YouTube is no stranger to being on the 'ban list' in Pakistan, knowing it's rocky history with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA).

Nearly a decade after the initial YouTube ban in 2012 due to offensive 'non-Islamic content', YouTube is in hot waters once again. The Supreme Court has subtly indicated that the media giant company may face being suspended in Pakistan after the discussion came up during a hearing regarding the disturbing case of Shaukat Ali, pertaining to a sectarian crime.

Justice Qazi Amin made it clear how the judiciary and their family were not being spared on social media, after being mocked and embarrassed. The matter also extended to the court's decisions being discussed on social media, according to Justice Qazi.

“We gave a verdict yesterday and today it was there on YouTube,”

However, the judiciary clarified that freedom of speech is not the issue, under the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, individuals are entitled to speak their mind as long as it does not harm any other person or body. The content being discussed, is said to be 'objectionable' towards intuitions according to governing authorities.

Days prior to this incident, a cleric was issued a notice for contempt of court after a video of him ridiculing a senior judge was shared all across social media.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chauhdry, has openly disagreed with the banning of social media channels and platforms, alluding to how the previous 3 year YouTube ban resulted in stunting the technological growth and its improvement in Pakistan. He has further stated how banning social media apps has limited innovative development in the country as well. Others have also shared his stance on the matter, such as Shaista Lodhi and activist Usama Khilji.

We await a final verdict regarding the banning of YouTube, which frankly in this day and age will not stop people from finding different pathways to channel their resolve or create content.