The Sindh High Court (SHC) expressed strong disapproval of the suspension of internet services on the day of the elections and directed the federal government to provide justifications for the disruption.
The court was hearing three petitions challenging the suspension of internet services, filed by lawyers Jibran Nasir and Hyder Raza, along with the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan against ministries and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
On January 24, the SHC issued an interim restraining order, instructing the PTA and other respondents to ensure no disruption of mobile phone, internet, and broadband services until January 29. This order was extended through February 6, during which a countrywide suspension of cellular services occurred on the day of the elections.
During the hearing, SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi remarked on the global scrutiny of the election process, stating, “The way you held elections, everyone around the world witnessed it. Even the international media is telling the world how elections were held.”
He pointed out that internet services were disrupted nationwide, cautioning against suppressing information: “Let the whistle of the pressure cooker blow lightly; the more you try to clamp it down, the larger the explosion would be.”
Justice Abbasi questioned the necessity of holding elections if power-sharing decisions were made elsewhere, referring to a recent consensus between the PPP and PML-N on a power-sharing formula.
Lamenting the loss of respect for institutions, Justice Abbasi questioned, “Who is running the country?”
The PTA counsel justified the government’s decision to shut down internet and cellular services on February 8, citing security reservations submitted by provinces. However, Justice Abbasi criticized the government’s approach, emphasizing that internet services should only be shut down in specific areas during a law and order situation.
Consequently, the court sought a response from the federal government regarding the suspension of internet services and directed for their immediate restoration.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 5.
