On Wednesday, the Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the federal government to give explanations for the disruption of internet services on election day, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.
“What is the purpose of you embarrassing yourself in front of the public?” Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi of the SHC made the request, ordering the restoration of social media and internet services nationwide.
As the court recommenced hearing three petitions challenging the suspension of internet services, he made these statements. Attorneys Jibran Nasir and Hyder Raza, along with the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan, had filed lawsuits against the ministries and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in the days leading up to February 8 for interfering with social media platform access and disrupting broadband and mobile internet services.
The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996 and the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021 contain pertinent provisions that should prevent any disruption or shutdown of mobile phone, internet, or broadband services until January 29. The SHC issued an interim restraining order on January 24 and requested that the PTA and other respondents make sure this order was followed.
The interior, information technology, and communication ministries, as well as a federal law officer, requested an extension of time on January 29 to submit remarks. In response, the court postponed the hearing until February 6 and prolonged the temporary injunction.
On February 8, the day millions of Pakistanis cast ballots, cellphone communication was suspended nationwide. The decision was made despite the caretaker administration citing security concerns, and the interruption drew harsh criticism from both domestic and foreign sources.
In the meantime, today marks the sixth day that social media network X’s (formerly Twitter) services have been interrupted. Since former Rajasthan commissioner Liaquat Chattha accused the chief election commissioner and chief judge of meddling in the general election rigging during a news conference on Saturday, the site has not been available.
The Hearing
As the proceedings began, Justice Abbasi commented on the conduct of elections, stating that it had garnered international attention with disrupted internet services globally. He emphasized that attempting to suppress information would only exacerbate the situation.
The judge questioned the purpose of holding elections if power-sharing decisions were made beforehand. He expressed concern about the loss of respect for institutions and inquired about the actual governance of the country.
Referring to a recent power-sharing agreement between PPP and PML-N, Justice Abbasi questioned the necessity of elections if political positions were predetermined. He criticized the shutdown of internet and cellular services, suggesting it was excessive and undermined the credibility of the government’s security justifications.
The PTA counsel argued that the internet shutdown was based on security concerns raised by provinces, emphasizing national security. Justice Abbasi countered, calling the nationwide shutdown a “joke” and pointing out that blame was shifted to provincial governments.
Consequently, the court demanded a response from the federal government, urging the immediate restoration of internet services. The hearing was adjourned until March 5.
