Islamabad Court Suspends Ban on Five Additional YouTube Channels

An Islamabad court has suspended a lower court’s order to block five more YouTube channels, offering relief to journalists and content creators accused of spreading “anti-state” content. The decision, made on July 12, 2025, by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Muhammad Afzal Majoka, follows a similar ruling for two journalists, signaling a pushback against heavy-handed censorship. Critics argue the initial ban, driven by vague allegations, threatens free speech and exposes flaws in Pakistan’s cybercrime laws.

The controversy began on July 8, when Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels, citing a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) report from June 2. The report accused channels, including those of Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Orya Maqbool Jan, Abdul Qadir, Uzair Anwar, and Umair Rafiq, of sharing “provocative and derogatory” content against state institutions, per Dawn.com. The order, issued under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), sparked outrage for its lack of due process. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji told Reuters, “What is jarring is the complete lack of legal process,” highlighting that creators like Asad Toor received no chance to respond.

The court’s reversal for the five channels, following successful appeals by journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor, hinges on violations of Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees a fair trial. “The order has no legal basis,” said lawyer Imaan Mazari to Reuters, noting the absence of prior notice to creators. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the blanket bans, stating, “The wholesale blocking of entire channels conflates dissent with criminal activity,” urging targeted measures instead. The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy (FDRD) echoed this, calling the ban an assault on press freedom.

This case exposes deeper issues with Pakistan’s approach to online dissent. The NCCIA’s broad powers under PECA, tightened by a January 2025 amendment, have fueled accusations of stifling free expression. While the government claims to protect national security, these actions risk alienating citizens and undermining democratic debate. The next hearing, set for July 21, will test whether Pakistan prioritizes open discourse or control.