Islamabad, September 11, 2025: A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Thursday overturned a judicial magistrate’s order that had directed authorities to block 11 YouTube channels accused of spreading “anti-state” content.
In June, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah had ordered the closure of 27 well-known YouTube channels on the request of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The magistrate’s ruling stated that the material constituted offences punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and relevant penal laws.
The decision was challenged in the district and sessions court, which has been hearing appeals filed by several YouTubers. Announcing its reserved verdict today, Judge Afzal Majoka accepted 11 appeals, declaring the earlier order to block the channels “null and void.”
During the hearing, Judge Majoka expressed displeasure at the NCCIA prosecutor, remarking: “You have started taking over our work; I will never allow this.” He questioned under what authority the channels had been blocked and noted that attempts were being made to malign judges.
The ruling comes amid ongoing debate over the controversial Peca (Amendment) Act 2025, signed into law in January. The law introduced new definitions, regulatory bodies, and stricter penalties for spreading what authorities deem to be “false” or “anti-state” information.
The court’s verdict is expected to reignite debate on censorship, digital rights, and the scope of online freedom of expression in Pakistan.
