The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned representatives from the federal government, the Ministry of Information, and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on August 21 to address the ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan.
These disruptions have significantly impacted major online platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, causing widespread slowdowns and access difficulties.
The country’s IT minister recently confirmed that the government is upgrading its “web management system” to bolster cyber security, following months of speculation regarding a potential “firewall” installation. This upgrade, however, has sparked concern among industry groups like the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), and the Pakistan Business Council. These organizations warn that prolonged outages could harm Pakistan’s economy and may lead to the exit of multinational companies.
Justice Shakil Ahmad presided over the case, which was brought to the court by Advocate Muhammad Nadeem. The petition seeks a declaration that the “internet shutdowns” are unconstitutional and demands the government ensure uninterrupted internet services nationwide. The federal government, along with the PTA chairman, has been named as a respondent in the case.
During the initial hearing, the judge criticized the state counsel for his lack of preparedness and seriousness regarding the issue. The court reserved its judgment on the petition, and in today’s reserved verdict, Justice Ahmad directed the respondents to be present at the next hearing on August 21. The judge also requested detailed responses from all parties involved.
The petition, filed on Thursday, argues that the government’s actions violate several constitutional articles, including the rights to security, freedom of speech, and the right to information. It also emphasizes that the internet shutdowns are disrupting essential services and businesses, including ride-hailing companies like Bykea, Careem, and InDrive. The petition warns that if these disruptions continue, they could have long-lasting negative effects on investor confidence and Pakistan’s global reputation in the tech industry.
