ISLAMABAD: A high court in Pakistan on Saturday the government and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to respond to concerns over intermittent internet disruptions affecting users across the country.
The Lahore High Court Judge Justice Shakil Ahmad heard the petition filed by a citizen challenging the nationwide internet “shutdown.”
Justice Ahmad has instructed PTA- the internet regulatory authority in the country- and all other involved parties to ensure their representatives are present and to submit their responses by the next hearing scheduled for August 21.
This development follows widespread issues with internet connectivity, particularly affecting mobile data services in various regions. The disruptions have been attributed by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led administration to the testing of a new internet firewall aimed at controlling social media and filtering unwanted content.
The petition, which includes the federal government, PTA, cabinet secretary, secretary for information and technology, secretary of the interior, and Ministry of Human Rights as respondents, argues that no justification was provided for the social media restrictions and demands an immediate restoration of internet access.
The petition also asserts that the internet shutdown is impacting businesses and violating fundamental rights. The day before, Justice Ahmad had expressed frustration with the state counsel’s lack of seriousness and knowledge regarding the internet disruptions.
In defence of the firewall, the government has stated that it is a necessary cybersecurity measure. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that such measures are standard practice globally in response to evolving cybersecurity threats.
Critics, including the Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan and the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), have warned that the disruptions are harming online businesses and impeding the development of digital infrastructure crucial for the country’s economic growth.
