Hamid Mir challenges firewall installation, internet slowdown in IHC

ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Hamid Mir has challenged the recent internet slowdown and firewall installation in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Mir, through his lawyer Imaan Mazari, has named the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Ministry for Human Rights as respondents in his petition.

Additionally, he is seeking an injunction against the firewall installation, arguing that it infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights.

The petition calls for any firewall installation to be contingent on consultation with stakeholders and the protection of fundamental rights.

It also requests that access to the internet for livelihood purposes be recognized as a fundamental human right under the Constitution.

Furthermore, the senior anchor person and journalist petition asks the court to demand a detailed report on the firewall from the relevant authorities.

The petition notes that the firewall installation has led to a significant reduction in internet speed, adversely affecting the youth, who are crucial to the digital economy.

Previously, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, led by Palwasha Khan, met to discuss recent internet service disruptions and requested a detailed report within two weeks.

Senator Afnan Ullah Khan reported that the disruptions have caused freelancers and digital agencies to lose $500 million, impacting the country’s economy.