TikTok ban: Fawad says 'judicial activism' has cost Pakistan billions of dollars
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Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday stressed the need for judicial reforms and slammed recent high court decisions banning the social media app TikTok as well as setting aside the appointment of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) president.
In a tweet, the minister said the country would never be able to come out of an economic crisis unless judicial reforms were implemented.
"My head is spinning after reading about the decision to ban TikTok and remove the NBP president. What are our courts doing? The country has already suffered losses worth billons of dollars due to judicial activism," the minister said.
SHC bans TikTok
Earlier this week, the Sindh High Court had ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend access to TikTok in the country until July 8.
The court in its order stated that TikTok had not abided by "the constant undertakings and assurances" given by it before various courts and the PTA to block accounts spreading vulgarity.
In March, the Peshawar High Court had imposed a similar ban on the video-sharing application. The ban was later lifted in April.
In October last year, the PTA had banned TikTok for the first time over complaints regarding indecent and immoral content.
The ban was lifted 10 days later "after assurance from management that they will block all accounts repeatedly involved in spreading obscenity and immorality".
IHC sets asides appointments
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday set aside the appointments of NBP President Arif Usmani and chairman of its board of directors, Zubair Soomro.
According to the petitioner, the appointments had been made in violation of the constitutional rights that ensured equal opportunity for every citizen.
The bench observed that it was necessary to issue an advertisement for the appointment of the board chairman under the law.
The IHC bench through a short order accepted the petition and said the appointments of NBP’s president and chairman of BoD had been made in violation of the law.
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Comments (76) Closed
Jun 30, 2021 11:18am
so you want to have a total control over people's fate. Where else they should look for least level of justice. Where is your morality or of your leader who apparently told people that he is going to make Pakistan an Islamic state - to be a "Riyast-e-Madina" to be pricised, and I have a question for you: Where TikTok, (altough it is an app from your friend China) stands in that riayasat?
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Jun 30, 2021 11:19am
The courts have forgotten their place. Their role should be to protect livelihoods, not irrational sensitivities.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:20am
Reforms must and urgently needed.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:22am
Now the Govt. is behind the Judiciary. The comment against courts are not of something that can be laudable. In TikTok matter Govt is in catch 22 position. Neither the Govt can ban the app as its a Chinese app and one cannot upset iron brother and on the other hand TikTok is un-masking govt shortcomings.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:24am
Judicial activism was fine when it worked in PTI's favour and deseated PM Nawaz. PTI is most thin-skinned regime to ever be selected in Pakistan. Makes the average dictator look like a model of tolerance.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:27am
Why is TikTok alone the victim of this
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Jun 30, 2021 11:29am
What are our courts doing you ask? What is the parliament? They can't legislate for anything, unless they're presented with a draft and told to rubber stamp it. The reason courts can do things like this is because you can't do your job. I hate tiktok and other such apps like snackvideo. I would very much like they are gone, but it is bad in principle to ban things that are not bad by their own nature. The solution is quality education. But with parliament filled with ignorant, it is unlikely.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:32am
Every state pillar be it executive, legislative or judiciary considers itself as sovereign beyond accountability and it is for this reason the State is losing control and it paves the way for big boots to intervene and dictate the State Institutions. Let every pillar remain within its domain and give the chance to State to flourish and flutter in the best public interest.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:34am
He is right we seem to be obsessed with court cases and do not accept any rule of law....
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Jun 30, 2021 11:34am
First make reforms for the corruption of politicians and then make reforms for courts.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:35am
Judicial activism is necessary where there is power abuse." Losses of dollars in billions" may well turn out to be a fantasy.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:39am
One more U Turn on the way.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:39am
Judicial activism has landed imran a premiership otherwise he had no chance!
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Jun 30, 2021 11:45am
Please ban TikTok. It's wasting people's time for nothing. Pakistanis need to be disciplined in their lives. There are already many options for entertainment.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:45am
You too Brutus?
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Jun 30, 2021 11:49am
PTI's economic failures are being linked with TikTok ban. This is failed ministers failed argument.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:56am
First time a sensible statement.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:57am
@Solomon The King, the role of courts is to ensure justice not to force it. Being an elected govt. they do have mandate to decide about the future of the people.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:57am
Meanwhile, legal cases remain pending in the courts for decades without decision. Justice delayed is justice denied.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:57am
Wow. I did not know the BOD Chairman post had to advertised. FYI IHC, chairman is elected from members already in the board so there is no need to advertise it.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:57am
Our dear courts are their only to protect PPP and PML looters and their friends and not Pakistan interests sir.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:58am
His family benefitted the most from the same Judicial system.
