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LHC Cancels Hearing on Petitions Against Closure of Social Media Platform X
Lahore High Court cancels cause list for petitions challenging the ban on X (Twitter). Hearing was to be held before a 3-member bench headed by CJ Alia Neelam. AGP was summoned in person.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-16
LHC Cancels Hearing on Petitions Against Closure of Social Media Platform X

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has cancelled the cause list for the hearing of multiple petitions filed against the ongoing ban on the social networking platform X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan.

The case was scheduled to be heard by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Alia Neelam. The bench was set to hear the petitions on Wednesday; however, without citing a reason, the court cancelled the hearing.

Earlier, the court had summoned the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) in his personal capacity to present the federal government’s position on the controversial ban, which has raised widespread concerns over digital rights and freedom of expression.

The petitions were filed by Hafiz Shakir Mahmood Awan and several others, challenging the legal and constitutional validity of blocking access to the platform across Pakistan.

The ban on X, in place for several weeks, has sparked criticism from civil society groups, tech industry stakeholders, and journalist organizations, who argue that the move suppresses free speech and access to information, especially in a digital age.

It remains unclear when the LHC will reschedule the hearing or if the federal government will issue an official stance through the AGP as earlier directed.

Digital rights activists continue to demand the restoration of X and an end to blanket censorship, calling for transparency and accountability in matters involving public access to social media platforms.

 
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