The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has filed a response in the Sindh High Court regarding the suspension of the social media application, X, citing security threats as the reason for shutting down mobile phone and internet services,
The PTA’s legal representative informed the court that mobile phone and internet services were suspended based on security concerns raised by the Ministry of Interior and other security agencies.
Advocate Ahsan Imam stated that cellular companies were instructed to suspend services on February 8, and an email for restoration was sent on February 9 after the general election of 2024.
Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi emphasized the need to use rational thinking rather than emotional reactions and urged authorities to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
Chief Justice Abbasi further remarked that shutting down the internet should not be the approach, and instead of citing reasons for the internet shutdown, efforts should be made to prevent any untoward incidents responsibly.
The court highlighted that if the PTA had issued instructions to restore services, and they are still suspended, action should be taken against the responsible ‘company’. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of understanding ground realities, stating that the world operates in a civilized manner, and such situations can only make matters worse for the country.
Chief Justice stressed that existing law provides a framework, and if there are still violations, additional reforms can be considered.
