Senior journalist Hamid Mir filed a challenge in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday against the internet slowdown and the installation of a firewall.
Through his lawyer, Imaan Mazari, Mir listed the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Ministry for Human Rights as respondents in his petition. He requested the court to halt the firewall installation, claiming it infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights.
The petition emphasizes the need for any installation of such technology to occur only after thorough consultation with stakeholders and assurance of protection for fundamental rights. It also seeks to have the court declare access to the internet for livelihood purposes as a fundamental human right under the Constitution.
Read: Internet Disruptions Threaten Livelihoods of 2.5 Million Freelancers in Pakistan
Furthermore, the petition demands a detailed report from the concerned parties about the firewall. It points out that the installation has seemingly caused a significant drop in internet speed, adversely affecting the youth who are crucial to the digital economy.
Previously, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, led by Palwasha Khan, convened to discuss the disruptions in internet service across Pakistan and requested a comprehensive report within two weeks.
At the meeting, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that the internet disruptions have already resulted in a loss of $500 million for freelancers and digital agencies, significantly impacting the national economy.
