ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the case regarding the internet slowdown and firewall installation until September 3, after the government failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the slowdown.
The court has demanded a detailed report and summoned the Member Technical in person. Chief Justice Aamir Farooq expressed frustration with the contradictory statements from ministers, who have alternately attributed the slowdown to a firewall and denied it.
Moreover, he noted that the case has been pending in the Lahore High Court, but no one has taken responsibility.
The court seeks to determine if the issue is related to security or national interest and has asked for a report. The deputy attorney general claimed that the slowdown was not due to any installation by their team.
The PTA’s lawyer revealed that three internet cables had been cut, and the court inquired about the responsible party. The lawyer clarified that while internet access remains available, WhatsApp functionality is impaired, particularly with audio and video sharing.
The PTA Chairman attributed the issues to an ongoing upgrade of the web operating system.
The court remarked that complaints from the business community and public have persisted for 12-14 days, despite initial assurances of a swift resolution.
The PTA and Ministry of Human Rights are respondents in the petition challenging internet slowdown and firewall installation.
Earlier, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on August 21, issued notices to the secretaries of the cabinet and interior and human rights divisions, as well as the PTA, in a petition filed by journalist Hamid Mir against slowing down the internet.
The internet slowdown affected the digital economy of Pakistan, freelancers lost their projects due to not being able to fulfill their client’s needs and connectivity issues.
