, conducted the hearing on petitions filed by journalist Shakir Mahmood and others. The petitions have named the federal government, Ministry of Law, and Ministry of Information, among others, as respondents.
During the proceedings, Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa informed the court that, based on directives from the Ministry of Interior, PTA had imposed a ban on ‘X’. Chief Justice Neelum remarked that the Ministry of Interior needs to clarify the current status of ‘X’.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa questioned the accountability if ‘X’ is being used despite the ban, asking who would be responsible in such a scenario. Chief Justice Neelum further inquired from PTA’s counsel about the reasons behind the continued usage of ‘X’ despite the ban.
PTA’s counsel responded that ‘X’ is being accessed through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The Chief Justice then sought information on which government institutions are still using ‘X’ despite the ban and requested clarification on the legal status of ‘X’.
The court emphasized that all respondents are obligated to submit their replies.
Journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s counsel requested that the case be referred to a single bench, stating that in case of an appeal against the single bench’s decision, it could be taken up by a two-member bench.
The full bench has adjourned the hearing until March 20.
