Tech Desk 
Jul 11, 2025
An Islamabad court has suspended the order that directed YouTube to block 27 Pakistani channels for alleged “anti-state” content.
Notably, many of which are operated by prominent journalists and media commentators. The suspension was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, effectively putting on hold a previous decision made by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, who had ordered the blocking at the request of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Among the channels initially ordered to be blocked were high-profile names like Asad Toor, Matiullah Jan, Imran Riaz, Moeed Pirzada, Sabir Shakir, and Aftab Iqbal.
The initial court order had directed YouTube to take action following an FIA investigation into content that allegedly posed a threat to national interests.
However, today’s reversal comes as a victory for press freedom and digital rights, at least temporarily. Journalist Asad Ali Toor, one of the petitioners, took to X to share the news, calling the court’s ruling a “big victory.”
He added that his channel, Asad Toor Uncensored, and Matiullah Jan’s MJtv, would remain accessible for now.
While the suspension is a welcome development for free speech advocates, it remains to be seen whether the FIA will appeal or press further charges under cybercrime laws.
