Islamabad Court Halts Ban on YouTube Channels of Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor

ISLAMABAD — The District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has temporarily suspended the ban on the YouTube channels operated by senior journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor.

The decision came after both journalists filed appeals challenging a previous order that directed the blocking of 27 YouTube channels.

The ban originated from a directive issued by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, following a request by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to block multiple online platforms.

Jan and Toor’s channels were among those taken offline without prior notice, sparking outcry from journalists’ unions and rights groups.

Lawyers representing the journalists contended that the order to block the channels was issued without serving notice or offering them an opportunity to defend themselves, which they argued was a violation of Article 10-A of the Constitution, guaranteeing the right to a fair trial.

In the hearing on Friday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka noted that, according to court records, the journalists were never issued formal notice before their channels were blocked.

“Blocking online platforms without following due process undermines fundamental rights,” the judge remarked in the written ruling

Acknowledging the lack of due process, the judge suspended the magistrate’s order that had led to the blocking of Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor’s channels.

The court also issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, instructing it to submit a response by July 21.

This ruling is seen as a significant step toward reinforcing digital rights and freedom of the press in Pakistan. Media observers have welcomed the decision as an affirmation of constitutional protections for journalists.

The case will proceed later this month when the agency is expected to present its explanation to the court.