The recent internet disruptions across Pakistan have sparked widespread concern among citizens and businesses alike. As major online platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp experienced slowdowns, the Lahore High Court (LHC) took a strong stance against the federal government’s handling of the situation. On Friday, Justice Shakil Ahmad of the LHC criticized the state counsel for his apparent lack of knowledge and seriousness regarding the ongoing internet issues.
The Situation: Nationwide Internet Disruptions
Over the past week, users across Pakistan have reported significant slowdowns and difficulties in accessing popular messaging and social media applications. The disruptions have raised concerns among the public, particularly due to the timing, which coincides with months of speculation about the government’s plans to implement a comprehensive “firewall” for cybersecurity purposes.
On Thursday, the Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed that the government was indeed upgrading its “web management system” in response to cybersecurity threats. This confirmation has only added to the anxiety, as many fear that the upgrade could be contributing to the internet disruptions.
Government’s Response: Inadequate and Unconvincing
During a recent hearing at the LHC, state counsel Rana Nauman requested additional time to submit a detailed report on the internet outages. He stated that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) was currently assessing the situation and that the IT ministry would provide a comprehensive overview once the assessment was complete.
However, Justice Ahmad was not satisfied with this response. He expressed frustration over the government’s apparent lack of urgency and preparedness in addressing a matter of such public importance. “This is a matter of public interest, and your seriousness is such that you do not even have adequate information about this issue,” the judge remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Economic Impact: A Looming Threat
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has warned that the ongoing internet disruptions could have severe economic consequences. According to their estimates, the country could lose up to $300 million due to the disruptions. This figure underscores the critical role that the internet plays in the modern economy, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce, software development, and digital services.
The disruptions have also had a profound impact on ride-hailing services such as Bykea, Careem, and InDrive. These companies rely heavily on mobile data to connect drivers with passengers, and the slow internet speeds have significantly hindered their operations. The petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Nadeem highlighted the broader implications of the disruptions, arguing that they are eroding civic space, fostering economic uncertainty, and disrupting essential services such as healthcare and financial transactions.
Legal Action: The Petition Against Internet Shutdowns
The petition, filed by Advocate Muhammad Nadeem, calls for the federal government’s actions regarding internet shutdowns to be declared unconstitutional and unlawful. The petition argues that these actions are inconsistent with several articles of the Constitution, including:
- Article 9: Security of person
- Article 18: Freedom of trade, business, or profession
- Article 19: Freedom of speech
- Article 19A: Right to information
- Article 25A: Equality of citizens
The petition further urges the court to order the federal government to ensure uninterrupted internet services across the country. It also recommends that if internet shutdowns are deemed necessary for national security or law and order, the government should notify the public in advance, providing clear reasons and a timeframe for the shutdown.
Public Interest: The Role of the Judiciary
Justice Ahmad’s strong remarks during the hearing underscore the judiciary’s role in protecting public interest. The judge’s decision to serve a verdict on the matter reflects the urgency of addressing the issue of internet disruptions, which have far-reaching implications for both individual rights and the broader economy.
The LHC’s involvement in this case highlights the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring that government actions are in line with constitutional principles. The court’s scrutiny of the government’s response to the internet disruptions serves as a reminder that public officials must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions have a direct impact on the rights and livelihoods of citizens.
Conclusion: The Need for Transparency and Accountability
The ongoing internet disruptions in Pakistan have raised serious concerns about the government’s approach to cybersecurity and its impact on the public. The Lahore High Court’s intervention in this matter is a critical step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government actions.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for the government to provide clear and detailed explanations for the internet disruptions and to take immediate steps to restore normalcy. The court’s involvement also emphasizes the need for public officials to be well-informed and prepared when addressing matters of public interest.
The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, and it underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between national security and the protection of individual rights.