The Islamabad High Court has scheduled a Tuesday hearing to consider a citizen’s challenge to the nationwide block of the social media site X. This challenge, presented by a citizen through lawyers, urges the court to remove the ban on X and fully restore its services, claiming the ongoing block since February 17 infringes on constitutional rights. Specifically, the petition cites a violation of Article 19, naming the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of Information as defendants.
Chief Justice Aamir Farooq of the Islamabad High Court will oversee the hearing, sending notifications to involved parties. Since February 17, access to X has been denied amid accusations of electoral manipulation in the February 8 elections, raising concerns among experts about potential investment repercussions and the spread of misinformation.
Alp Toker of NetBlocks estimates the disruption’s economic toll in Pakistan could reach $50 million, considering productivity losses and missed business opportunities. The ban followed claims by Liaqat Ali Chattha, an election official in Rawalpindi, of altering local election outcomes, which gained significant social media attention.
NetBlocks notes that Pakistan continues to restrict X, joining countries with long-term or indefinite social media bans. Digital Rights activists highlight that internet users in Pakistan have faced multiple service disruptions, including on election day, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority remaining silent on the reasons for and duration of the X suspension.
The silence adds to public distrust toward the government and state. Despite requests, the PTA, IT, and interior ministry have not commented. Pakistan has a history of internet and social media suspensions, with significant financial impacts, including a $30 to $35 million loss to the IT sector during one week following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Pakistan boasts 190 million mobile and 129 million mobile broadband subscribers, with internet usage at 52% and IT exports up 47% in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Amazon’s inclusion of Pakistan on its seller list marks a boost for e-commerce, yet experts warn that internet and social media suspensions harm the economy and online businesses.
NetBlocks founder Alp Toker emphasizes the role of X in media and IT, warning that election-day telecom blackouts deter investors. Such restrictions challenge journalists’ access to timely information and the public’s access to authentic reports. Islamabad journalist Zahid Shah and an unnamed IT ministry official advocate for open internet access despite occasional government-imposed shutdowns for security reasons. Digital Rights activists argue these gaps foster misinformation, undermining trust in the government and destabilizing society.
