On Thursday, Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued a final warning to the federal government.
Justice Neelum called for a comprehensive explanation regarding Pakistan’s ban on X, which has been in effect since February 17, 2024. The Lahore High Court’s hearing on the X ban followed allegations of election rigging by former commissioner Liaquat Chattha. Rights groups, journalists, and the U.S. have condemned the ban, and internet providers have reported financial losses.
A three-judge bench, led by Neelum, addressed petitions from journalist Shakir Mahmood and others. “How was X shut down?” Neelum inquired. “This is the government’s final chance.” She warned that she might summon the head of the cabinet next.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Hafeezul Rehman, faced scrutiny for his actions. He admitted that the PTA uses VPNs to access X despite the ban, which prompted Neelum’s response: “This is illegal.”
LHC X Ban Hearing Exposes Gaps
Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa stated that the Interior Ministry cannot track VPN users. Neelum responded by questioning, “You can block X but not monitor it?”
Scepticism arose regarding Rehman’s claim of a VPN probe committee, with Neelum stating, “It’s just meant to distract us.” Justice Ali Zia highlighted a contradiction regarding the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which has no agreement with X yet continues to use it through VPNs. He asked, “You ban it yet use it yourself?”
Read: Surge in VPN Use Slows Internet in Pakistan, PTA Reports
Rehman couldn’t provide VPN usage data, prompting Neelum’s frustration: “You hold a big post but have no answers.” The bench adjourned to April 8, warning of contempt action. The LHC X ban hearing underscores accountability woes.
