LHC Rules Netflix, Amazon Prime Exempt from Censorship in Pakistan

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will not be subjected to censorship in Pakistan, dismissing a petition that sought their regulation under existing film laws.

The case was filed by a cinema owner who argued that the Motion Picture Ordinance of 1979, which governs cinema screenings, should also apply to online streaming content. However, Justice Raheel Kamran Shaikh clarified in a 20-page judgment that the law was created decades before the digital era and does not extend to platforms that host millions of hours of global content.

After the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces enacted their own Motion Picture Acts to regulate cinemas, TV, and theater, but none introduced laws covering online streaming or social media content. The court highlighted that it would be legally and practically impossible to censor such vast amounts of material, noting that any change in this regard could only be made by parliament through new legislation.

This decision reinforces that streaming services in Pakistan will remain free from traditional censorship laws, allowing users continued access to international shows and movies without regulatory intervention. Legal experts suggest the ruling could set a precedent for other digital platforms in the country, underscoring the need for updated laws tailored to the modern digital ecosystem.