The Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, remarked on Tuesday that the management of social media platforms seemed apparent, suggesting that the identities of those responsible for disruptions would soon be revealed.
This statement was made during the hearing of petitions challenging the suspension of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as per the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s reply.
The inaccessibility of X, a vital source of information, began before the February 8 general election and persisted despite the High Court’s stay order to ensure uninterrupted internet access. Chief Justice Abbasi, alongside Justice Abdul Mobeen Lakho, presided over the hearing.
The PTA, in its response, claimed no involvement in suspending or slowing down social media platforms, stating that it lacked the authority to do so. The Ministry of Interior and other agencies were cited as responsible for suspending cellular and internet services due to security concerns, with measures taken on February 8 and restored on February 9, according to the PTA.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Chief Justice Abbasi questioned the continued inaccessibility of X and the lack of action against non-compliant companies. He emphasized various means of internet control and criticized its ongoing disruption since the May 9 events.
During the session, the petitioner’s lawyer raised objections, questioning the suspension of X even if it were alleged that terrorists were using the platform. Activist Jibran Nasir highlighted the issue’s national security implications, demanding clarity on who suspended the platform if not the PTA.
Subsequently, the court issued notices to the PTA chairman and relevant authorities regarding Nasir’s contempt plea, seeking the Interior Ministry’s response on the February 8 internet suspension by March 20. Additionally, responses on the continuous suspension of X were requested, while the stay order for uninterrupted internet access was upheld.
