IHC to hear plea against firewall installation

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has removed the Registrar's Office's objections to a petition challenging the installation of a firewall and the slowdown of internet services. The court has scheduled the petition for hearing on Tuesday (today).

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing on the maintainability of the petition. During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel, Imaan Mazari, argued that the objections raised by the Registrar's Office were unjustified.

The petition urged the court to halt the installation of the firewall, arguing that it infringed on citizens' fundamental rights. It further requested that the installation of the firewall should be subjected to consultation with all stakeholders and protection of basic rights.

The petition also called for recognition of internet access as a fundamental human right under the Constitution, as it is essential for livelihoods.

Justice Farooq remarked that three of the objections would be considered on the judicial side, while the fourth objection pertained to the alleged use of inappropriate language in the petition.

The counsel clarified that the petition only included a tweet, which did not contain any inappropriate language. Following this clarification, the court removed the objections and directed that the case be scheduled for hearing the next day.

The petition filed by a senior journalist challenged the installation of a firewall and the resultant internet disruptions.

The petition named the cabinet division secretary, IT ministry secretary, interior ministry secretary, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and human rights ministry as respondents.