IHC adjourns internet slowdown case until September 3

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has adjourned the case concerning the ongoing internet slowdown and the installation of a firewall until September 3, following the government’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for the reduced internet speed.

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Presiding over the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq expressed frustration over the lack of clarity from the government, particularly concerning conflicting statements from ministers regarding the issue. CJ Farooq noted that while some officials attributed the slowdown to the installation of a firewall, others denied it, leaving the matter unresolved.

The court has summoned a detailed report on the issue by the next hearing and ordered the Member Technical to appear in person. Chief Justice Farooq highlighted that the case is also pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC), yet no one has taken responsibility for the situation. He demanded transparency, asking whether the slowdown is related to security or national interest.

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The Deputy Attorney General claimed that the issue is not linked to any recent installations, while the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) lawyer informed the court that multiple undersea cables have been severed, impacting internet services. The lawyer clarified that while the internet is operational, services like WhatsApp have been affected, particularly in sending audio and video messages.

The court also noted complaints from the business community and the general public, pointing out that the problem has persisted for 12 to 14 days, despite being initially expected to be a brief issue.

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The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Ministry for Human Rights have been named as respondents in the petition challenging the internet slowdown and the potential installation of a firewall. – INP