Lahore:
The government has informed the High Court of Lahore (LHC) that it is not possible to provide a list containing names of government representatives who use X – Twitter, even after imposing a temporary ban on the platform.
A bench of three members led by the LHC chief judge, Aalia Neelum, resumed a plea to obtain instructions for the government to improve the speed of the Internet, Restore X and lifts a ban on virtual private networks (VPN) and some other social media platforms.
At the start of the procedure, the additional prosecutor general told court that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had submitted a report in this case. He said that the LHC had asked for a list of government representatives who use X “but it is not possible to provide such a list”.
Explaining on occasion, the petitioner’s lawyer, Azhar Siddique, said that the federal government and the PTA are not on the same length of waiting on the prohibition of X. Judge Neelum pointed out that there is no concept of “same page” before the courts. “You and the court are not on the same wavelength either,” she added.
Siddic reiterated that no answer was submitted by the federal government in writing, stressing the reason why X had been rendered dysfunctional. “The court has requested a list of people in the government who use X but the list is not presented,” he added.
CJ Aalia Neelum pointed out that the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan should prepare before the Court on April 17 and shed light on all the legal aspects of X Ban.
In his plea deposited via siddique, the petitioner – journalist Hafiz Shakir Mahmood – Content that, according to the World Population Review (WPR), Pakistan was ranked 198th on the Internet Speed. This has placed Pakistan under countries like Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Libya.
The petitioner said that this classification is an important indicator of the country’s digital infrastructure and its ability to meet modern communication needs. The weak ranking reflects the challenges facing Pakistani citizens in access to reliable and fast internet services, which are essential for various aspects of daily life, including education, businesses and social interactions.
He argued that the executive had not obtained his duty under article 9, 29 and 38 of the Constitution. “In such an event, the courts would have rightly referred to the well -informed opinion of the government, keeping in view the constitutionally defined separation of the powers between the state bodies.”
He said that the fundamental rights of the people as well as the functions of the state executive organ under article 29 and 38 (a) of the Constitution have been raped and asked the court to ask the competent authorities to take immediate and effective measures to improve Internet speed.
This, he said, understands the upgrading of the existing digital infrastructure, investing it in new technologies such as 5G and fiber optic networks, and guarantee that Internet service providers provide gears that meet global standards. “Improvement of internet speed is essential to support the fundamental rights of citizens, including access to information, education and economic opportunities.”
He also asked the court to adopt a lifting order of a prohibition of VPNs in Pakistan. VPNs are crucial to ensuring confidentiality and online security, in particular in the digital age where data violations and cybermenaces are widespread. The useless use of VPNs will allow citizens to protect their personal information and maintain their digital confidentiality.
He also asked the court to transmit a management for restoration of access to X and other social media platforms that have been prohibited.
“Social media platforms are vital for freedom of expression, communication and dissemination of information. The prohibition of these platforms affects citizens’ right to freedom of expression and hinders their ability to engage in public discourse,” he added.
