The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on March 5 issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in response to a petition challenging the ban on social media platform X.
The petition was filed on March 4 by Islamabad resident Ehtisham Abbasi, naming the information ministry and PTA as respondents. Abbasi urges the IHC to order the immediate lifting of the ban on X “in the interest of justice.”
The petition argues that the ban violates Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. Additionally, it asserts that the ban infringes upon the fundamental right to dignity under Article 14. The petition contends the respondents’ actions are “deliberate, arbitrary, mala fide, without lawful authority” and threaten other constitutional and statutory rights.
Access to X has been disrupted in Pakistan since February 17. The new disruption in access to X comes after the closure of mobile connectivity and data services on election day on February 8 across Pakistan. This incident cast doubt on the credibility of the entire election and raised questions about the government’s motives for leaving citizens in the dark.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) had previously ordered the restoration of X services, but the platform remains inaccessible.
During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked, “Is X closed?” The petitioner’s lawyer confirmed the closure on February 17. Justice Farooq inquired about the status of a related matter in the Sindh High Court and was informed of a contempt of court petition being heard on March 5. Following this exchange, Justice Farooq announced the issuance of notices for the next week.
The exact reasons behind the ban and the identity of the party responsible for it remain unclear. The Information Minister Murtaza Solangi denied responsibility, stating the caretaker government did not discuss the issue.
The post IHC Issues Notices to Information Ministry, PTA on Social Media Ban Petition first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).