Feb 8 Elections
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has extended its stay order, ensuring uninterrupted internet access, including mobile internet services, throughout the country until the Feb 8 elections. The decision was upheld during a hearing on Tuesday, maintaining the court’s direction to authorities to provide seamless internet services to all citizens until the conclusion of the general elections.
Earlier on January 24, the SHC had issued the stay order, instructing concerned authorities to refrain from suspending internet services. The court had set a deadline for the respondents to submit their response by January 29. During the recent hearing, Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi expressed dissatisfaction with the internet service disruptions, remarking that it appeared the internet would only function properly after the elections.
The court adjourned the hearing until February 21 after a lawyer representing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) failed to appear. Advocate Jibran Nasir, an independent candidate for PS-110 and a rights activist, had initiated the petition against the frequent internet service suspensions in the country ahead of the general elections.
Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi dismissed the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8, emphasizing that local administrations hold the authority to decide on such matters based on the law and order situation. While acknowledging that internet disruptions occurred, he clarified that no shutdown situations had been reported.
Concerns over potential internet shutdowns have arisen as the country witnessed multiple disruptions leading up to the upcoming general elections, notably on December 7, 17, and January 20.
The lack of specific reasons provided by the government, except for the January 20 incident termed a “technical fault” by the PTA, has raised apprehensions about the internet’s stability on election day. Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced temporary restrictions on internet services in sensitive polling booths in the province on election day.
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