A typical hypocritical politician point of view.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:58am
It is true judicial activism has cost Pakistan billions of dollars. It is also true that the parliament is not the fountain head of morality in Pakistan. No institution in Pakistan functions properly. Corruption has destroyed everything. It is getting worse day by day.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:01pm
In the holy state of Niazi, we do not have any place for nonsense like Tik Tok.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:14pm
He is right - judicial activism needs to end now
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Jun 30, 2021 12:14pm
Mismanagement during last three years also costs Pakistan billions of rupees/dollars on every sector
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Jun 30, 2021 12:20pm
And then our Premier says, attires of women are the cause of ascendant sexual crimes in our society and that our society and way of life are entirely different, then why not Tik Tok. I am not against freedom of expression, it is actually suppression o expression that causes the ills in society. Dresses of women and tik tok both are means of expression, then why women have to bear the burden of ripping the moral fabric of society.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:36pm
Never seen anything coming out of the mouth of Govt. official when these same courts fall prey to the delaying tactics laid forward in civil suits. Its a great predicament for normal citizens. Hope Govt. will do something about that also.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:43pm
Fawad Chaudhry is absolutely right. Look at the SC decision on Rio Dik and on the Pakistan Steel Mills.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:47pm
It’s funny how the judges don’t see the corruption within the justice system and the bribery which goes on in the country but have to stand on high moral ground when it comes to petty matters.
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Jun 30, 2021 12:53pm
And the corruption of politicians like you have caused multibillion-dollar losses to this country. We the people of this country support judicial activism so that it could continue to keep a rope around your necks.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:01pm
Fawad is right. All the pillars of the state must work within their own respective domains. Banning something like Tik Tom is an executive not a judicial issue.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:05pm
since when is it the responsibility of the court to stop the spreading of "vulgarity"?
This mullah inspired push like the ban on youtube is stopping the development of technology in Pakistan. If they dont' want to see things on youtube and tik tok why don't they stop going to them? These people will not be satisfied till tv and and internet are completely banned and we all end up living in their lal masjid world burning our sofas. Time to reverse the bans & join the modern world!
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Jun 30, 2021 01:09pm
what people don't understand about technology like this is its more than just a few dancing videos, these platforms like youtube are a free source of learning for a huge audience. I myself learned to programme in Python on you tube recently. In a world where Pakistanis are poorly educated & unskilled these platforms are an important source of free learning and income too. Pakistan has to choose between joining the modern world and following mullahs dictats. Only 1 path leads to development.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:10pm
@iqbal carrim, Just a question what is your opinion regarding the Ch Iftikhar? In Pakistan every activism is being done for self gain and self gratification. Unless or until their motive are not changed activism will keep on abused
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Jun 30, 2021 01:13pm
Dogs barks caravans go
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Jun 30, 2021 01:14pm
TikTok is the filthiest thing I have seen; it is going to completely destroy young minds in our country, such apps in the hands of educated mature population would be a good tool, but our masses are uneducated, ignorant and sexually frustrated, no decent people or country can allow such trash, please ban it or atleast regulate it.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:15pm
Judicial reforms are a must. There are lacunae in ancient english law that is being followed in the country. Powerful and the corrupt exploit the loop holes to roam scott free
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Jun 30, 2021 01:19pm
Mr Fawad Chaudry ..you should bring reforms in judicial system of Pakistan.. like clear differences between the salaries and other benefits of judicial employees and judges... Check and balance of nepotism and curruption cell should be there... Where a common man or an employee of judiciary could complain for his grievienc
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Jun 30, 2021 01:33pm
We need prudent, balanced and efficient judiciary without having pending cases for more than a year. No pressure either from government or bar. It work on principles of Islamic Justice. Hence judicial reform is essential. Question is who will do it?
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Jun 30, 2021 01:34pm
Agree with you that judicial activism is crossing limits but your party has got immensely benefited from the decisions of the same courts in the past. Anyway, judicial reforms are long overdue.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:42pm
What else is called chaos, confusion and crisis?
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Jun 30, 2021 01:43pm
Another attempt of Fawad to earn the contempt of court.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:46pm
When cat is away, even mice will play. So, never allow a situation where cat is always away.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:54pm
The biggest dent the judiciary made in the history of pakistan was terminating the TCC contract. Total incompetence in understanding commercial contracts. To add this, the then PPP government strongly opposed the decision. But Iktikhar Chaudhary gave the verdict in favour of Balochistan government.
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Jun 30, 2021 01:55pm
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Jun 30, 2021 01:58pm
The judicial system is one of the worst in the world. I was so surprised to find out that the day judge has to make judgement he doesn’t show up and people wait all day for that event to happen. This is so sad. Any judge who does that must be removed from this position. This is where it need to start.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:01pm
My head is spinning too and I fully agree with Fawad Chaudry. Judicial reforms need to be the first and foremost priority. Without credible and competent justice system, no one can bring about any positive change in the country
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Jun 30, 2021 02:02pm
Yes: Riko Dec case judgement always hunting/lower the Pakistani Image among the international countries. The story is too long to discuss here.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:08pm
Mr. Minister, everything cannot be measured in monetary terms. Instead, one has to find out if anything is causing ethical or moral harm to our society, and try to check it if that is the case.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:09pm
Where were you when Saqib nisar marred all the sectors and created chaos in the society.Was it not the judicial activism.?
