Lahore: (PPF) On April 8, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the Attorney General for Pakistan to appear in person and explain the legal grounds for the ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

A three-member full bench, headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, resumed proceedings on the petition filed by journalist Hafiz Shakir Mahmood through Advocate Azhar Siddique. The petition calls for the restoration of access to X, lifting of the ban on VPNs, and enhancement of internet services in Pakistan.

Representatives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other departments appeared before the court during the hearing. Additional Attorney General Mirza Nasar Ahmad said that the PTA had already provided a response and report regarding the matter.

The bench noted that the delay in proceedings was due to the Attorney General’s absence. Chief Justice Neelum said that the court wanted his personal appearance to clarify the legal position of the ban. The bench directed the Attorney General to appear in person on April 17.

The court was informed that it was impossible to provide a list of government officials using X despite the ban. Responding to a statement by Advocate Siddique, the petitioner’s counsel, that the PTA and federal government were not on the same page, Chief Justice Neelum said that there was no concept of ‘same page’ in court. “You and the court are also not on the same page,” she said.

The petitioner’s counsel stated that the federal government has not submitted any written explanation about why access to X was suspended. “The court sought a list of those in government who use X but the list is not presented,”, he added.