The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the federal government and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit their responses regarding the ongoing internet disruptions affecting users across the country. The directive came from Justice Shakil Ahmad during the hearing of a petition filed by citizen Noman Sarwar against the nationwide internet shutdown. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 21, urging all parties involved to ensure their representatives’ presence and responses.
This development comes as millions of Pakistanis continue to experience difficulties accessing the internet, particularly mobile data services in certain regions. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government has linked the disruptions to the testing of an internet firewall designed to filter and block undesirable content on social media platforms.
The petition names several respondents, including the federal government, PTA, cabinet secretary, IT secretary, interior secretary, and the Ministry of Human Rights. It challenges the legality of the internet restrictions, arguing that no clear reasons were provided for the social media shutdowns and calling for the immediate restoration of internet access. The petition emphasizes that the internet shutdown is affecting businesses and daily life, constituting a violation of fundamental rights.
In a previous hearing, Justice Ahmad expressed frustration with the state counsel’s lack of seriousness and knowledge regarding the internet disruptions. Meanwhile, the federal government has defended the firewall implementation, describing it as a necessary cybersecurity measure. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted the importance of such measures to counter evolving cybersecurity threats globally.
In a related case, the Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamir Farooq is set to hear an application from senior journalist Hamid Mir challenging the installation of the firewall and the subsequent reduction in internet speed. The petition argues that internet access for livelihood should be recognized as a fundamental human right under the Constitution and calls for a halt to the firewall’s installation, pending consultation with all stakeholders and the protection of citizens’ rights. It also notes the severe economic impact of the internet restrictions, citing reports that daily losses due to the shutdown of 3G and 4G services amount to Rs1.3 billion.
This ongoing issue has raised concerns over the balance between national security measures and the protection of fundamental rights, with growing calls for the government to reconsider its approach to internet governance.
