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LHC Summons AGP Over X Ban, Questions Legal Grounds
LHC summons AGP Mansoor Awan over Pakistan’s ongoing ban on X (formerly Twitter). Court seeks clarity on legal status of ban as govt, PTA differ. Hearing set for April 17.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-08
LHC Summons AGP Over X Ban, Questions Legal Grounds

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday summoned Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to clarify the legal grounds behind the ongoing ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The court questioned the government’s failure to produce a formal notification or justification for the months-long disruption.

Access to X has been restricted in Pakistan since February 17, 2024, shortly after former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha made explosive allegations of election rigging against senior officials, including the Chief Election Commissioner and a Supreme Court judge. The ban sparked widespread condemnation from journalists, human rights bodies, internet service providers, and even the United States, which urged Pakistan to lift restrictions on digital platforms.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, presided over Tuesday’s hearing. The petitions challenging the ban were filed by journalist Shakir Mahmood and others, naming the federal government, Ministry of Law, Ministry of Information, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as respondents.

During the proceedings, Justice Haider questioned the legal basis of the X ban:

“The attorney general should tell what is the legal status of the notification of the ban on X,” he asked.

In response, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Mirza Nasar Ahmed mentioned that a report had been submitted by the PTA. However, the petitioners' counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique, pointed out a lack of alignment between the PTA and federal government, claiming:

“There is no concept of one page in the court; you and the court are also not on the same page,” remarked Chief Justice Neelum.

Advocate Siddique further questioned the absence of a formal, written response from the federal government and criticized the PTA for taking unilateral action. He also noted that the court had requested a list of government officials who continue to use X despite the ban—information that was not provided.

“The list of those government members who are using X was sought, [but] it is not possible for us to provide such a list,” the AAG said, requesting the court to adjourn the case until April 17.

Justice Neelum concluded the hearing by summoning the AGP to appear on April 17, fully prepared to address the legal aspects of the case.

“The AGP should appear before the court prepared and shed light on all legal matters,” she said.

As the case develops, legal experts and civil rights advocates continue to monitor the proceedings closely, viewing the outcome as a potential precedent for digital freedom in Pakistan.

 
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