Update on petition against slowdown of Internet in Pakistan

The Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved its decision on the petition against the slowdown of the Internet across the country.

At the beginning of the hearing, the court adjourned it by ordering the federal government counsel to appear at 12 noon after taking instructions from the relevant authorities.

On the resumption of the hearing after a break, Justice Shakeel Ahmed remarked that this is a public interest plea. The court will pass appropriate orders on it, but I am reserving the decision now.

Federal lawyer Rana Nauman said that the court requested that we give us time to file a detailed report on the Internet shutdown. Later, the judge asked the lawyer if this was a sign of your seriousness; you did not have adequate information.

Later, the court reserved the decision.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC), during the hearing of a petition against the slowdown of the internet, ordered the federal government’s lawyer to appear at 12 noon after taking instructions from relevant authorities.

The petitioner had said, “Internet has been slowed down in Pakistan due to unknown reasons, and IT-related businesses are being badly affected by this shutdown. The world is moving to the latest technology, and Pakistan’s IT sector is being destroyed. Pakistani companies and youth are earning billions of foreign exchange from IT.”

The sudden slowdown of the Internet and social media apps in the country, without any prior notice or reason, is a clear violation of fundamental rights. This action has not only disrupted daily life but also hindered the freedom of expression and access to information.

The court requested that the government be bound not to shut down the Internet in the future. Justice Shakeel Ahmed of the High Court will hear the request today.