The legality of mobile service suspension during elections in Pakistan is being scrutinized by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). This follows the disclosure of official communications between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Interior.
The PTA confirmed that they followed the Ministry’s directive to suspend mobile phone services nationwide on February 8th, the election day, citing security concerns communicated by intelligence agencies. While acknowledging the directive, the PTA emphasized their role as an implementing agency, obligated to comply with instructions from the Ministry.
This revelation came as a response to a petition filed by activist Jibran Nasir challenging the closure of social media platforms and other online services during a separate incident between December 2023 and January 2024.
The disclosure also comes amidst an ongoing IHC hearing on identical petitions filed against the suspension of various online services during the February 8th elections, including mobile internet, broadband, and specific social media platforms (platform X details remain confidential).
The PTA argues that they are legally bound to comply with directives based on reports from intelligence agencies. However, the court has granted the Ministry of Interior additional time until March 20th to submit a formal response regarding the rationale behind the service suspension during the elections.
This judicial review comes amid concerns over potential restrictions on digital rights and access to information during critical moments like elections. The court’s decision will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent regarding the balance between security concerns and the free flow of information.
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