Pakistan High Court orders government to restore X in one week: lawyer

The Sindh High Court (SHC) of Pakistan, located in the provincial capital city of Karachi, has ordered the Pakistani government to restore access to a specific website or digital platform named X within a week. The court's decision came during a hearing held on March 22, 2023.

The Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, Justice Maqbool Baqar Abbasi, presided over the hearing. During the proceedings, the court emphasized that the law does not grant the Interior Ministry of Pakistan the authority to take action based on reports received from intelligence agencies regarding the blocking or banning of any digital platform or website.

The Interior Ministry is a key ministry of the Pakistani government responsible for maintaining internal security and overseeing matters related to immigration and emigration. In this context, it has been known to take actions against digital platforms or websites based on intelligence reports, citing national security concerns. However, the SHC's ruling indicates that such actions may not be legally justified under the current laws of Pakistan.

The exact reason behind the court's order to restore access to platform X is not publicly known at this time. The details of the case and the arguments presented during the hearing have not been made available to the media or the public. It is also unclear whether this ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving the blocking or banning of digital platforms or websites in Pakistan.

It is essential to note that this information is based on publicly available sources and should be verified through official channels for accuracy and completeness. The situation may evolve as more details emerge, and it is recommended to monitor official announcements and updates from the Sindh High Court and the Pakistani government for any further developments.