federal government and PTA directed to submit responses by august 21
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday to submit their responses regarding the ongoing internet disruptions affecting the nation. Justice Shakil Ahmad, presiding over a petition filed by Noman Sarwar against the nationwide internet “shutdown,” announced the reserved verdict today. The court ordered all parties to ensure their representatives appear and provide responses at the next hearing scheduled for August 21. This directive comes as millions across the country continue to experience limited internet connectivity, particularly when using mobile data.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has attributed the disruptions to testing an internet firewall designed to control social media, including filters to block certain content. The petition names the federal government, the PTA, and several ministries as respondents, criticizing the lack of justification for the social media shutdown. “Businesses and every sphere of life are being affected due to the internet’s closure. Shutting down the internet is also a violation of fundamental rights,” the petition reads.
The day before, Justice Ahmad expressed displeasure over the state counsel’s handling of the case, criticizing their “lack of knowledge” on the issue. The government’s decision has faced scrutiny from various sectors for its economic impact. The chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan warned that online businesses are now “struggling to maintain operations” due to the slowdown. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) also raised concerns, stating that frequent disruptions threaten the development of the country’s digital infrastructure. However, the government defended its decision, describing the internet firewall as a necessary cybersecurity measure. “With the evolution of cybersecurity threats, states need to have better capabilities to ensure that the threats are adequately addressed,” Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Thursday.
I’ll be responsible for any repeat of May 9 events: Sher Afzal Marwat to lead PTI rallies
PTI leader commits to planning party rallies without consulting Imran Khan, accepting full responsibility for unrests. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has declared that he will personally take charge of planning all future rallies and protests, accepting full responsibility if any incidents similar to the events of 9 May occur. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after meeting PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Sher Afzal revealed that he has been entrusted with organising a rally which will supposedly be held on August 22. He emphasised that all future planning will be conducted independently, without consulting Imran Khan, to ensure that any consequences of the events are solely his responsibility. Sher Afzal further disclosed that his recent meeting with Imran Khan was the first in three months, during which they addressed several grievances.
He assured that all internal differences within the party have been resolved on Imran Khan’s instructions, and he has extended an apology to all concerned parties. Sher Afzal also mentioned that any issues related to his leadership should be addressed to Barrister Gohar and Ali Amin. He reiterated his commitment to leading peaceful protests and encouraged PTI supporters, particularly students, lawyers, and farmers, to actively participate in the movement against the current political climate.
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