Islamabad: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the installation of a new firewall and recent internet suspensions, which the petitioner argues infringe on fundamental rights.
The plea names several high-ranking officials, including the cabinet secretary, IT secretary, and home secretary, as well as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Human Rights as respondents.
The application requests that the court immediately halt the firewall installation, asserting that such measures require extensive consultation with all stakeholders and must protect basic rights. The petitioner argues that internet access is a fundamental right, particularly for those who rely on it for income, and seeks a court declaration to this effect.
Additionally, the application demands a detailed report from the involved parties about the firewall and calls for the suspension of its installation until a final decision is reached. The petitioner also seeks court directives for the restoration of uninterrupted internet access.
This legal challenge comes in the wake of a similar petition filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC), which contests nationwide internet disruptions and social media app shutdowns. The LHC petition argues that these disruptions, which have been implemented without prior notice or justification, adversely affect businesses and daily life, constituting a violation of basic rights. It requests that the federal government’s decision to limit internet access be declared invalid and that internet services be fully restored immediately.
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