A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the implementation of firewalls and the nationwide internet shutdown. The petitioner contends that these actions have caused widespread difficulties for users attempting to access social media platforms across the country. The application argues that the installation of firewalls violates fundamental rights and demands an immediate cessation of such measures.
The petitioner has requested the court to issue directives ensuring uninterrupted internet access and to require that any installation of firewalls undergo stakeholder consultation. The cabinet secretary, secretary of IT and telecommunications, interior secretary, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have all been named as respondents in the application.
In a related development, the nationwide internet shutdown has also been legally contested in the Lahore High Court (LHC). A private news outlet reported that the Registrar’s Office has scheduled the application for a hearing today, with Justice Shakeel Ahmed Nadeem Sarwar presiding over the case.
The application before the LHC names the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as respondents. The petitioner argues that the internet and social media platforms have been abruptly shut down across the country without prior notice or justification, adversely affecting businesses and various aspects of daily life.
The petitioner asserts that the internet shutdown constitutes a violation of fundamental rights and has requested the court to overturn the federal government’s decision. Additionally, the petitioner seeks an order for the complete and immediate restoration of internet services nationwide, with the hearing expected to focus on the significant impact of the shutdown on the economy and the daily lives of citizens.
