ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad has partially set aside a lower court’s decision ordering the blocking of multiple YouTube channels over allegations of anti-state content. The ruling came after Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard petitions filed by 11 affected content creators, including senior journalists, who challenged the original order. The judge annulled the earlier verdict issued by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, which had directed the blocking of 27 channels operated by Pakistani journalists and creators.
During the hearing, Judge Majoka expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) prosecutor. He observed that the agency appeared to be shifting its responsibilities onto the court, warning that such practices would not be tolerated. He also sought clarity on the legal authority under which the channels had been blocked, cautioning against any attempts to malign the judiciary in this process. These remarks underscored judicial concerns about how the NCCIA handled the case and its approach to regulatory actions on digital platforms.
The original order issued on July 8 by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah had called for blocking 27 YouTube channels reportedly hosting content deemed anti-state. The channels included those run by well-known journalists such as Orya Maqbool Jan, Aftab Iqbal, Mutiullah Jan, Imran Khan Riaz, and Asad Toor. The decision affected a wide range of media professionals and independent creators who regularly produce commentary and analysis for online audiences. Eleven of these creators subsequently appealed to the district and sessions court, which decided to hear their petitions collectively.
In the proceedings, the district court also clarified that petitions would only be entertained if applicants or their legal representatives were physically present to argue the case. It added that cases lacking representation would be dismissed for non-pursuance, reinforcing the procedural requirements for such appeals. This directive emphasizes the importance of proper representation when challenging administrative or judicial actions impacting online content and social media platforms.
The Islamabad court’s decision marks a significant development for content creators contesting restrictions imposed on digital channels. By partially overturning the previous order, the court has reaffirmed the right to due process for journalists and creators whose platforms were blocked without clear procedural grounds. The case reflects the ongoing tension between regulatory bodies seeking to enforce content standards and the rights of individuals producing online media in Pakistan’s increasingly dynamic digital space.
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