Applications have been filed in both the Islamabad High Court and the Lahore High Court challenging recent measures involving the installation of firewalls and the nationwide internet shutdown.
In the IHC, a petition has been submitted arguing that the implementation of firewalls is significantly obstructing access to social media networks across the country.
The petitioner claims that these restrictions infringe upon fundamental rights and has requested the court to mandate an immediate halt to the installation of firewalls. The application also calls for the firewalls to be subject to consultation with stakeholders before further action is taken.
Named respondents in this case include the cabinet secretary, the secretary of Information Technology, the interior secretary, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
In parallel, the LHC is addressing a separate application challenging the nationwide internet shutdown. The Registrar’s Office has scheduled a hearing, with Justice Shakeel Ahmed Nadeem Sarwar overseeing the case.
This petition names the federal government and the PTA as respondents and argues that the internet and social media apps have been indiscriminately shut down without prior notice or justification.
The petitioner asserts that this action is disrupting businesses and daily life, claiming it violates fundamental rights. They seek a court order for the immediate and complete restoration of internet services across the country.
Both applications emphasize the significant impact these measures have had on the economy and everyday activities, highlighting the urgent need for judicial intervention to protect fundamental rights and restore normalcy.
