• State counsel grilled over lack of knowledge; court to issue appropriate order
• Hamid Mir files petition in IHC over internet slowdown
On Friday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) criticized the state counsel for his lack of awareness and seriousness regarding the recent internet disruptions across the country, expressing its intent to pass an appropriate order on the issue.
During the hearing of a public interest petition filed by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, Justice Shakeel Ahmed of the LHC directed an assistant attorney general to consult with relevant authorities and submit a report after a break.
When the hearing resumed, Justice Ahmed emphasized the public interest nature of the matter, stating that the court would issue an appropriate order.
The government’s lawyer requested more time to submit a detailed report on the internet disruptions, explaining that consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was necessary to identify the cause of the slowdown.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Justice Ahmed questioned the seriousness of the government’s response, highlighting the law officer’s lack of sufficient information despite the issue’s critical public importance. The judge adjourned the hearing until August 21.
In his petition, Advocate Sarwar argued that millions of Pakistanis rely on internet services for essential communication and business activities. He claimed that by blocking, filtering, or shutting down these services, the government is undermining civic space, creating economic uncertainty, and disrupting access to healthcare, online business, and emergency and financial transactions.
He lamented that abrupt internet outages prevent technology firms from meeting deadlines, causing financial losses and damaging their credibility. The petitioner also noted that the slowdowns have harmed technology firms and freelancers, and major platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have been severely affected since last week.
He urged the court to declare that internet shutdowns violate the Constitution and to order the government to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity.
Hamid Mir petitions IHC
Meanwhile, senior journalist Hamid Mir has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against internet slowdowns.
The petition, filed through Advocate Imaan Mazari, seeks redress for the violation of citizens’ fundamental rights due to the apparent installation of a firewall, drastically reduced internet speeds, routine network disruptions, and the federal government’s denial of these issues.
Mr. Mir argued that he, along with other journalists, faces difficulties in performing their duties due to these connectivity issues.
The petition highlighted that Mr. Mir engages with the public on his talk shows through the social media platform X, announcing topics an hour before airing and incorporating public opinions.
However, due to the ban on X, the firewall, and the resulting internet throttling, he has struggled to maintain this level of engagement, Mr. Mir stated in the petition.