The month of August has been the worst for the digital space in Pakistan since February 2024.
The tech industry has expressed serious concerns about the internet slowdown, warning that it could cost the debt-ridden nation up to $300 million.
Amid the ongoing issues, senior journalist Hamid Mir took the matter to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), filing a petition through Advocate Imaan Mazari against the internet slowdown.
Mir argued on behalf of the journalist community, which is struggling to perform its duties due to reliance on connectivity and communication. He further noted that the issue impacts those in e-commerce, students, freelancers, and others.
The petition also highlights that no prior consultation or deliberation took place between the government and relevant stakeholders before the installation of the firewall, which has contributed to the ongoing struggles of the business and tech community.
This lack of transparency has fueled doubts and rumours about the nature of the firewall.
But did Hamid Mir file the petition solely because of the struggles faced by journalists?
“Frankly speaking, I filed the petition after receiving messages from many students who said they could not leave Pakistan but were finding it difficult to study here,” Mir told The Current, revealing that internet disruptions have also impacted students pursuing online studies, prompting them to seek intervention from the authorities — which Mir decided to do on their behalf.
“I also face pressure from my own family, who cannot stay in this country anymore. They have asked me to do something to restore internet and social media if we are to remain here,” he explained, reflecting on the growing discontent among the youth.
Given the current circumstances, the petition argues that installation cannot proceed without consulting relevant stakeholders and that only “reasonable restrictions” may be imposed by law, based on the “principles of necessity and proportionality.”
The respondents are also asked to provide reports on the firewall’s objectives, status, and impact on citizens’ rights, including details on internet surveillance. Meanwhile, the petition calls for halting the firewall installation and ensuring uninterrupted internet access for citizens until the issue is resolved.
