LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday directed the federal government, Ministry of Information and Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit replies on a petition challenging the ongoing internet service disruptions across Pakistan.
Justice Shakeel Ahmed delivered the ruling, stating, “All respondents are instructed to submit their replies on the next hearing date.” The court has adjourned further proceedings until August 21.
The petition was filed by a local citizen, Sarwar, who argued that internet and social media platforms were suspended without prior notice or explanation from the authorities.
“Businesses and various sectors are facing significant disruptions due to the internet shutdown. The act of cutting off internet access also infringes upon fundamental rights,” stated the petitioner.
Sarwar urged the court to nullify the federal government’s decision to suspend internet services and requested an immediate and complete restoration of connectivity across the country.
In the meantime, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) attributed the internet outages to heightened security and surveillance measures, warning that these could have severe economic cconsequences.