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Jun 30, 2021 02:26pm
@Malik, ask other countries which have BANNED it too.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:29pm
The so called judicial activism was in fact enforced upon the judiciary from far above. Therefore, this message of judicial activism needs to be conveyed to them.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:44pm
@Shan, yes, because Sharif and Zardari family recruited people are still there in every institution.
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Jun 30, 2021 02:46pm
Fawad Chaudhry wants a licence to run the country according to the whims of the ruling clique and in total disregard of the law and rules. The statement is very CONTEMPTUOUS of the higher judiciary as if the judiciary is responsible for all the ills of the nation. Judiciary must take notice of the irresponsible accusations and deal with Fawad Chaudhry firmly.
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Jun 30, 2021 04:45pm
There is no obscenity on tiktok. It's a figment of their overactive imagination.
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Jun 30, 2021 05:16pm
This gov is only good at blaming others. They started off with opposition then came bureaucracy then we heard term "MAFIAs" and now its Judiciary's turn. They are good for nothing! All the cabinet ministers are busy maligning others to please their master.
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Jun 30, 2021 05:47pm
Well said. Our judiciary instead of solving the thousands of cases many of which have been pending for over 10 years are busy watching social media and banning tik tok. Please start doing your actual job and leave the social media to pta. Remember justice delayed is justice denied.
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Jun 30, 2021 05:53pm
Sir ..I would have a great respect for you ,if you come out on street to protest against this worst form of mental slavery ..freedom of speech and expression is our fundamental right ..I will be with you every step of the way and in this course , if we have to break the law ..we would and go to jail for that ..sir anyone who breaks the law which is wrong and goes to jail ,shows the highest regards for the law and justice ..if you are willing to so am I ...
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Jun 30, 2021 06:05pm
Is there any definition of 'sharm o haya'? Let us see how far personally perceived concept of 'sharm o haya' takes the nation to?
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Jun 30, 2021 06:24pm
FawaD chudri ghairat naam ki koi cheez hoti tm mai to khabi aisa na kehtay.bal k high court k faisla ka khair maqdam krte.pr tm kiya jaaano ghairat or IsLaaM kiya hai.mai judge hota to tmko jail baijh daita is baat pr.hmko nhi chahiye arbon doller tm haraaam khoron k liye.hmko wo PakisTaN chahiye jis maqsad k liye aazaaad howa tha.PaKisTaN ka mtlab kiya La ILaHa ILLaLaH
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Jun 30, 2021 06:29pm
Now, I don't like this guy but he is absolutely right here. Riko Diq debacle was also engineered by Iftikhar Chaudry. Since then, only Justice Asif Saeed Khosa has kept himself to judicial matters.
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Jun 30, 2021 06:31pm
Too many decisions by judiciary that does not make any sense at all.
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Jun 30, 2021 06:32pm
Be careful what you wish the courts are the ones who bought PTI into power through the back door.
The courts have ruined our lives
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Jun 30, 2021 06:38pm
Til tok is for idle people .just wastage of time'. Good it got banned
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Jun 30, 2021 07:48pm
Please make sure the $5B Reno-diq fine is paid from the pensions of the Supreme Court Judges (especially xCJ Ifthekar Chaudhry) for putting Pakistan under such financial penalty…
The hon. judges should also feel the pain of their knee-jerk political decisions and not just the ordinary person on the street.
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Jun 30, 2021 07:51pm
Not only courts, all our institutions have forgotten their actual constitutional roles.
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Jun 30, 2021 07:56pm
Courts ordered cancelling mining rights in balochistan awarded to foreign companies. The way things were decided miserable situation is still lingering in shape of penalties in billions. Shame on judges that wanted popular and engaged in judicial activism
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Jun 30, 2021 08:34pm
Why Ti Tok has become an essential for economimc growth???
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Jun 30, 2021 08:35pm
Fawad speaks unnecessary on various occasions. The court has taken right decision.
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Jun 30, 2021 10:08pm
Ban of tick tok is appriciated. It is one step to stop vulgarity..
Thanks SHC
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Jun 30, 2021 11:06pm
@Solomon The King, with your logic, there must be compelte ban on cable network, fashion and film industry and internet also. Courts are made for justice, they should focus on that rather than interfering in gov work.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:33pm
@Solomon The King,
U are foolish not practical. In thi
s technological era u cant stop any thing. World is now a global vlillage. Kiny change ur mind or u will be cornrred.
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Jun 30, 2021 11:58pm
Police reforms and judicial reforms we need these both to progress as a nation. Fawad has been speaking about it from day 1.
Our judiciary has about 40-50 thousand pending cases on each judge if all cases are divided among them as of today. But instead of resolving old cases they are hell bent on creating new and irrational ones.
Unfortunately in this country the innocent gets justice by the time he is in his grave.
Shame on PML, PPP & PTI for this failure
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Jul 01, 2021 04:29am
@Solomon The King, worry about your collapsing country under debt and covid. We have best pm in the world.
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Jul 01, 2021 05:02am
With talent like Fawad future is bright for Pakistan
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