The Sindh High Court has issued a directive ordering the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to fully restore the services of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) across the country.
The platform had been intermittently shut down for five days, prompting the court to intervene and demand uninterrupted restoration.
In addition to instructing the PTA to resume X services without disruption, the court has summoned detailed responses from the PTA and other involved parties for the next hearing. It has firmly prohibited the illegal blocking of internet services, websites, and social media platforms, including X.
Expressing dismay over the lack of substantial reasons provided for the sudden shutdown, the court issued a scathing rebuke against the nationwide internet and social media blackout. In a written order, it criticized the move as a violation of citizens’ rights and stressed the immediate restoration of internet services nationwide.
Furthermore, the court emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in decisions affecting public services, suggesting that, if necessary, internet speed could be reduced instead of a complete shutdown.
The court’s order highlighted the need for concrete reasons for the shutdown and warned of consequences for the authorities if such reasons were not provided. It also mandated regular updates on the situation, with the next hearing scheduled for March 5.
In response, legal representatives for both the federal and Sindh governments have requested time to provide their responses. The court has adjourned further proceedings to closely monitor compliance with its orders and ensure the restoration of social media access to the public.