IHC issues notices to info ministry, PTA over suspension of social media platform 'X'

IHC issues notices to info ministry, PTA over suspension of social media platform 'X'

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the information ministry on a plea challenging the “ban” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq took up the plea challenging the restriction on X across the country.

The IHC issued notices to the respondents, including the information ministry and the PTA, and adjourned the hearing till next week.

Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court also heard pleas against the suspension of internet and social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice (CJ) Ahmed Ali M Shaikh said prima facie social media platforms were being managed — and the names of people causing the disruption would not remain hidden for too long.

The PTA informed the court in its response that it had no role in suspending or slowing down social media platforms.

“The PTA does not have any tool to slow down or suspend the internet,” the authority’s lawyer apprised the court. He said that the Ministry of Interior and other agencies had suspended the cellular and internet services due to security concerns.

Access to X has been disrupted in many areas of Pakistan since February 17.