By Senior journalist Hamid Mir has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the recent internet slowdown and the installation of a firewall, as reported by Hamid Mir. The petition, submitted through his lawyer Imaan Mazari, names the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Ministry for Human Rights as respondents.
In the petition, Mir argues that the firewall installation infringes upon citizens’ fundamental rights and requests that the court halt the installation process. He contends that such measures should only be implemented after thorough consultations with stakeholders and the assurance of protecting fundamental rights. Additionally, the petition advocates for the recognition of internet access for livelihood purposes as a fundamental human right under the Constitution.
Mir’s petition also calls for the court to demand a comprehensive report on the firewall from the relevant authorities. It highlights that the installation of the firewall has led to a significant reduction in internet speed, which has negatively impacted the youth who play a crucial role in the digital economy.
In parallel, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Palwasha Khan, has convened to address the recent internet service disruptions across Pakistan. The committee has requested a detailed report on the issue within two weeks. During the meeting, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that the internet disruptions have caused a financial loss of $500 million to freelancers and digital agencies, further impacting the country’s economy.
