The Sindh High Court has ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to fully restore the services of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) across the country.
It should be noted that X has been shut down for five days across the country, with sporadic resumptions in between. The court ordered the PTA to restore the services of X without any disruption or interruption.
It has also sought a detailed response from the PTA and other parties at the next hearing. It prevented the PTA from illegally blocking the internet, websites, X and other social media platforms.
On the other hand, the court has issued a scathing rebuke against the nationwide internet and social media shutdown, expressing dismay over the lack of concrete reasons provided by authorities for the abrupt closure.
In a two-page written order, the court criticized the shutdown despite its previous directives, highlighting the absence of concrete reasons for the action by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Expressing concern over the infringement of citizens’ rights, the court ordered all relevant institutions to ensure the immediate restoration of internet services across the country. Additionally, the court emphasized the need to ensure public access to social media platforms in accordance with the law, cautioning that action would be taken against the authorities concerned if concrete reasons for the shutdown were not provided.
Furthermore, the Sindh High Court underscored that internet access should not be halted without valid reasons and suggested that, if necessary, internet speed could be reduced rather than completely shutting it down. The court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in decisions affecting public services.
“If this situation persists, the court should be informed at the next hearing,” the order noted.
In response to the court’s directives, lawyers representing both the federal and Sindh governments have requested time to provide their responses. The court has adjourned further hearing on the matter until March 5, indicating its intent to closely monitor the situation and ensure compliance with its orders.
