The Lahore High Court (LHC) has expressed its displeasure over the government’s lawyer’s lack of knowledge regarding the nationwide internet service disruptions that have been plaguing the country for weeks. Justice Ahmad took up a petition seeking the immediate restoration of internet access across the country, filed by a citizen named Noman Sarwar against the “nationwide internet shutdown”.
Millions of people in Pakistan continue to face difficulties accessing internet services due to limited connectivity, particularly when using mobile data in some regions. The government has attributed the issue to the testing of an internet firewall aimed at controlling social media, but the court is concerned about the impact on businesses and individuals who rely on the internet.
The federal government’s prosecutor, Rana Noman, sought time from the court to present a detailed report on internet disruption, but the court was unimpressed with his response. Justice Ahmad remarked that it was a matter of public interest and the prosecutor’s seriousness in the matter was reflected in his lack of knowledge.
The court reserved its verdict, stating that it would issue appropriate orders as the internet disruptions were a matter of public interest. The petition filed in the LHC demanded the revocation of the federal government’s decision to shut down the internet, citing that it was a violation of fundamental rights.
The government claims that the firewall is a cybersecurity measure to cope with evolving threats, but the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has blamed the phenomenon on increased security and surveillance, warning of severe economic repercussions.
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