The Sindh High Court has issued orders to guarantee uninterrupted Internet service for all citizens until the upcoming elections on February 8, addressing concerns raised by advocate and social worker Jibran Nasir.
A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi, responded promptly to Nasir’s plea against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and others regarding repeated shutdowns and interruptions of internet service. The court accepted the request for an immediate hearing.
Nasir informed the court about the suspension of internet service and social media access on December 17, January 7, and January 20, with disruptions persisting in various parts of the country for consecutive days. He argued that such unjustified shutdowns were hindering election campaigns for candidates.
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In the petition, Nasir emphasized the difficulties faced by candidates in conducting their election campaigns due to the arbitrary internet shutdowns. The ministries of interior and IT, along with the PTA, have been made parties to the petition, seeking instructions to refrain from interfering with citizens’ access to social media until the general elections.
The court issued a stay order against the suspension of internet service and directed the involved parties to respond by January 29. This decision ensures that citizens have uninterrupted access to information and communication platforms during the critical electoral period.
