IHC seeks report on social media rules till May 10

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday instructed the federal government to submit its committee's report on social media rules till May 10.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case regarding social media rules.

Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan apprised the bench that the prime minister had set up a committee to view the objections on social media rules.

The AGP said that the committee had also mentioned to consult the concerned stakeholders.

CJ Minallah lauded the efforts of the AGP regarding the amendments to the social media rules.

He hoped that the committee would prepare its report after viewing the objections of stakeholders. To a query of the bench, the AGP said that one lawyer was also part of the committee, adding that his office would also be available for assistance in this regard.

He apprised the court that the body would start working next week.

The chief justice said that the opposition was a major stakeholder and it could file its objections in writing to the court.

The petitioner's lawyer argued that the government had already delayed the subject, adding that no member of the opposition had been included in the committee.

At this, the chief justice remarked, “We couldn't assume the things itself, let the committee submit its recommendations.”

The lawyer pleaded the court to instruct the government to also add Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other stakeholders' representatives to the committee.

The chief justice said that surely the committee would view the things in light of suggestions of stakeholders, adding that it could also summon stakeholders for consultation.

The court adjourned the hearing till May 10. (With input from APP)