Court suspends ban on 27 YouTube channels of journalists and critics

ISLAMABAD – In a significant development, Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka on Friday suspended the blanket ban on 27 YouTube channels, including those operated by high-profile journalists and political commentators.

The ban, initially imposed on July 8, 2025, by a judicial magistrate in Islamabad, was based on a petition filed by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The petition alleged that the channels were disseminating “anti-state” and “provocative” content. The action followed an inquiry initiated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on June 2, 2025.

Among the affected were YouTube channels belonging to: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, journalists Imran Riaz Khan, Matiullah Jan, Siddique Jan, Asad Toor, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, Orya Maqbool Jan, Ahmad Noorani, Abdul Qadir, Aftab Iqbal, and Wajahat Saeed Khan, and political platforms such as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Naya Pakistan, Qudrat Pakistan, and Real Entertainment TV.

Legal representation for journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor was provided by Advocates Riasat Ali Azad and Imaan Mazari, who argued that their clients had not been served any prior notice before the ban.

The court observed that neither journalist had been issued a legal notice regarding the restrictions on their digital platforms. YouTube had informed several of the targeted individuals that their channels were subject to closure. In response, journalists, including Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor, submitted written explanations to the platform.

The judge ordered the immediate suspension of the ban and issued a notice to the NCCIA for the next hearing. The ruling emphasized the importance of due process, stating that unilateral digital censorship without prior notice or a fair hearing violates fundamental right