JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 22, 2021 | Cherie Conela
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—The Islamabad High Court (IHC), while hearing petitions against newly-introduced social media rules, has decided to review whether the said legislation was a violation of the constitution and freedom of expression.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, during the hearing, remarked that although the new rules had been notified officially, it was to be seen that they were not against the constitution.
Additional Attorney General Qasim Wadud, while sharing the details of the consultation with social media stakeholders, stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan had formed an advisory committee comprising Dr. Shireen Mazari, Maleeka Bukhari, and others. The committee had 19 meetings with 30 stakeholders, including international social media giants Facebook, Google, and Twitter.
The Chief Justice, however, has shown displeasure against the PTA lawyer for banning and unbanning of popular social media app TikTok. "This court was not satisfied with why TikTok was banned," he remarked, adding that: "The world has come a long way, and banning does not solve the problem."
The Chief Justice further remarked that the authorities were misusing their power under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act. "Where it is written that the authority must perform the moral policing," he stated.
The court further questioned which country the entire social media platform was forced to put down under the guise of "objectionable material."
The court, in order to review the social media regulations as per international standards, appointed social media activists Sadaf Baig, Nighat Dad, Fareeha Aziz, Rafi Baloch, and representatives from Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) as assistants and further guidance.
The court also asked the parties concerned to submit reports within a month.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.