Lahore High Court Demands Federal Response on Internet Disruptions

Lahore High Court directed the federal government and PTA to respond to recent internet disruptions in Pakistan. Justice Shakil Ahmad announced the reserved verdict while hearing Noman Sarwar's petition. The issue stems from an internet firewall aimed at regulating social media, causing widespread connectivity issues and economic impact.

The Lahore High Court on Saturday instructed the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to respond to the recent widespread internet disruptions, impacting millions across Pakistan. The call for responses emerged from a hearing of a petition by Noman Sarwar, which targets the nationwide internet 'shutdown.' Justice Shakil Ahmad, who delivered the reserved verdict, has mandated all relevant parties to submit their responses by August 21.

This judicial step occurs amidst ongoing difficulties faced by millions in Pakistan who struggle with limited internet connectivity, especially through mobile data in certain areas. The federal government has linked the disruptions to the testing of an internet firewall aimed at controlling social media content. This firewall, equipped with content filters, is designed to block unwelcome material from disseminating widely.

The petition lists the federal government, PTA, and several other officials, including the cabinet secretary, IT secretary, interior secretary, and the Ministry of Human Rights, as respondents. The petitioner argues that these authorities did not disclose valid reasons for the social media shutdown and calls for the immediate restoration of internet access. The plea highlights that internet restrictions are adversely affecting businesses and daily life, constituting a violation of fundamental rights.

During Friday's reserved verdict announcement, Justice Ahmad criticized the state lawyer's apparent lack of knowledge regarding the national internet issues. This move by the government has faced backlash due to its negative economic impact, echoed by the chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan, who warned that online businesses are in peril. Similarly, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) emphasized that recurring internet disruptions could hinder the establishment of a robust digital infrastructure, critical for Pakistan’s economic progress.

However, the federal government maintains that the internet firewall is a necessary cybersecurity measure. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, defended the move, stressing the need for enhanced capability to counter evolving cybersecurity threats globally.