The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed objections raised by the Registrar’s Office regarding a petition challenging the installation of a firewall and the slowdown of internet services. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, presiding over the case, has scheduled the petition for a hearing on Tuesday.
During the proceedings, Imaan Mazari, counsel for the petitioner, argued that the Registrar’s Office’s objections were unfounded. The petition, filed by a senior journalist, seeks to halt the firewall installation, claiming it infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights. It also requests that the installation process involve consultation with all stakeholders and ensure the protection of basic rights.
The petition argues for internet access to be recognized as a fundamental human right under the Constitution, emphasizing its essential role in people’s livelihoods.
Chief Justice Farooq noted that three of the objections would be examined judicially, while the fourth concerned alleged inappropriate language in the petition. Counsel Mazari clarified that the petition included only a tweet, which did not contain any inappropriate language. Following this clarification, the court removed the objections and ordered the case to be scheduled for the next day.
The petition names several respondents, including the cabinet division secretary, IT ministry secretary, Interior ministry secretary, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and the human rights ministry.
