X ban legal battle faces another setback in Islamabad High Court

The Islamabad High Court has once again postponed the hearing on the petition challenging the ban on the social media platform X. Originally scheduled for February 6, 2025, the hearing will now take place on March 4, 2025, marking one year since the petition was first filed.

The petition, filed by journalist Ehtesham Ali Abbasi, has faced numerous delays. The government imposed the ban on X in February 2024, citing national security concerns, but critics argue that it is a violation of free speech.

This delay is the latest in a legal process that began in April 2024, with multiple hearing dates pushed back. The ongoing ban has resulted in significant internet disruptions across Pakistan, causing economic losses. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) has reported that the country suffers Rs 1.3 billion in daily losses due to internet shutdowns.